Clerk Of The Circuit Court Of Cook County Passport Services

At the Clerk Of The Circuit Court Of Cook County facility, understanding the distinction between routine and expedited processing is crucial for planning your travel. Routine processing signifies the standard timeframe for passport applications, which as of November 2024, averages around 7-10 weeks. This is the more economical option for those without immediate travel plans. Expedited processing, on the other hand, significantly reduces this waiting period, typically down to 3-5 weeks, for an additional fee. While the Daley Center accepts both routine and expedited applications, it does not directly issue passports. Both types of applications are sent to the national passport processing centers. If you are applying here and have an urgent travel need within 2-3 weeks, you will be advised to consider a same-day appointment at a Passport Agency like the Chicago Passport Agency, as the Clerk’s office does not offer that level of immediate service.

The total cost for a passport application at the Clerk Of The Circuit Court Of Cook County facility involves two separate payments. The primary fee for the passport book itself (e.g., $130 for an adult first-time applicant or renewal via DS-11) is paid directly to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order. Additionally, there is a mandatory $35 execution fee, payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, for processing your application. If you opt for a passport card, that’s an additional $30 to the State Department. Expedited service adds another $60 to the State Department fee. It’s important to remember these are distinct payments. For instance, an adult applying for a first-time passport book with expedited service would pay $190 to the Department of State and $35 to the Clerk’s office, plus any photo fees if you get them done elsewhere. Always bring two separate forms of payment to ensure a smooth transaction.

When you visit the Clerk Of The Circuit Court Of Cook County facility at the Daley Center, you’ll need to prepare for two separate payment types. For the U.S. Department of State portion of the fee, which covers the passport book or card, only checks (personal, certified, cashier’s), or money orders are accepted. Cash or credit cards cannot be used for this payment. It is crucial that the check or money order is made out precisely to ‘U.S. Department of State.’ For the mandatory $35 execution fee charged by the Clerk’s office, you have more flexibility. The Clerk Of The Circuit Court Of Cook County accepts cash, major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), or checks/money orders made payable to ‘Clerk of the Circuit Court.’ It’s highly recommended to have both a checkbook and some cash or a credit card ready to avoid any delays during your appointment on the 12th floor.

If you find yourself in a situation requiring a passport urgently, meaning you have confirmed international travel within 2-3 weeks, the Clerk Of The Circuit Court Of Cook County facility can process expedited applications. However, it’s important to distinguish this from same-day service. Expedited applications processed here will still take 3-5 weeks for delivery. For truly emergent travel, typically within 14 days, the staff at the Daley Center will likely advise you to contact the National Passport Information Center directly to schedule an appointment at a regional passport agency, such as the Chicago Passport Agency located downtown. This agency can often provide same-day or next-day passport issuance for verified urgent travel. The Clerk’s office is excellent for standard and expedited services but cannot bypass the mailing process for immediate issuance.

Absolutely, it is always recommended for both parents to appear together when applying for a passport for a minor (under age 16) at the Clerk Of The Circuit Court Of Cook County. This streamlines the process significantly. Each parent will need to present their valid government-issued identification. Additionally, you must provide proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship (like a birth certificate) and proof of parental relationship. If only one parent can attend, that parent must present the absent parent’s signed, notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) along with a photocopy of the absent parent’s identification. Without both parents present or the notarized consent form, the application cannot be accepted at the Daley Center facility.

The passport office is located at 50 W.WASHINGTON ST, CHICAGO, IL 60602. Get directions

Hours are 8:30-16:30. Call ahead at 3126032591.0 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 “CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking in Chicago’s Loop, particularly around the Richard J. Daley Center, requires careful planning due to its high demand and structured pricing. Metered street parking is available on surrounding streets like Dearborn Street and Randolph Street, but it is scarce and often limited to two hours at rates averaging $7.00 per hour, strictly enforced from 8 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Saturday. These spots are highly competitive, especially during weekday business hours. A more reliable option is utilizing one of the numerous parking garages nearby. The InterPark Daley Center Self Park at 181 N Clark St, located just one block east, offers rates of approximately $18 for up to 2 hours or $30 for a full day. Another option is the Poetry Garage at 201 W Madison St, about two blocks south and one block west, with similar pricing structures. For appointments, it is advisable to pre-book garage parking online through services like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to secure better rates and guarantee a space, particularly between 9 AM and 3 PM. Expect a walk of 0.1 to 0.3 miles from most garages to the Daley Center entrance. During winter months, icy sidewalks and heavy snow can make the walk challenging, so allow extra time, and in summer, direct sun exposure on the plaza can be intense, so consider bringing water.

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.