Chicago Post Office Accepting Passport Applications

New Fees, New Passport Card Effective Friday

CHICAGO — If you’re planning a trip out of the country and need a passport, visit a Post Office before Friday, when new fees go into effect.

Effective Friday, February 1, U.S. passport books for persons 16 years and older will cost $100: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $75 separate payment (by check or cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee.

Passport books for those under 16 will cost $85: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $60 separate payment (by check or cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee. Also, applicants under age 16 will have to appear with both parents. If one parent is not available, a notarized authorization from the absent parent is required.

Also beginning Friday, the U.S. Department of State will begin accepting applications for the new U.S. passport card, which will go into production this spring. It is a less expensive, smaller and more convenient alternative for frequent travelers to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean by land or sea. Passport cards cannot be used for air travel to any international destination.

Passport cards for persons 16 years and older will cost $45: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $20 separate payment (by check or cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee. Passport cards for those under 16 will cost $35: $25 in a separate payment to the U.S. Postal Service for its processing fee; and a $10 separate payment (by check or cash only) to the State Department for the passport application fee.

Several Chicago stations and retail-only units accept passport applications, and will take passport photos for an additional $15 (see attached list for locations and hours). All applicants, including minors, must appear in person.

Customers should bring proper proof of American citizenship (a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county or state; a previous U.S. passport; a certificate of citizenship; or a naturalization certificate) and proof of identity (a previous U.S. passport; a naturalization certificate; a certificate of citizenship; or a current valid driver’s license, government ID or military photo ID).

Customers can download a passport application at www.usps.com/passport in advance, but must not sign it (they will be requested to sign in person when they present the paperwork).

CHICAGO DISTRICT STATIONS ACCEPTING PASSPORT APPLICATIONS: