Belleville Public Library Passport Services

Yes, the Belleville Public Library provides convenient on-site passport photo services for all applicants. For a fee of $15 per applicant, our trained staff can take and print two compliant, 2×2 inch color passport photographs against a white background, meeting all U.S. Department of State requirements. This service saves you an extra trip to a separate photo studio and ensures your photos are correctly sized and formatted for your application, preventing common delays. We use professional digital equipment to ensure high-quality images. You can request this service during your passport application appointment, and the fee can be paid directly to the library at that time.

Applying for a passport for a minor (under age 16) at the Belleville Public Library requires specific documentation and the presence of both parents or legal guardians. Both parents must appear in person with the child, presenting their valid government-issued identification and the child’s original proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate). If one parent is unavailable, the appearing parent must provide a notarized Form DS-3053, Statement of Consent, from the absent parent, along with a copy of their ID. For children aged 16 or 17, only one parent is required to appear, but parental consent may still be requested. Our acceptance agents are skilled in guiding families through these particular requirements to ensure a smooth application process.

The Belleville Public Library strongly recommends and prefers that all passport applicants schedule an appointment in advance. Our passport services operate by appointment to ensure adequate time and dedicated attention for each applicant, minimizing wait times and ensuring a thorough review of your documents. While we understand the desire for flexibility, walk-ins are generally not accommodated, as our schedule is often booked several days, if not weeks, out. To secure your slot, please call the library at 618-234-0440 or visit our website to utilize the online scheduling portal. Planning ahead guarantees a smoother, more efficient experience for everyone involved.

The Belleville Public Library facilitates expedited passport processing for those needing their documents sooner, but it’s important to understand the role of our facility. We act as an acceptance agent; we collect your application and supporting documents, then forward them to the National Passport Processing Center. To request expedited service, you must indicate it clearly on your application form (DS-11) and include the additional expedited fee of $60.00 (as of current rates) with your payment to the U.S. Department of State. While we promptly mail your application, we do not control the processing timeline once it leaves our facility. We can also advise on optional 1-2 day delivery services for the return of your completed passport book for an extra fee, paid directly to the Department of State.

U.S. passport photos must adhere to strict size specifications to be accepted by the Department of State. The required size is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), with your head precisely between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. The photo must be a recent color photograph, taken within the last six months, and against a plain white or off-white background. Our on-site photo service at the Belleville Public Library is specifically designed to meet these exact dimensions and quality standards, ensuring your application avoids rejection due to incorrect photo specifications. We handle the technical aspects so you don’t have to worry about measuring or cropping.

The passport office is located at 121 E. WASHINGTON, BELLEVILLE, IL 62220. Get directions

Hours are 9:00-20:00. Call ahead at 6182340441.0 to confirm before visiting.

Photos on-site: 1. If available, photos typically cost around $15 in cash.

Routine processing takes 12-13 weeks. Expedited service (additional $60 fee) takes 7-9 weeks. Our expedited service gets your passport in 3-10 days.

Most facilities accept check or money order. You’ll need two separate payments: one to “U.S. Department of State” ($130) and one to “BELLEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

Handicap access: 1. The facility is ADA compliant with accessible entrances and facilities.

Parking around the Belleville Public Library requires a bit of strategy due to its central downtown location. Directly on E. Washington Street in front of the library, metered street parking is available at a rate of $1.50 per hour, with a strict two-hour limit enforced Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These spots are often occupied, especially during peak midday hours. A more reliable option is the small municipal lot directly behind the library, accessible via Jackson Street. This lot offers approximately 30 spaces with a 90-minute free limit, ideal for your passport appointment duration. For longer stays or when these spots are full, the city’s larger municipal parking garage, located two blocks south on S. Jackson Street near the St. Clair County Courthouse, provides ample covered parking at $1.00 per hour or a daily maximum of $8.00. Arriving 15-20 minutes before your scheduled appointment allows sufficient time to secure suitable parking. During winter months, particularly after snowfall, be mindful of potential ice on the brick-paved sections of E. Washington Street and S. Church Street. In summer, the exposed surface lots can become quite hot, so plan accordingly if walking a few blocks.

No, passport renewals cannot be done at acceptance facilities. Renewals must be mailed directly to the State Department using Form DS-82, or you can use our expedited renewal service.

If you’re traveling soon, our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 days. We handle everything from document review to delivery, with 24/7 support. Call 800-860-8610 to get started.