How to Get Your Passport in Bourbonnais, IL: Full Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Bourbonnais, IL
How to Get Your Passport in Bourbonnais, IL: Full Guide

Getting a Passport in Bourbonnais, IL

Residents of Bourbonnais, IL, in Kankakee County, often need passports for international business trips, family vacations, or study abroad programs at nearby Olivet Nazarene University. Peak demand hits in spring/summer for tourism and fall/winter for student exchanges and holidays, straining local facilities. Plan 8+ weeks ahead to secure appointments at U.S. Postal Service offices or the Kankakee County Clerk—high volumes from ONU students and last-minute travelers create waitlists (travel.state.gov/passports).

This guide details local options, with checklists to avoid rejections. Local sites process routine applications only—no same-day service. For urgent travel within 14 days or life-or-death emergencies, book at the Chicago Passport Agency after proving need (travel.state.gov/processing-times).

Choose the Right Passport Service for Your Situation

Pick the wrong form, and your application gets rejected—a top mistake for Illinois applicants. Use the State Department's form wizard or call 1-877-487-2778.

Situation Form In-Person? Key Eligibility Notes
First-Time (never had one or issued <16 years old) DS-11 Yes Always in-person; sign at facility.
Renewal DS-82 No (mail) Issued <15 years ago, were 16+ at issue, undamaged/not lost. If not, use DS-11.
Lost/Stolen/Damaged DS-64 (report) + DS-82 or DS-11 Varies Report first; urgent options available.
Child <16 DS-11 Yes Both parents or notarized consent (DS-3053).
Name/Gender Change DS-5504 (free, <1 year post-issue) or DS-82 Usually no Provide marriage certificate, court order, etc.; check wizard.
Add Pages DS-82 No For valid passports.

Quick Decision Help: If your old passport qualifies for mail renewal, save time—DS-82 avoids appointments amid Bourbonnais demand. Otherwise, DS-11 requires a visit; expect 20-45 minutes at busy sites like the post office (travel.state.gov/forms).

Step-by-Step Checklist: Preparing Your Application

Miss one item, and it's returned—common for rus

hed ONU families or travelers.

  1. Complete Form: DS-11 (don't sign yet); DS-82 (sign/date). Single-sided, white paper (forms).

  2. Citizenship Proof: Original + front/back photocopy (8.5x11 white). Birth certificate (certified long form), prior passport, naturalization cert. Kankakee births: County Clerk; others: IL DPH.

  3. ID Proof: Valid IL driver's license (preferred), passport card, etc. + photocopy. Names must match.

  4. Photos: Two 2x2" color (white background, <6 months old). Pitfalls: Poor lighting, glasses glare, head <50-69% frame, smiling. Local spots: Walgreens, CVS (1601 N State Route 50), UPS Store (Bradley), USPS sites—call to confirm service (USPS photos).

  5. Fees (as of October 2024; verify at travel.state.gov/fees):

    Applicant Application Fee (to State Dept) Execution Fee (to facility)
    Adult DS-11 $130 (check/MO) $35
    Adult DS-82 $130 N/A
    Child <16 $100 $35
    • Expedited: +$60; 1-2 day delivery: +$21.36. Facility pays: cash/check/card (call ahead).

  6. Minors: Both parents/ID or DS-3053 (notarized). Court order if sole custody.

  7. Processing:

    Service Time (from receipt) Add'l Cost Local Notes
    Routine 6-8 weeks None Risky <8 weeks out; peaks add 2 weeks.
    Expedited 2-3 weeks +$60 Request at facility; track online.
    Urgent (<14 days) Varies (days) +$60 + agency appt fee Chicago only: itinerary + emergency proof (Chicago Agency).

  8. Appointment: Book early (4-6 weeks).

tionType=passport&addressZip=60914) (USPS).

Step-by-Step Checklist: Submitting In-Person (DS-11 Applications)

Expect 20-60 minutes; arrive 15 min early with everything organized in folder.

  1. Check-In: Present docs; agent verifies citizenship/ID match, photo specs, fees.

  2. Review & Sign: Agent inspects for errors (e.g., old photos), witnesses DS-11 signature, notarizes if needed.

  3. Pay: Application fee to "U.S. Department of State"; execution separate.

  4. Options: Select expedited/shipping; get receipt/tracking #.

  5. Post-Submit: Track after 5-7 days at travel.state.gov. Mailed DS-82: Trackable mail to form address.

Handling Common Challenges in Bourbonnais and Kankakee County

  • Waitlists: ONU study abroad rushes fill slots; call 2-3 sites, book backups.
  • Photos: Vendor selfies fail specs—pay pros (~$15).
  • Docs: Short birth certs rejected; get long form same-day at County Clerk.
  • Timelines: No local rush; Chicago appt needs flight proof + emergency.
  • Peaks: Spring break/ONU fall—add 2 weeks; avoid if possible.

FAQs

How long for a Bourbonnais passport?
Routine: 6-8 weeks + mail. Expedited: 2-3 weeks. Local peaks extend (processing times).

Photo spots?
Walgreens (1100 N Convent St), CVS (1601 N State Route 50), USPS—~$15, strict specs (USPS).

Renew by mail?
Yes for eligibles: DS-82 to National Passport Processing Center (address on form) (forms).

Urgent <14 days?
Chicago Agency (312-341-0200); proof required—no local help (agency).

Appointment needed?
Yes at Bourbonnais PO; walk-ins unlikely (USPS locator).

Birth certificate?
Kankakee: County Clerk (450 E Court St). Others: IL DPH. Long form only (vital records).

ONU exchange program?
DS-11; full consent. Plan 10 weeks for fall rush.

Passport fairs?
Rar

e at libraries/USPS; check USPS locator.

Track and Receive Your Passport

Track 5-7 days post-submit at travel.state.gov/status. Arrives USPS Priority (sign required). Issues? Call 1-877-487-2778. Post-issue changes: DS-5504 (free <1 year).

Sources

[1] U.S. Passports
[2] Processing Times
[3] Forms
[4] IL Vital Records
[5] Kankakee County Vital Records
[6] USPS Passports
[7] Kankakee County Clerk

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations