A passport is an essential travel document that allows you to cross international borders. If you’re a resident of Illinois and planning to travel abroad, understanding the cost of obtaining a passport is an important part of your travel preparations. The cost of a passport in Illinois, like in other parts of the United States, can vary depending on several factors such as the type of passport (book or card), whether it’s a first – time application or a renewal, and the processing speed you choose. In this article, we’ll break down all the costs associated with getting a passport in Illinois in detail.
Types of Passports and Their Base Costs
Passport Book
The passport book is the most common type of passport. It is a small booklet that contains multiple pages for visas and entry stamps.
First – Time Application
For a first – time application for a passport book in Illinois, the application fee is \(130. This fee is paid to the U.S. Department of State. Additionally, there is an execution fee. If you apply through a local acceptance facility, which could be a post office, a library, or a county clerk’s office in Illinois, the execution fee is \)35. So, in total, for a first – time application of a passport book, you’ll be looking at a cost of \(130 + \)35 = $165. This execution fee covers the cost of the acceptance facility to review your application, verify your identity, and forward it to the Department of State.
Example: John, a resident of Chicago, Illinois, is applying for a passport book for the first time. He visits his local post office, which is an acceptance facility. He pays the \(130 application fee to the Department of State and the \)35 execution fee to the post office. So, his total cost for the first – time passport book application is $165.
Renewal
If you already have a valid U.S. passport book and you’re renewing it in Illinois, the cost is $110. Since you’re renewing, you don’t need to pay the execution fee as long as you meet the criteria for renewal by mail. These criteria usually include having a previously issued U.S. passport that was issued when you were 16 years or older and is undamaged, among other requirements.
For instance, Sarah, who lives in Springfield, Illinois, has a passport book that is about to expire. She meets the renewal – by – mail criteria. She only needs to pay the $110 renewal fee to the Department of State, and she can renew her passport without having to pay an additional execution fee.
Passport Card
The passport card is a wallet – sized travel document that can be used for land and sea travel between the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It’s a more convenient option for those who frequently travel to these nearby regions.
First – Time Application
For a first – time application of a passport card in Illinois, the application fee is \(30. Similar to the passport book, there is an execution fee of \)35 if you apply through a local acceptance facility. So, the total cost for a first – time passport card application is \(30 + \)35 = $65.
For example, Emily, who lives in Rockford, Illinois, wants to get a passport card for her frequent trips to Canada. She applies at her local county clerk’s office. She pays \(30 to the Department of State and \)35 to the county clerk, making her total cost $65.
Renewal
When renewing a passport card in Illinois, the cost is $25. Again, if you meet the criteria for renewal by mail, you don’t have to pay the execution fee.
Let’s say David, from Naperville, Illinois, has a passport card that is expiring. He meets the renewal – by – mail requirements. He only needs to pay the $25 renewal fee to the Department of State to get his new passport card.
Additional Costs for Expedited Services
Regular Processing Time
The regular processing time for a passport application in Illinois, whether it’s a book or a card, is currently 7 – 10 weeks. This is the standard processing time when you pay the base fees mentioned above.
Expedited Processing
If you need your passport faster, you can opt for expedited processing. The cost for expedited processing is an additional $60 for both passport books and passport cards. With expedited processing, the processing time is reduced to 3 – 5 weeks.
For example, if Lisa, from Champaign, Illinois, has a trip planned in 4 weeks and needs her passport book urgently, she can choose expedited processing. In addition to the regular application fee of \(130 (for a first – time application) and the execution fee of \)35, she’ll have to pay an extra \(60 for expedited service. So, her total cost will be \)130 + \(35+ \)60 = $225.
Emergency or Rush Processing
In some cases, if you have an international travel within 2 weeks or need to obtain a foreign visa within 4 weeks, you may be eligible for emergency or rush processing. This service is available at certain passport agencies. The cost for this service is even higher, and it also requires you to provide proof of your urgent travel need. The cost for this super – expedited service is not only the additional fee on top of the regular application fees but also may involve additional charges for making an appointment at the passport agency.
For instance, if Tom has a business trip to Europe in 10 days and needs his passport immediately, he’ll have to visit a passport agency. He’ll pay the regular application fee, the execution fee (if applicable), and a substantial additional fee for the emergency processing. The exact cost can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the agency’s fees.
Other Potential Costs
Photos
You need to provide a passport – sized photo with your application. If you don’t have a suitable photo already, you can get your passport photo taken at many places in Illinois. Photo – taking services at places like post offices, drugstores, or photography studios usually charge between \(10 – \)20.
For example, at a local Walgreens in Illinois, you can get a passport photo taken for \(14.99. Some post offices also offer photo – taking services, and the cost is often around \)15.
Lost or Stolen Passports
If your passport is lost or stolen in Illinois and you need to replace it, the cost is the same as a first – time application. For a passport book, it’s \(130 application fee + \)35 execution fee (if applying through an acceptance facility), and for a passport card, it’s \(30 application fee + \)35 execution fee. Additionally, if you need the replacement passport quickly, you’ll have to pay the expedited or emergency processing fees as applicable.
Let’s say Mary loses her passport book while on a trip in Illinois. She wants to replace it as soon as possible. If she applies through a local post office, she’ll pay \(130 to the Department of State, \)35 to the post office as the execution fee. If she needs it expedited, she’ll also pay an additional $60 for expedited processing.
Tips to Save on Passport Costs in Illinois
Plan Ahead
By planning your travel well in advance and applying for your passport during the regular processing time, you can avoid the costly expedited processing fees. For example, if you know you’ll be traveling abroad in 6 months, start the passport application process as soon as possible.
Check for Fee Waivers
In some cases, certain individuals may be eligible for fee waivers. For example, members of the U.S. military and their dependents may be eligible for reduced fees or fee waivers in some situations. It’s important to check the official U.S. Department of State website or consult with the acceptance facility to see if you qualify.
Shop Around for Photo Services
Since the cost of passport photos can vary, it’s a good idea to compare prices at different places. You can check with local post offices, drugstores, and photography studios to find the most affordable option.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of a passport in Illinois is crucial for anyone planning international travel. Whether it’s a first – time application, a renewal, or a replacement due to loss or theft, there are various costs involved. By being aware of the base costs for passport books and cards, the additional fees for expedited services, and other potential expenses like photos, you can budget effectively for your passport application. Remember to plan ahead, explore fee – saving options, and always check the official U.S. Department of State website for the most up – to – date information on passport costs and requirements. This way, you can ensure a smooth and cost – effective passport – obtaining process for your future international adventures.
Related topics:
- How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Passport in the U.S.?
- How Much Does It Cost to Get a Passport in Connecticut?
- How Much Does a New Zealand Passport Cost?
