Getting a Passport in Bartlett IL: Forms, Facilities Guide

Getting a Passport in Bartlett, IL

Bartlett residents in DuPage County often need passports for O'Hare departures to Mexico, Europe, or student programs abroad. Peak demand during spring break, summer, and winter holidays strains local spots, leading to long lines from photo glitches, unsigned forms, or missing photocopies. This guide, based on State Department rules, helps you pick DS-11 (new) vs. DS-82 (renewal), dodge errors, and plan around DuPage/O'Hare rushes [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Mismatching forms wastes time—Illinois applicants lose weeks this way. Check your old passport's issue date, age at issuance, and condition.

Quick check: Under 15 years and eligible? Mail DS-82. Otherwise, book in-person now—DuPage slots fill fast [2].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Bartlett

Bartlett lacks a passport agency, so use these for DS-11 (new apps, minors, replacements). Agents review docs, administer oath, collect fees, and seal for 6-8 week processing. Plan 20-40 minutes: expect questions on travel plans, photo scrutiny, and Form verification. High volume near O'Hare means appointments essential via USPS.com or dupagecounty.gov; walk-ins often turned away [5][6].

Key spots:

• DuPage County Clerk's Office (~15 miles, Wheaton/Glen Ellyn: 799 Roosevelt Rd)—full services [6].
• Bartlett Post Office (400 S. Bartlett Rd.): Call 630-289-1670 for slots [7].
• Other Nearby USPS: Hanover Park (1100 E. Lake St.), Streamwood (250 S. Bartlett Rd.), Schaumburg (1000 E. Schaumburg Rd.) [5].
• Bartlett Public Library District (224 S. Main St.): Watch for pop-up events [8].

Pro tips: Hit mid-week mornings (avoid Mo

ndays 10 AM-2 PM or vacation peaks). Bring docs in clear plastic sleeves; photocopies front/back. Families: No distractions—staff prioritize organized applicants. For <14-day trips, book flights first, then Chicago Passport Agency [9]. Always confirm via travel.state.gov.

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals plus photocopies (black ink, single-sided, 8.5x11). DuPage/IL birth certs via county clerk or IDPH (217-785-3355)—hospital souvenirs fail [10].

Core items:

• Proof of Citizenship: U.S. birth cert (raised seal), naturalization cert, or prior passport.
• Photo ID: REAL ID driver's license, military ID (plus photocopy) [11].
• Photo: One 2x2 (details below).
• Forms: DS-11 unsigned (in-person); DS-82 signed (mail).
• Minors: Both parents' IDs + DS-3053 if one absent (notarized) [4].

Top pitfall: No photocopies = instant rejection (hits 40-50% of apps). Order extras early.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Poor photos nix 1 in 3 apps—glare from Illinois windows or selfies common culprits [12]:

• 2x2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches, plain white/cream background, even lighting, neutral expression.
• No glasses (unless medical note), hats, uniforms, or shadows.

Local options: CVS/Walgreens near 855 S. Route 59, USPS ($15+), AAA. Renewals need identical specs—digital scans must match [13].

Fees and Payment Methods

Pay application fee to "U.S. Department of State" (check/money order); execution fee ($35) to facility. Expedite separate.

Checks best; some accept cards/cash—call ahead [14][6].

Processing Times and Expedited Options

el required [15]. |

Timeline rule: Apply 9-13 weeks pre-trip for DuPage peaks. Track at passportstatus.state.gov after 7 days [16].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Verify eligibility; secure birth cert (DuPage Clerk/IDPH/VitalChek) [10].
2. Complete unsigned DS-11 [1].
3. Gather citizenship proof + photocopies.
4. Photo ID + photocopies.
5. One compliant 2x2 photo.
6. For minors: DS-3053 notarized + both IDs [4].
7. Prepare two checks/fees.
8. Schedule via USPS.com or dupagecounty.gov [5][6].
9. Arrive 15 minutes early; expect oath, review, sealing.
10. Track status with receipt [16].

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals by Mail (DS-82)

1. Eligibility: 16+ at issue, <15 years old, pristine [2].
2. Complete/sign DS-82.
3. Add old passport + new photo + photocopies.
4. Fees (two checks).
5. Mail to: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [17].
6. Track online after 7-10 days [16].

Special Considerations for Illinois Families and Travelers

• Minors/Students: Dual-parent presence critical for summer Europe trips; pre-rush apps [4].
• O'Hare Rush: Agency for true emergencies only (<14 days, booked flights) [9].
• Name Updates: Use DuPage marriage records [18].
• Accessibility: Request accommodations when booking [1].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day passport in Bartlett?
No—nearest agency requires <14-day proof [9].

Expedited or urgent?
Expedited: +$60, 2-3 weeks mail; urgent: agency for crises [15].

Photo issues?
Retake for lighting/angles; follow exact specs [12].

Bartlett Post Office slots?
Book online/phone [5][7].

Renew child passport by mail?
Never—always in-person [4].

Winter O'Hare timeline?
Apply 10-13 weeks ahead [15].

Illinois birth certificate?
County clerk, IDPH, or VitalChek [10].

REAL ID required?
Yes for primary ID [11].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] Renew by Mail
[3] Forms
[4] Children Under 16
[5] USPS Passports
[6] [DuPage Clerk Passports](https://www.dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/county_clerk/passports.

php)
[7] USPS Finder
[8] Bartlett Library
[9] Passport Agencies
[10] IL Vital Records
[11] IL REAL ID
[12] Photo Requirements
[13] AAA Photos
[14] Fees
[15] Processing Times
[16] Status Check
[17] Mailing Addresses
[18] DuPage Marriage