Skokie Post Office Passport Services

Generally, standard adult passport renewals (using Form DS-82) are processed by mail and cannot be submitted in person at the Skokie Post Office. This facility is primarily set up for first-time applicants, those replacing lost or stolen passports, or minors. However, the Skokie Post Office can still be a valuable resource for your renewal. You can pick up the necessary DS-82 renewal form from their lobby at 4950 Madison Street, ensuring you have the correct, up-to-date version. Moreover, if your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or if you were under 16 when it was issued, you will need to apply in person using Form DS-11, which the Skokie Post Office *does* process. They also offer convenient on-site passport photo services for $15, ensuring your photo meets federal requirements before you mail off your renewal application. Always confirm your specific renewal eligibility by reviewing the State Department’s guidelines.

Absolutely, appointments are a strict requirement for all passport applications involving minors at the Skokie Post Office, mirroring federal guidelines for child passport security. For any applicant under the age of 16, both parents (or legal guardians) and the child must be present during the appointment. If one parent is unable to attend, they must provide a notarized Statement of Consent (Form DS-3053) along with a copy of their valid government-issued ID. For minors aged 16 or 17, while parental consent is usually still needed, the requirement for both parents to be present can sometimes be waived with specific documentation. It’s crucial to schedule this in advance by calling the Skokie Post Office directly at 847-679-0520 or using the online scheduling system to ensure all necessary personnel are available and you have ample time for the comprehensive review process. Walk-ins for minor applications are highly discouraged due to the complexity of the requirements and the time involved.

Getting a passport for your child, regardless of their age, requires a meticulous approach, and the Skokie Post Office is fully equipped to assist. For any child under 16, both parents and the child must appear in person. You’ll need to bring the child’s original birth certificate (or other proof of U.S. citizenship), both parents’ valid government-issued identification (like a driver’s license), and a recent passport photo (which can be taken right at the Skokie Post Office for $15). If only one parent can attend, they must bring a notarized consent form (DS-3053) from the absent parent, along with a copy of that parent’s ID. For children aged 16 or 17, they should appear with at least one parent or legal guardian. The staff at the dedicated passport window (usually Window #3 or #4) are highly experienced in guiding parents through the entire process, including verifying documents and ensuring the DS-11 form is correctly completed and signed in their presence. Don’t forget the necessary payment methods, typically check or money order, for both the application and execution fees.

The passport acceptance hours at the Skokie Post Office are specific and distinct from the general retail postal service hours, making it essential to plan your visit accordingly. Typically, passport services are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. These hours are specifically designated for passport appointments and walk-in inquiries. It’s important to note that the busiest times tend to be weekday lunch hours (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM) and Saturday mornings, so securing an appointment outside these windows, perhaps mid-afternoon on a Tuesday or Wednesday, often results in a quicker, more relaxed experience. We always recommend confirming the current hours and any holiday adjustments by calling the Skokie Post Office directly at 847-679-0520 or checking their official USPS page online before you head out to 4950 Madison Street.

While the Skokie Post Office does technically accommodate walk-ins for passport services, it is strongly advised against, especially during peak periods, if you have any flexibility in your schedule. Due to consistently high demand and limited staff dedicated to passport processing, walk-in applicants often face significant wait times, sometimes extending over an hour or even resulting in being asked to return another day if the daily quota of applications is met. Appointments are always prioritized. If you absolutely must walk in, your best chance for a shorter wait would be mid-morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as these tend to be less busy than Mondays, Fridays, or Saturdays. However, to guarantee efficient service and avoid any potential inconvenience, it is always best practice to schedule your passport appointment in advance through the online USPS Passport Appointment Scheduler or by calling the Skokie Post Office at 847-679-0520.

The passport office is located at 4950 MADISON STREET, SKOKIE, IL 60076. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 8476762232.0 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 “SKOKIE POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Skokie Post Office is generally straightforward, though it requires a bit of local knowledge. The most convenient option is the dedicated, free parking lot located directly behind the building, accessible via an alley off Madison Street or a small drive on Lockwood Avenue. This lot provides approximately 20 clearly marked spaces, which are usually sufficient outside of peak mail hours. For passport appointments, arriving 10-15 minutes early is recommended to secure a spot in this lot. Should the main lot be full, metered street parking is available along Madison Street directly in front of the post office, costing $1.50 per hour with a two-hour limit, payable via coin or the ParkChicago app. These meters are active Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Additionally, limited free street parking can sometimes be found on residential side streets like Lockwood Avenue, typically within a 1-2 block radius to the north or south, but always check posted signs carefully to avoid violations. During winter months, especially after heavy snowfall, the back lot is usually plowed promptly, but street parking might be reduced due to snowbanks; plan for a slightly longer walk. Summer visits mean less concern about ice but remember to keep your vehicle cool if leaving documents inside for even a short period.

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.