GENERAL INFORMATION

PASSPORT SERVICES

2.29.24 - Information Regarding Passport Services:

Recently, the library has received an influx of calls from individuals who have paid large fees (in addition to the standard fees required by the U.S. Department of State) to companies that are offering "passport application expediting" services.

Please be aware that these companies typically are not actually able to expedite the amount of time it takes for passport applications to be processed - processing times are dictated by the U.S. Department of State.

The Department of State website provides the most up-to-date information on how to apply for a new or renewed passport, as well as what fees are involved: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html

Due to high demand, you MUST make an appointment for a passport application. Please call the Library at 708-453-4484 to schedule your appointment. NO WALK-INS.

All updated information and requirements are listed on travel.state.gov.

• Where to apply
• Passport Agencies

The River Grove Public Library has been designated as an official Passport Acceptance Facility of the U.S. Department of State and can now provide passport services for U.S. citizens in the area. We accept DS-11 applications for new passports at the Circulation Desk. Appointments are required. During busy times, we may have a waiting list.

APPOINTMENTS, PROCESSING TIMES, AND HOW TO CHECK APPLICATION STATUS

LIBRARY PASSPORT SERVICE HOURS

Monday-Thursday: 10am-6pm
Friday-Saturday: 11am-3pm

All applicants MUST be present, regardless of age.

During busy times, we may have a waiting list. Applicants must be completely prepared before their name can be added to the wait list.

PROCESSING TIMES

ROUTINE: 6 to 8 weeks, plus 2 weeks for shipping.*
EXPEDITED: Costs an extra $60. Takes 2 to 3 weeks, plus 2 weeks for shipping.*

*Processing times begin the day we receive your application at a passport agency or center, not the day you mail your application or apply. It may take up to 2 weeks for applications to arrive by mail at a passport agency or center, and up to 2 weeks for you to receive a completed passport in the mail after it is created.

Need it faster?
If you are traveling within 2 weeks and it is a life or death situation, make an appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency at 101 W. Congress Parkway, 9th Floor, Chicago, IL 60605. By appointment only.

PASSPORT APPLICATION STATUS

CHECK ONLINE: Access the Online Passport Status System to check your application status. It takes 7-10 business days for applications to be trackable online.

BY PHONE: Call the National Passport Information Center to check on your application status at 1-877-487-2778 or 1-888-874-7793 (TDD/TTY) between the following hours:

Monday-Friday: 7am-10pm Eastern Time
Saturday: 10am-3pm Eastern Time
Excluded Federal Holidays

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NEW PASSPORT

NEW PASSPORTS

Applications: Applications may be filled out online at travel.state.gov then printed single-sided. You can print out the application first and fill it in after as well, click here. The library also provides applications which must be filled out in black ink. DO NOT sign the application until asked to do so by an agent.
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Applicants and Relevant Parties: The applicant must be present. Both parents and children must be present for all minor applications under the age of 16. If one parent is unable to attend, a notarized DS-3053 Statement of Consent form must be submitted along with a photocopy of both sides of the non-applying parent’s ID. Applicants ages 16 and 17 must show that at least one parent knows that you are applying for a passport.
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Valid Photo Identification and Photocopy: Applicants and parents of applicants under the age of 16 must have a valid photo ID in addition to a legible photocopy of both sides. Acceptable forms of identification are: a valid Illinois driver’s license, a Illinois State ID card, a valid passport, or a military ID card. If you cannot provide any of the required identification then you must submit two pieces from the list provided here. 
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Original Proof of Citizenship and Photocopy: Such as certified, original, long form birth certificates (lists at least one parent), naturalization papers, or a U.S. Passport for applicants over the age of 16, plus a legible photocopy. If you cannot provide any of the required information please consult the list here for secondary citizenship evidence. Note: All documentation must be in English. If the original document is not in English, applicants must acquire a translated copy ahead of their appointment. 
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Current Passport Photo: A recent 2×2-inch color photo of the full face (eyeglasses removed) with a white background is required. The Library does offer photo services with a fee of $10 for two photos. Nearby stores such as Walgreens and CVS also offer this service for a fee. Please note that the U.S. Department of State has strict photo guidelines and acceptance of your photo is always at the discretion of the U.S. passport agency.
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Payment for Both Fees: The U.S. Department of State will ONLY accept a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State. The library can accept check or money order payable to the River Grove Public Library District or cash. Fees are nonrefundable.  Consult the latest fee updates here. 

Adult Applicants (Age 16 and older):

Form: DS-11

Child Applicants (Age 15 and younger):

Form: DS-11

PASSPORT RENEWALS

Adult Passport renewals are easy! To renew a 10-year adult passport, visit travel.state.gov and download form DS-82 along with the instructions (the form is also available at the Circulation Desk). You can renew by mail if all of the following are true of your most recent U.S. Passport:

1. It is undamaged and can be submitted with your application.
2. Was issued to you when you were age 16 or older.
3. Was issued within the last 15 years, and not expired for more than 5 years.
4. Was issued in your current name or you can legally document your name change with a certified copy of your marriage certificate or the government-issued document evidencing your legal name change.

Complete and mail the application, expired passport, payment, a current passport photo (adhering to the U.S. Department of State’s photo guidelines) to the address on the form. A trip to the Library is not necessary! Adult renewals are done by the applicant. Library acceptance agents do not accept these applications.

Include the fees in the form of a personal check or money order. 

Form: DS-82

SPECIAL CASES

More help from the U.S. Department of State:

Report my Passport Lost or Stolen

• Don't delay if your passport was lost, stolen, or destroyed. You can report it online or fill out a DS-64 form when submitting an application for a new passport. To report it lost or stolen online, please fill out this online form: https://pptform.state.gov/ 

​​​​​​Applicants Age 16 and 17

• If your child is 16 or 17 years of age they may get a passport with only one parent present. All application materials remain the same as those for a new passport. 

Selecting your Gender Marker

• The application has been updated to reflect three potential gender options. Medical documentation is NOT required. For more information, visit travel.state.gov/lgbtqi or travel.state.gov/gender.

Change or Correct a Passport

• If you find that your passport has an error with your name, gender, or any dates listed you can fill out the DS-5504 form to change it. 

Passports and Children in Custody Disputes

• Learn more about the Children's Passport Issuance Alert Program (CPIAP)