“It is vital to apply for your passport as early as possible, especially if your family has summer travel plans, as it can take up to six weeks to receive a passport,” said Clerk del Valle. “Our offices can quickly assist in the entire passport process, from taking passport photos to helping you complete and mail the application. By applying early you avoid any unnecessary travel delays and paying the higher rush processing fees.”
Complete U.S. passport services, including photo services for adults and children ages 5 and older, are available at Clerk del Valle’s City Hall office at 121 N. LaSalle, Room 107 or at the City Clerk satellite offices at 5674 S. Archer Ave. on the southwest side or 5430 W. Gale St. on the northwest side. To apply for a U.S. Passport for the first time, each applicant must appear in person with proof of U.S. citizenship and a valid form of photo ID such as a driver’s license or state ID.
All U.S. citizens entering the country by land or sea must present a passport or passport card that shows their name and proof of citizenship. Passport and passport card applications are available at all City Clerk offices.
Passport fees vary for regular service, which take on average four to six weeks, or expedited process, which takes approximately three to four weeks. Regular service fees are $110 for adults and $80 for children under age 16. Expedited processing is $170 for adults and $140 for children. In addition, expedited processing has the option of an express mailing charge of $12.72.
Passport cards can only be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry and are not valid for air travel. The card, also available the City Clerk’s City Hall and satellite offices, is $30 for adults and $15 for children under age 16.
Passports expire every 10 years for adults ages 16 and older. Children under age 16 do not renew their passports; instead they must apply for a new passport every 5 years and submit their expired passport or a certified birth certificate.
Adult renewals, common when someone changes his or her name, are for passports issued less than 15 years ago. The fee for adult renewals is $110, or $170 for expedited service. While applications and the required 2 new photos are available at City Clerk offices, the adult renewals must be mailed by the applicant.
The passport fee must be in the form of a money order or check made payable to the U.S. Department of State. There is a separate $25 execution fee that can be paid in cash, check or money order payable to the City Clerk.
For more information about City Clerk passport services and a complete list of items needed when applying for a passport, please visit www.ChiCityClerk.com or call 312-744-6774.
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About City Clerk del Valle
Miguel del Valle was elected as Clerk of the City of Chicago in 2007. City Clerk del Valle’s office is responsible for maintaining official city government records, distributing approximately 1.3 million vehicle stickers and residential parking permits, and issuing city business licenses. City Clerk del Valle is bringing more efficiency and visibility to City Clerk services by providing greater access to public records, including web casting of City Council meetings, expanding community outreach programs, modernizing operations to expedite the sale of dog registrations, city stickers and residential parking. For more information, please visit