Before anything else, determine if you’re applying for your very first U.S. passport, renewing an old one, or getting one for a minor. This distinction dictates which forms and documents you’ll need. If it’s your inaugural passport or for a child under 16, you’ll use Form DS-11 and apply in person. Renewals (for adult passports issued within the last 15 years that are undamaged and you can submit) typically use Form DS-82 and can often be mailed. Be honest about the status of your old passport; a lost or stolen one has its own specific steps. Knowing this crucial first step saves you headaches down the line.

This is where you gather the foundational proof of who you are and where you’re from. For first-time applicants, you’ll need proof of U.S. citizenship (like your original birth certificate or previous, expired passport) and a valid primary ID (your Illinois driver’s license or state ID). Remember, these must be originals or certified copies; photocopies won’t cut it for submission. For minors, both parents’ IDs and the child’s birth certificate are mandatory. Having these documents organized and readily accessible prevents delays. Double-check expiration dates on all IDs; an expired ID won’t be accepted.

Head over to the U.S. Department of State website to locate and complete the appropriate form – DS-11 for new applicants or minors, DS-82 for renewals by mail. It’s often best to fill it out online, as it helps prevent common errors and prints clearly. Once completed, print it out single-sided. Here’s a critical tip: DO NOT SIGN the DS-11 form until you are in front of a Passport Acceptance Agent at your appointment. They need to witness your signature. For renewals (DS-82), you can sign it before mailing. Accuracy is paramount, so take your time and review every field.

Your passport photo needs to meet strict federal guidelines: 2×2 inches, color, plain white background, taken within the last six months, and no glasses or hats. Don’t try to take a selfie; enlist a professional or use a service. Most CVS, Walgreens, and UPS Stores across Chicago offer passport photo services, often providing instant prints. Even some smaller photography studios in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Hyde Park can do it. Ensure the photo technician understands passport requirements to avoid rejections. It’s a small detail that can hold up your entire application if not done correctly.

For DS-11 applications, you must submit everything in person. Chicago boasts numerous Passport Acceptance Facilities, primarily U.S. Post Offices and some Clerk of Courts offices. Use the State Department’s online locator to find one near you, like the Loop Station Post Office or the facilities in nearby suburbs. Appointments are highly recommended, especially for downtown locations where walk-ins can face long waits. Bring all your original documents, the unsigned DS-11 form, your passport photo, and payment for fees. Be prepared for federal fees (payable to the ‘U.S. Department of State’) and an execution fee (payable to the acceptance facility). Some facilities are cash-only for the execution fee, so check ahead!

After submitting your application, it’s a waiting game. Processing times vary significantly, ranging from a few weeks for routine service to days for expedited options. You’ll receive a receipt with a tracking number, which you can use on the State Department’s online passport status tracker. Be patient; government processing takes time. If you have urgent travel plans, consider paying extra for expedited service and potentially two-way overnight shipping. For extreme emergencies, you might need an appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency, but those are reserved for very specific, imminent travel situations. Keep an eye on your mailbox for your new travel document!