Dekalb County Clerks Office Passport Services

The Dekalb County Clerks Office at 110 E Sycamore Street in Sycamore maintains consistent hours for passport services. Typically, you can apply for a passport between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. It’s important to note that the office generally observes all federal holidays, and it’s always prudent to confirm their schedule by calling their main line at (815) 895-7149, especially around major holiday periods like Thanksgiving or Christmas. They recommend arriving no later than 3:45 PM to allow sufficient time for processing your application before closing, as passport applications require a thorough review and oath administration. While the courthouse itself might have slightly different overall hours, these specified times are dedicated specifically to passport acceptance services.

Regarding payment, the Dekalb County Clerks Office has specific guidelines for passport application and execution fees. For the passport application fee itself, which is sent directly to the U.S. Department of State, only a check or money order is accepted. This check or money order must be made payable to the ‘U.S. Department of State.’ For the separate $35 execution fee, which is retained by the Dekalb County Clerks Office for their service, they accept cash, personal checks, or money orders made payable to the ‘Dekalb County Clerk.’ They do not currently process credit or debit card payments for either the application fee or the execution fee at this facility, so please plan accordingly by bringing the appropriate payment methods for both components.

To ensure a smooth passport application process at the Dekalb County Clerks Office, you’ll need to arrive with several key documents. Foremost, bring proof of U.S. citizenship, which is typically your original birth certificate (not a copy), a previous undamaged passport, or a naturalization certificate. Secondly, you’ll need valid government-issued identification, such as your current driver’s license from Illinois or another state, or a state ID card. You’ll also need a completed but unsigned DS-11 passport application form, which you can fill out online and print, or obtain at the office. Finally, two identical, recent passport-compliant photographs are mandatory. Remember to have all these documents ready and, where applicable, the original and a photocopy for the clerk to review.

Passport photos submitted at the Dekalb County Clerks Office must adhere strictly to federal guidelines to be accepted. The required size is 2×2 inches, printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper. Your head must 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. The background must be plain white or off-white, without shadows, patterns, or any other objects. Photos must be recent, taken within the last six months, and accurately reflect your current appearance. Crucially, no eyeglasses, hats, or uniforms are permitted, though religious headwear is allowed if worn daily and does not obscure your face. It is highly recommended to have professional passport photos taken to ensure compliance, as the Dekalb County Clerks Office does not provide photo services on-site.

For most adult passport renewals (Form DS-82), you will typically submit your application directly by mail to the U.S. Department of State. The Dekalb County Clerks Office serves primarily as an acceptance facility for first-time applicants, minors, or those replacing lost/stolen passports (requiring Form DS-11). However, if your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, or if it was lost, stolen, or severely damaged, you will need to apply in person using Form DS-11, and in those cases, the Dekalb County Clerks Office can certainly assist you. If you are eligible to renew by mail, you’ll generally complete the DS-82 form, include your old passport, new photos, and the required fee, and send it directly via USPS. It’s always best to check the official travel.state.gov website for the most current renewal guidelines to confirm your eligibility for mail-in renewal versus needing an in-person appointment.

The passport office is located at 110 E SYCAMORE STREET, SYCAMORE, IL 60178. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 8158957149.0 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 “DEKALB COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking for the Dekalb County Clerks Office in Sycamore is straightforward, primarily utilizing on-street metered parking and nearby municipal lots. The most convenient option is the metered street parking directly on E Sycamore Street in front of the courthouse. These meters typically cost $1.00 per hour and accept quarters or payment via the ParkMobile app, with a strict two-hour limit from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. There are approximately 15 such spaces available immediately adjacent to the building. For longer appointments or if street parking is scarce, the large municipal parking lot situated behind the courthouse, accessible from Somonauk Street, offers a more substantial solution. This 47-space free lot provides ample parking, and it’s just a short 0.1-mile walk (less than one block) from the lot’s eastern edge to the courthouse’s rear entrance, or approximately 0.2 miles to the main E Sycamore Street entrance. Another option is the public lot near the Sycamore Public Library, about two blocks south on South Main Street, which also typically offers free parking and is about a 0.3-mile walk. For optimal parking during a passport appointment, arriving between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM often yields the best selection of street-side spaces, while the municipal lot is consistently available. During winter months, be mindful of snow accumulation; the city promptly clears the municipal lot and street spaces, but sidewalks can be icy. In summer, the street parking offers minimal shade, so consider the municipal lot’s partial tree cover for a slightly cooler vehicle return.

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.