Island Lake Post Office Passport Services

At the Island Lake Post Office, applicants have two primary options for passport processing: routine and expedited. Routine processing involves the standard timeline, currently averaging 7-10 weeks. This is the most cost-effective option and is suitable if your travel plans are several months away. The application, once accepted at our 129 E State Road location, is sent to a national passport agency for processing. Expedited processing significantly shortens the waiting period, currently averaging 3-5 weeks, but incurs an additional fee of $60 per application. This service is recommended for individuals with impending travel dates that fall within the routine processing window. While the Island Lake Post Office facilitates the submission of expedited applications, the actual processing still occurs at a larger, centralized passport agency. It’s crucial to factor in mailing times to and from the agency, even with expedited service.

If your travel needs are extremely urgent, requiring a passport in less than 2-3 weeks, the Island Lake Post Office can help you prepare your application, but it’s important to understand the next steps. While we can accept and expedite your application here at 129 E State Road, for truly immediate travel (within 14 days), you will likely need to make an appointment at a Passport Agency or Center. The closest Passport Agencies are in Chicago or Detroit. Our staff will ensure your application, photos, and supporting documents are correctly prepared for expedited service. You would then need to contact the National Passport Information Center directly to inquire about an urgent travel appointment at a passport agency, where you might receive a passport on the same day or within a few days. Always bring proof of your imminent travel when considering these options, as it’s often a requirement.

Absolutely, expedited service for your passport application is available through the Island Lake Post Office. When you visit us at 129 E State Road for your appointment, simply inform the passport acceptance agent that you wish to opt for expedited processing. There is an additional fee of $60 per application for this service, which must be paid to the U.S. Department of State by check or money order. We recommend using priority mail express for both sending and receiving your passport for the fastest turnaround. Our team will ensure all the necessary forms are correctly filled out and that your application is marked for expedited processing before it’s sent to the passport agency. While we can’t control the processing time once it leaves our facility, choosing expedited service generally reduces the wait significantly compared to routine processing. Always double-check current processing times on the State Department’s website before your appointment.

Passport photos must adhere to strict guidelines set by the U.S. Department of State to be accepted. For applications submitted at the Island Lake Post Office, or any acceptance facility, your photos must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) in size. They need to be clear, color photos, taken within the last six months, and printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper. The background must be plain white or off-white, with no shadows. Crucially, your head should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. You must have a neutral facial expression or a natural, slight smile, with both eyes open. Glasses are not permitted, and you should not wear a hat or head covering unless for religious purposes and accompanied by a signed statement. We recommend using a professional passport photo service to ensure compliance, as improperly sized or formatted photos are a leading cause of application delays.

Obtaining a passport for a minor (under age 16) involves specific requirements designed to protect children, and the Island Lake Post Office is fully equipped to assist. Both parents or legal guardians must be present with the minor at our 129 E State Road facility. They must each provide their valid government-issued identification and consent for the passport to be issued. If one parent is unable to attend, a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) is required from the absent parent. Additionally, you will need the child’s original birth certificate (or certified copy) as proof of U.S. citizenship, and two passport-compliant photos. The passport acceptance agent will verify all documents and ensure proper completion of Form DS-11. It’s a thorough process, but our staff are experienced in guiding families through these steps to ensure a smooth application for your child.

The passport office is located at 129 E STATE ROAD, ISLAND LAKE, IL 60042. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 8475266153.0 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 “ISLAND LAKE POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Convenient parking is readily available directly at the Island Lake Post Office, located at 129 E State Road. A dedicated, free asphalt parking lot is situated immediately north of the building, offering approximately 25 marked spaces. This lot provides direct access to the main entrance, eliminating any lengthy walks. For most passport appointments, securing a space here is rarely an issue, even during peak postal hours, as turnover is relatively quick. Should the primary lot be unexpectedly full, particularly during the holiday shipping season in December, supplementary parking can often be found along the south side of E State Road, directly across from the Post Office. While there are no official street parking meters, residents often utilize the shoulders in this commercial stretch for short durations. However, for a guaranteed space, the Island Lake Village Hall, located at 3720 Greenleaf Avenue (about 0.3 miles west, off Bonner Road), offers a larger, free public parking lot. From the Village Hall, it’s a pleasant five-minute walk east along E State Road back to the Post Office. Consider seasonal factors: during harsh Illinois winters, ensure ample time to navigate potential ice or snow in the lot, and in summer, the asphalt can get quite warm, so plan your arrival accordingly.

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.