Planning an international trip out of O'Hare or Midway? If you need to submit a new, first-time passport application, Cook County offers numerous local acceptance facilities. Find a Chicago office near you to get your Form DS-11 processed.
Start Here: Is This the Right Place to Apply?
- Use this Chicago office list if: this is a first-time passport, a child passport, or another situation that requires applying in person with Form DS-11.
- This is usually not the right page if: you qualify to renew your passport by mail or online using Form DS-82, or if you need data corrections using Form DS-5504.
- Need a passport urgently? If you have proof of international travel within 14 days or a life-or-death emergency, review our urgent passport options or the Chicago Passport Agency process.
- Not sure which form you need? Start with our passport requirements guide.
How to use this page: The offices below are passport acceptance facilities, not regional passport agencies. They can accept DS-11 applications with routine or expedited service, but they do not provide service faster than standard expedited processing. Always confirm appointments, office hours, and photo service availability before visiting.
Chicago Passport Acceptance Facilities
These are the Chicago-area offices where applicants can submit a new passport application in person. For more locations outside Chicago, see the full Illinois passport acceptance facility list.
How to Get a New Passport Fast
Step 1: Visit a local office above.
Step 2: Get your application witnessed and sealed.
Step 3: Let a registered courier expedite your processing and return your passport in days, not weeks.
Chicago Passport Agency
The Chicago Passport Agency only serves customers who are traveling internationally or submitting their passports for foreign visas on an urgent timeline. To apply at the Agency, you must schedule an appointment and meet the strict travel window criteria.
- 14-Day Rule: You must have proof of international travel within 14 calendar days.
- 28-Day Rule: You must have proof of international travel within 28 calendar days and require a foreign visa.
Local Tip: The Chicago Passport Agency is located in the Kluczynski Federal Building in the Loop. Give yourself extra time to clear the strict, airport-style security in the lobby, and remember that parking nearby is extremely limited and expensive-taking the "L" is highly recommended.
Chicago Passport Expediting Services
Don't want to fight the rush hour traffic or deal with CTA delays heading downtown? A registered Chicago passport expediter can submit your paperwork on your behalf, saving you hours of frustration.
These Chicago passport expediting services are registered with State Department agencies and can submit applications for expedited passports on a daily basis. If you have an emergency and need to obtain your passport within 2 weeks or less but are unable to personally visit a regional agency, utilizing a private courier service is an excellent solution.
Before Visiting a Chicago Passport Acceptance Facility
- Complete Form DS-11, but wait to sign it until instructed at your appointment.
- Bring physical proof of U.S. citizenship and supporting documents.
- Bring a current government-issued photo ID and a photocopy of the front and back.
- Bring a photocopy of your citizenship evidence.
- Bring one official passport photo.
- Be prepared to pay two separate passport fees: the U.S. Department of State passport application fee and the local execution/acceptance fee.
Many USPS and county acceptance facilities require appointments, so it is smart to call ahead or check the National Passport Information Center guidelines before visiting. Note: The Department of State does not charge a fee to book an appointment. Beware of third-party scheduling scams.
Watch: How to Fill Out Form DS-11
This quick walkthrough can help first-time applicants avoid common mistakes before heading to a Chicago acceptance facility.
Not the Right Passport Path? Go Here Instead
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Chicago Passport FAQs
Usually no. These Chicago passport acceptance facilities are mainly for Form DS-11 applicants, including first-time applicants, children, and others who must apply in person. Many renewal applicants should renew by mail or online instead.
Many acceptance facilities do require appointments. Before visiting a Chicago location, confirm the current appointment rules, office hours, and whether passport photo service is available. Follow the steps in our guide to scheduling a passport appointment.
If travel is very close, a local acceptance facility may not be the fastest path. Review our urgent passport options, the Chicago Passport Agency process, or registered courier options if your situation qualifies.
Most DS-11 applicants should bring an unsigned Form DS-11, proof of U.S. citizenship, photo ID, photocopies of citizenship evidence and ID, one passport photo, and the required fees. Our passport requirements guide can help with the full checklist.
First-time applicants submitting Form DS-11 must pay two separate fees: a passport application fee payable to the U.S. Department of State, and a local execution/acceptance fee payable to the facility. Review the current passport fees before your visit.
Standard processing times vary, but routine service typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can request expedited service at the facility for an additional government fee to receive your passport in 2 to 3 weeks. If you need it even faster, consider an urgent passport service.
Yes. All minors, including infants, must appear in person at the acceptance facility. For children under 16, both parents or guardians must authorize the issuance of the child's passport.
Compare Your Fast Passport Options
If routine service is too slow, you may need an agency appointment or help from a registered courier. Compare your options before you decide.
