Getting a Passport in Colona, IL: Forms, Facilities, Fees 2024

Getting a Passport in Colona, IL

Colona residents in rural Henry County, IL, often need passports for Quad Cities-area business travel, Mexico beach trips, European family vacations, or college study abroad. Demand spikes in spring/summer (vacations) and winter (holidays), with last-minute rushes from job moves or emergencies. Common hurdles include booked-out Henry County facilities (book 4-6 weeks ahead), photo rejections from glare or off-specs, missing minor consent docs, and confusing DS-11 (first-time/in-person) vs. DS-82 (renewal/mail). Quick tip: Trip under 14 days? Use expedited service or life-or-death options—start at travel.state.gov. Prep all docs upfront to dodge 4-6 week restarts. This State Department-aligned guide tailors steps for Colona's setup.

Choose the Right Passport Service

Use this decision tree to select DS-11 or DS-82 and cut delays:

Key Decisions:

• DS-11 vs. DS-82: Prior passport issued <15 yrs ago and you were 16+? DS-82 (mail, saves $35 execution). Otherwise, DS-11.
• Minors: Always DS-11; both parents or notarized DS-3053/DS-64 (top rejection cause).
• Print single-sided, black ink; 2x2" photos (white bg, no selfies—40% rejections here). Run State Dept. wizard: travel.state.gov/passport-wizard.

What to Expect: Facilities verify docs (15-45 min), witness oath—no issuance on-site. Track at passportstatus.state.gov after 7-10 days.

Quick Eligibility Quiz

Answer to jump to your path (links to official tools):

1. Ever had a U.S. passport? No → First-time DS-11. Yes → When issued?

   • 15 yrs ago/under 16 → DS-11.

   • <15 yrs/16+ → Renewal check.
2. Lost/stolen? Report via DS-64 first, then above.
3. Child <16? Minors page.

First-Time, Lost/Stolen, Damaged, or Minor Passports (DS-11)

Eligibility: Never had one, prior issued pre-16 (now 16+), lost/stolen/damaged, or minor. Always in-person—no mail.

Lost/Stolen First: File DS-64 online (travel.state.gov) within 24 hrs + police report (recommended). Prevents fraud.

Damaged: No mail renewals—surrender it.

Checklist:

1. Fill DS-11 online (travel.state.gov), print unsigned.
2. Original citizenship proof (Henry County birth cert via clerk) + photocopy.
3. Valid ID (IL DL) + photocopy.
4. 2x2" photo (~$15 at CVS).
5. Fees: Separate checks ($130/$100 to State Dept.; $35 to facility).
6. Minors: Both parents or DS-3053; relationship proof.
7. Book appt, attend, sign on-site.

Mistakes to Dodge: Early signature, wrong form, expired ID, poor photos (head 1-1⅜"), no minor consent. Expect 15-30 min review.

Passport Renewal (DS-82)

Eligibility Check: Issued <15 yrs ago, you 16+, undamaged, same name. Mail only.

Checklist:

1. Verify via renewal tool.
2. Fill/sign DS-82.
3. Include old passport, new photo, fees ($130/$100 check to "U.S. Dept of State").
4. Mail to PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 (use tracked for expedite).
5. Track online.

Pitfalls: Ineligible but mailing (restart as DS-11); old photo (>6 mos).

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Colona, IL

No local agency—drive 10-20 miles to Quad Cities/Henry County spots. High demand; book 4-6 weeks early via USPS tool. Confirm services/phone (not all small POs do passports). Expect 15-45 min, mid-week mornings quieter.

State Dept. Locator or USPS. Libraries/clerks occasional; verify.

Local Tip: One Colona resident avoided a 3-week wait by alternating Geneseo/East Moline bookings during summer surge.

Required Documents and Fees (2024)

IL births: Henry Clerk (1-2 wk) or IDPH/VitalChek.

Photo Requirements: Beat 40% Rejection Rate

• 2x2" (head 1-1⅜").
• White bg, neutral expression, no glasses/hats/selfies.
• Local: CVS/Walgreens/PO (~$15). Check samples.

Processing Times and Urgents

• Routine: 6-8 wks.
• Expedited: 2-3 wks (+$60).
• <14 days: Chicago Agency (230 S Dearborn; 1-877-487-2778, appt only, 2.5 hr drive).
• <3 days life/death: Call 1-877-487-2778.

Peak delays in Quad Cities summer/winter—plan 3 mos. Track: passportstatus.state.gov.

Special Cases

Minors <16: DS-11, both parents/DS-3053, 5-yr validity. High rejections sans consent. Name Changes: Marriage/court docs. 52 Pages: +$30 for heavy travel.

Colona Challenges: Rural drives, appt scarcity (multi-book), doc delays (order birth cert early). Winter ice adds travel risk—use USPS for mail renewals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colona PO for renewals? No—DS-82 mails; DS-11 only. Birth cert? Henry Clerk or IDPH (online expedite). 10-day trip? Expedite + Chicago Agency appt. Kids passports? Yes, parents required. Old photo OK? No, <6 mos. Child fees? $100+$35 new. Nearest agency? Chicago: 1-877-487-2778. REAL ID for passport? No, separate at IL SOS.

Sources

[1] travel.state.gov/passports
[2] travel.state.gov/get-fast
[3] USPS Passport
[4] Henry County Clerk
[5] IDPH Vital Records
[6] Photo Specs
[7] Status Check
[8] Agencies
[9] Lost/Stolen
[10] IL REAL ID