A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries, and is now required when traveling to both Mexico and Canada.  To many, the passport procurement process can be confusing.  However with the proper information and plenty of lead time, the process is painless.  I hope that you find the following information useful.  If at anytime you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact passport specialists Chris Kichka or Lee Campuzano in my Bloomingdale office at 630-893-9670.

How do I get a Passport?

To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.

Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies which serve customers who are traveling within two weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.

You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time:  if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.

How much does it cost?

Passport Fee’s Age 16 and older:
Application Fee $67.00
Processing Fee $30.00 

Passport Fee’s Under Age 16:
Application Fee $52.00
Processing Fee $30.00

How long does it take to receive my Passport?

The processing of the passport takes approximately four to six weeks from receipt of the completed application.

If necessary the process can be expedited, reducing the processing time to approximately four weeks from receipt of the completed application.

I am leaving in a few weeks and still have not received my passport, what can I do?

By contacting my district office, we can inquire into your pending application. If you are traveling within 14 days we may also be able to request expedited service. You will need to fill out a passport inquiry release form and that can be downloaded by clicking here.  For more information please contact my district office at 630-893-9670. 

You can also easily check the status of your passport by clicking here.

How do I renew my Passport?

You can renew by mail if: Your most recent passport is available to submit and it is not damaged; you received the passport within the past 15 years; you were over age 16 when it was issued; you still have the same name, or can legally document your name change.

You can get a passport renewal application form by downloading it by clicking here.