How to Get a Passport Appointment in Chicago

Where to book a passport appointment in Chicago

Chicago has two locations where you can book a passport appointment in person: the Chicago Passport Agency at 69 West Washington Street (downtown, near the Loop), and the Chicago Public Library's Passport Acceptance Facility at the Harold Washington Library Center, also downtown. The Passport Agency handles both new passports and renewals. The library facility accepts applications only — you cannot renew there, and you cannot walk in without an appointment.

You must book your appointment online through the State Department's official passport appointment system at travel.state.gov. You cannot call to book; the phone line is for questions only. The website shows you available dates and times at each location, and you choose the one that works for you. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer.

If both Chicago locations are full, you can book at other Illinois passport acceptance facilities — the State Department's website shows all of them. Some people find faster appointments in smaller cities nearby, though you will need to travel for your appointment.

Key Takeaways

• Book your Chicago passport appointment online at travel.state.gov; phone calls cannot be used to reserve a time.
• The downtown Passport Agency handles new passports and renewals, while the Harold Washington Library only accepts new applications.
• Bring your completed DS-11 form (new passport) or DS-82 form (renewal), a government-issued ID, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo.
• Processing times vary: routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service costs extra but moves faster.
• If Chicago appointments are booked out, check smaller Illinois cities or consider applying by mail if you are renewing.

What documents to bring to your Chicago appointment

Bring your completed application form — Form DS-11 if you are getting a new passport, or Form DS-82 if you are renewing. You can fill these out before you arrive or at the facility, but filling them out ahead saves time. You need an original, not a photocopy.

Bring a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport card all work. You also need proof of citizenship — an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. A photocopy is not enough; it must be the original document or a certified copy from the vital records office.

Bring a passport photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. It must be in color, with a white or off-white background, and your face must take up 50 to 69 percent of the frame. Many drugstores and pharmacies in Chicago (CVS, Walgreens, Costco) take passport photos on the spot for around $15 to $20. Do not use a selfie or photo from social media.

If you are renewing and your passport is still valid, you may be able to renew by mail instead of going in person — check the State Department website to see if you meet the requirements. Mail renewal is slower but saves you a trip.

Processing times and costs in Chicago

The State Department offers two processing speeds: routine service and expedited service. Routine service currently takes several weeks; expedited service costs an extra $60 and is faster, but "faster" still means weeks, not days. The exact timeline changes based on how many applications the agency is handling, so the State Department website shows current estimates.

A new adult passport costs $130 (book fee plus execution fee). A passport card costs $35. Expedited service adds $60. If you need your passport in a true emergency — travel within days — you can request an emergency appointment by calling the Chicago Passport Agency directly at 312-793-5010, but these are rare and require proof of imminent travel.

Payment is cash, check, or money order at the appointment. Some locations accept card payments, but confirm when you book. Bring exact change or be prepared to wait while staff process your payment.

Booking your appointment step by step

Go to travel.state.gov and click "Book an Appointment." Select Illinois as your state, then Chicago as your city. The system shows you available dates and times at the Passport Agency and the library facility. Pick the location and time that work for you and complete the booking. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details.

Save or print your confirmation. Bring it to your appointment along with your documents. Arrive 15 minutes early. If you miss your appointment, you lose your slot and must book again through the website.

If you need to reschedule, go back to travel.state.gov, find your appointment, and cancel it. Then book a new time. Do not call the office to reschedule; the website is the only way.

What to expect during your Chicago appointment

Check in at the desk when you arrive. A staff member will review your documents, make sure your form is complete, take your photo (or use the one you brought), and collect your payment. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the location is.

You will not receive your passport at the appointment. The agency sends it to you by mail after processing. With routine service, expect it to arrive in several weeks. With expedited service, it arrives faster, but you still wait. If you need it urgently, ask about rush delivery options when you pay — these cost extra.

If you are renewing by mail instead of in person, you mail your application, documents, and payment to the address on Form DS-82. Mail processing is slower than in-person, so plan ahead.

If Chicago appointments are fully booked

The State Department's website shows availability across all Illinois locations. Smaller cities like Springfield, Rockford, or Champaign sometimes have earlier openings than Chicago. If you can travel, booking there may get you in sooner.

If you are renewing your passport and it is still valid, you can renew by mail instead. Mail renewal takes longer than in-person appointments, but you avoid the travel and do not need an appointment. Check the State Department website to see if you meet the requirements.

If you need a passport urgently and cannot find an appointment, call the Chicago Passport Agency at 312-793-5010 to ask about emergency appointments. These are not common, and you must show proof that you are traveling within days. The agency will tell you whether one is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport appointment the same day or next day in Chicago?

No. Same-day appointments do not exist. The earliest available appointment is usually weeks out, depending on the season. If you need a passport for travel within days, call the Chicago Passport Agency at 312-793-5010 to ask about emergency appointments, but these are rare and require proof of imminent travel.

Do I have to go to the downtown Chicago location, or can I use the library?

The library facility only accepts new passport applications. If you are renewing, you must go to the Passport Agency downtown. If you are getting your first passport, you can choose either location based on which has an earlier opening.

What if I do not have my original birth certificate?

You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health's vital records office or the county where you were born to request a certified copy. This takes time, so order it as soon as you know you need a passport. If you were born outside the US, bring your naturalization certificate or green card instead.

Can I book a passport appointment by phone?

No. All appointments must be booked online at travel.state.gov. The phone line (312-793-5010) is for questions only. You cannot reserve a time by calling.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

You lose your appointment slot. You must go back to travel.state.gov and book a new one. There is no penalty fee, but you will need to wait for the next available opening, which may be weeks away.