​Updated Processing Times from the U.S. Dept. of State

​2 to 3 weeks for Expedited Service

4 to 6 weeks for Routine Service

Note also that it may take 2 weeks from the day you apply until your application is "In Process" with the U. S. Dept. of State.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Do I Apply for a Passport Book and/or Passport Card?

When Should I Apply For a Passport Book and/or Passport Card?

How Do I Apply For a Passport Book and/or Passport Card at the Clerk's Office?

Where Can I Get the Required Forms?

Must Applications Be Made In Person?

Who May Renew a Passport Book and/or Passport Card?

How Do I Renew My Passport Book and/or Passport Card?

What If My Child and I Have Different Last Names?

What Name Change Documents Need to be Included?

Does My ID Have To Be In My Current Name?

How Do I Change My Name On My Passport if I Was Recently Married or Divorced?

How Do I Show Parental Relationship for My Child's Application?

How Do I Replace My Passport Issued Over 15 Years Ago?

How Do I Replace My Lost or Stolen Passport Book and/or Passport Card?

Contact Us

Apply for one or both, it’s your choice.

​U.S. PASSPORT BOOK

​U.S. PASSPORT CARD

​Valid for travel by air, sea or land.
​Not for travel by air. Valid for land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean only.
Validity:
10 years for adults
5 years for minors
​Validity:
10 years for adults
5 years for minors
​Size: 5" x 3-1/2" (when unopened)​Size: Wallet size
​Cost for first time applicants
$130 + separate $35 filing fee for adults
$100 + separate $35 filing fee for minors
​Cost for first time applicants
$30 + separate $35 filing fee for adults
$15 + separate $35 filing fee for minors
​Cost for U.S. Passport book renewal
$130 + separate $35 filing fee for adults
​Cost for U.S. Passport card holders
$30 + separate $35 filing fee for adults
Check or money order is required; made payable to: US Dept. of State (1 check or money order per application) and a separate $35.00 filing fee per application (check or cash) to the Kane County Clerk.

Disclaimers

**Due to recent changes in passport requirements, please contact our office or your Passport Agency for updated information.**

**Birth Certificates for passport application(s) are required to have parent(s) information on them. Birth Abstracts are not acceptable per US Dept. of State regulations. Please call 630-232-5964 for more information.**

Where Do I Apply for a Passport Book and/or Passport Card?

You may apply for your Passport Book and/or Passport Card at the Kane County Clerk's Office:

719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. B
Geneva, IL 60134
630-232-5964

or

Aurora Office
5 E. Downer Pl., Suite F
Aurora, IL 60505​

Acceptance Hours are: Mon, Tue, Thur, and Fri - 8:30am to 4:30pm, Wed 8:30am to 8:00pm (Applicants must be in the office a half hour prior to closing to ensure that there is enough time to complete the application.)

 
No "Hand Carry" (a specific type of application) Passports will be processed after 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Passport Photo service is available at both locations for a $15.00 fee per applicant.

If you are leaving the U.S. in less than 14 calendar days, or if you are pressed for time in obtaining a foreign visa, then you may apply, by appointment only, at the Chicago Passport Agency:
101 W. Ida B. Wells Parkway
9th Floor
Chicago, IL. 60605

You must schedule an appointment by calling (877) 487-2778. You will need proof of immediate travel (airline ticket, confirmed airline-generated itinerary, or a travel letter from an employer for business travel).

When Should I Apply For a Passport Book and Passport Card?

Apply several months before your planned departure. If you need a visa from a foreign embassy, allow more time.

How Do I Apply For a New Passport Book and Passport Card at the Clerk's Office?

An application consists of the following six (6) items:

  1. Completed U.S. Dept. of State "Application for Passport Book and Passport Card" Form DS-11. Click Here for Form DS-11
    Available from the U.S. Department of State website http://travel.state.gov
  2. Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your previous U.S. passport, or:
    Birth Certificates for passport application(s) are required to have parent(s) information on them. Birth Abstracts are not acceptable per U.S. Dept. of State regulations. Please call 630-232-5964 for more information. NOTE: The U.S. Dept. of State requires a photocopy of the proof of citizenship, naturalization paper, or other citizenship papers. Copies can be made by our office for $1.00 per page.  NOTE ALSO: If your name is different than the name on your Birth Certificate or other citizenship document, U.S. Dept. of State regulations may require further documentation/proof of how the last name was changed.  Examples include: Marriage Certificate, Divorce decree or Court ordered name change document.
  3. Proof of identity
  4. You may submit your previous U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, driver's license (not a learner's permit or temporary license), military ID, or government identification card.
    *Your U.S. Passport or Certificate of Naturalization cannot be used for both proof of citizenship and proof of identity.
  5. Social Security Number
    Applicant "must provide your Social Security Number in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 6039E. Failure to provide information requested on the form, including your social security number, may result in significant processing delays and/or the denial of your application."
  6. One (1) color photograph  (We can take Passport sized photos for a $15.00 fee per applicant)
    Submit one color photograph of you alone, sufficiently recent to be a good likeness of you (normally taken within the last six months), and 2x2 inches in size. The image size measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (including hair) should not be less than 1 inch and not more than 1 3/8 inches. The photographs must be color, clear, with full front view of your face, and printed on thin paper with plain light (white or off-white) background. They must be capable of withstanding a mounting temperature of 225°F (107 °C). Photographs must be taken in normal street attire, without a hat, head covering, or eye glasses unless a signed statement is submitted by the applicant verifying the item is worn daily for religious purposes or a signed doctor's statement is submitted verifying the item is used daily for medical purposes. Photographs retouched so that your appearance is changed are unacceptable. Snapshots, most vending machine prints, and magazine or full-length photographs are unacceptable. Digitized photos must meet the previously stated qualifications and will be accepted for use at the discretion of Passport Services.


  7. Fees (see below)

Passport Book

​Service ​Passport1 ​Execution Fee2

​Total Fee

 (2 separate payments)

​New adult (16 yrs. and over) passport​$130
​$35 ​$165
​New child (15 yrs. and under) passport​$100
​$35 ​$135

Passport Card Only
​Service ​Passport1 ​Execution Fee2

​Total Fee

 (2 separate payments)

​New adult (16 yrs. and over) passport​$30 ​$35 ​$65
​New child (15 yrs. and under) passport​$15 ​$35 ​$5​0

For expedited processing, a $60 fee1 is charged in addition to the "Passport" and "Execution" fees. The expedited overnight return service fee is $21.36 to have the passport expedited back to the applicant.  The total amount per applicant who wants to fully expedite their passport acceptance/renewal is $211.36 for Adults and $181.36​ for Children (under the age of 16). 

1 This fee must be paid by check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." Cash or credit cards cannot be accepted.
2 This fee along with the photo and copy fee (if requested) may be paid by cash, check, or money order. A check or money order must be payable to the "Kane County Clerk."
PLEASE NOTE: We CANNOT accept credit cards or debit cards for the passport fee.

Where Can I Get the Required Forms?

You may get applications and related forms at our office, or at http://travel.state.gov.

Must Applications Be Made In Person?

If you are applying for your first U.S. passport book or passport card you must submit your application in person.  We must physically see the applicant and witness their signature or in the case of a minor the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must point to and sign for their minor children. If you are renewing your passport and meet certain conditions, you may apply by mail.

Minor Passport (17 & Under)

  • Each minor child applying for a passport MUST appear in person.
  • To submit an application for a child under age 16 both parents or the child's legal guardian(s) must appear and present all of the following:
    • Evidence of the child's U.S. citizenship NOTE: The U.S. Dept. of State requires a photocopy of the proof of citizenship, naturalization paper, or other citizenship papers. Copies can be made by our office for $1.00 per page.
    • Evidence of the child's relationship to parents/guardian(s)
      • Birth Certificate
      • Court Order
      • Guardian Papers
    • Parental identification
  • IF ONLY ONE PARENT CAN APPEAR IN PERSON, YOU MUST ALSO SUBMIT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
    • Non-appearing parent's notarized DS-3053 "statement of consent: issuance of a U.S. passport to a minor under age 16." for the child, with a photocopy of that parent's identification front and back, 
    • OR,
    • A completed DS-5525 Form "statement of exigent/special family circumstances for issuance of a U.S. passport to a minor under age 16" with any required documentation. 

Who May Renew a Passport Book or Passport Card?

You may renew your passport by mail on a (DS-82 form), if you meet the following conditions:

  • Your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 years old or older
  • Your most recent passport was issued within the past 15 years
  • Your most recent passport is not damaged or mutilated
  • You now use the same name as on your most recent passport (or you can properly document that your name has been changed by marriage or court order)

How Do I Renew My Passport Book or Passport Card?

If you meet all of the above conditions for a mail in (DS-82 form) renewal, send the following items to the National  Passport Center (address on application form):

  • Completed "Application for Passport by Mail," Form DS-82. 
  • Your most recent passport
  • Passport fee of $130.00
  • One (1) passport sized photo (see previous description at item #5)

What If My Child and I have Different Last Names?

You and your child may have different las​t names, as long as the parental relationship document lists your full name. If your name has changed from that on the parental relationship document, please submit proof of your legal name change (e.g. marriage certificate or court order).

What Name Change Documents Need to be Included?

If the name you are currently using is different from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide a certified copy of the legal name change document.
Examples include: Marriage certificate, Divorce decree, or Court-ordered name change document.

Does My ID Have To Be In My Current Name?

No. Not if your name change occurred within one year of the date you submit your passport application.

Your ID can be in either your current or previous name, as long as you submit a court order documenting your

 name change to the current name. If your name change occurred more than one year prior to your application,

 you must obtain an ID in your new name before a passport may be issued.

How Do I Change My Name On My Passport if I Was Recently Married or Divorced?

​If you are changing your name within one year of the date your passport was issued you will need to complete a Form DS-5504: Application for a U.S. Passport: Name Change, Data Correction, and Limited Passport Book Replacement.  You will not be charged a fee for this service.  

However, if you are changing your name more than a year after your passport was issued you must submit Form DS-82: Application for Passport by Mail.  You must pay all applicable fees passport renewals.For more information, see How to Change or Correct a Passport at the U.S. Dept. of State's website: travel.state.gov

​How Do I Show Parental Relationship for My Child's Application?

To show parental relationship, submit one of the following:

  • U.S. birth certificate
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • Foreign birth certificate
  • Adoption decree
  • Divorce/Custody decree

You may also receive a letter if your name has changed since the child's birth. In that case, please send evidence of your name change.  Examples include: Court-ordered name change, Marriage certificate, Divorce decree.

How Do I Replace My Passport Issued Over 15 Years Ago?

You must apply for a new passport and submit your expired passport with your DS-11 application. 

How Do I Replace My Lost or Stolen Passport Book or Passport Card?

You must submit an application for a new passport, including all necessary documentation and fees.  Fill in as much of the information as possible. If your most recent passport is or was valid at the time it was lost or stolen, you must also submit a "Statement Regarding Lost Or Stolen Passport," Form DS-64.

Sources of Information:

Chicago Passport Agency
U. S. Department of State
Chicago Passport Agency
101 W. Ida B. Wells Parkway, 9th Floor
Chicago, IL   60605
1-877-487-2778

Office hours:
Mon.-Fri., 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Phone hours: all day, every day
[applications accepted by appointment only]

U. S. Bureau of Consular Affairs
(Internet homepage)
http://travel.state.gov
[application requirements and forms for downloading, visa information]

National Passport Information Center
1-877-487-2778
1-888-874-7793 (TDD)

No "Hand Carry" Passport Applications (a specific type of application) will be processed after 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.