Vernon Hills Post Office Passport Services

Yes, the Vernon Hills Post Office at 675 Lakeview Parkway provides convenient on-site passport photo services. This means you can complete your entire application process, from form submission to capturing the compliant photo, all in one visit. The photo service costs $15 per applicant, payable directly at the counter. Utilizing their in-house service ensures your photo meets all U.S. Department of State specifications, including size, background, and facial expression requirements, which helps prevent delays in your application processing. It’s a highly recommended option for efficiency and compliance, saving you a separate trip to a photo studio or pharmacy before your passport appointment.

Yes, an appointment is absolutely required for passport application services at the Vernon Hills Post Office. They do not accept walk-in passport applications to ensure efficient service and adequate time for each applicant. You can schedule your appointment through the official USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler online, specifically selecting the Vernon Hills Post Office location. It’s advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like spring and summer, to secure a time that best suits your schedule. Arriving without a confirmed appointment will unfortunately result in you being turned away, so planning ahead is crucial for a successful visit.

Once your passport application is submitted at the Vernon Hills Post Office, you can track its status online via the U.S. Department of State’s official Passport Application Status webpage. You’ll need the locator number provided on your receipt, along with your last name and date of birth. This online tool offers real-time updates on whether your application has been received, is being processed, or has been mailed. Additionally, you can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. Keep your application locator number readily available, as the staff at the Vernon Hills Post Office themselves do not have access to real-time tracking beyond confirming the initial submission.

Yes, appointments are always required for minors applying for a passport at the Vernon Hills Post Office, just as they are for adults. For applicants under the age of 16, both parents or legal guardians must be present with the child during the appointment. They must also present their own valid government-issued identification and evidence of parental relationship to the minor. If one parent is unable to attend, they must provide a notarized consent form (DS-3053). These stringent requirements are in place to prevent international child abduction and ensure the proper issuance of passports to minors, making a fully prepared appointment critical.

The primary difference between routine and expedited processing for a passport application at the Vernon Hills Post Office lies in the turnaround time and associated costs. Routine processing is the standard service, which, as of November 2024, averages 7.2 weeks for delivery. Expedited processing, available for an additional fee of $60 per application, significantly reduces this timeframe, averaging 2.5 weeks for delivery from the time of submission. This extra fee covers the cost of faster handling by the Department of State. If you have immediate travel plans or a deadline approaching, selecting expedited service is strongly recommended to ensure your passport arrives when needed.

The passport office is located at 675 LAKEVIEW PARKWAY, VERNON HILLS, IL 60061. Get directions

Hours are . Call ahead at 8475663901.0 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 “VERNON HILLS POST OFFICE” ($35). Cash may not be accepted.

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

Parking at the Vernon Hills Post Office, located at 675 Lakeview Parkway, is exceptionally convenient due to its dedicated, free surface lot directly adjacent to the building. This lot provides approximately 55 clearly marked spaces, including several ADA-compliant accessible spots near the main entrance on the south side. The primary entrance to the parking area is directly off Lakeview Parkway, with a secondary exit onto Aspen Drive, providing easy ingress and egress. For those with appointments, arriving 10-15 minutes early typically secures a prime spot close to the building, especially during peak morning or late-afternoon hours. While the on-site lot is generally sufficient, overflow parking is occasionally available along the northern side of Aspen Drive, a short 0.1-mile walk from the post office entrance. There are no paid parking garages or street meters in the immediate vicinity, eliminating extra costs or timed restrictions. During winter months, specific attention is paid to prompt snow removal and salting of walkways and the parking lot, ensuring safe access even after heavy snowfall. Conversely, in summer, the open layout means many spaces are exposed to direct sun, so parking further back for shade or preparing for a warmer walk might be a consideration. The area is well-lit for those with later appointments.

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.