Passport in Gurnee, IL: Steps, Facilities, Forms & Pitfalls

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Gurnee, IL
Passport in Gurnee, IL: Steps, Facilities, Forms & Pitfalls

Obtaining a Passport in Gurnee, IL

Gurnee residents in Lake County, IL, face high passport demand from international business trips to Europe and Asia, family vacations to Mexico or the Caribbean, and winter escapes to Florida. Proximity to Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports fuels urgent needs, especially during spring/summer peaks and school exchange programs[1]. Limited appointments at local facilities mean applying 4-6 months ahead; routine processing takes 6-8 weeks (longer in peaks), expedited 2-3 weeks[2]. Common pitfalls: photo rejections (glare/shadows), incomplete minor docs, or using DS-11 for eligible renewals. This guide outlines steps, decisions, and Gurnee options to avoid delays.

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Use this decision tree to pick the right form—wrong choice wastes time/money:

Scenario Form Method Common Mistake
First-time (16+), expired >15 years, or no prior U.S. passport DS-11 In-person at facility Assuming renewal eligibility if damaged
Renewal (issued <15 years ago, you were 16+, undamaged/not lost) DS-82 Mail (or online if eligible[4]) Overlooking eligibility; defaulting to in-person
Lost/stolen/damaged DS-64 (report first), then DS-11 or DS-82 In-person or mail Skipping DS-64 delays replacement
Child (<16) DS-11 In-person (both parents or consent) Forgetting notarized DS-3053
Name/data correction (<1 year since issuance) DS-5504 Mail Treating as new app unnecessarily[6]

Confirm via State Department wizard[7]. Expect 15-30 min at facilities: staff verifies ID/docs, administers oath, collects fees, seals app for forwarding (no passport issued on-site).

Passport Acceptance Facilities in Gurnee and Lake County

No passport agency in Gurnee (Chicago handles urgents)[8]. Use these verified sites[9][10][11]; book appointments early (spring/summer Mondays fill fast, avoid 11am-2pm peaks):

Search USPS locator[12] for updates. Bring organized docs to skip reschedules.

Required Documentation Checklist

Illinois note: Order birth certs from IL Vital Records or Lake County Clerk[13].

First-Time/Child (DS-11)

  1. DS-11 (unsigned; download)[3].
  2. Citizenship proof (original + photocopy): birth cert, naturalization cert, old passport.
  3. ID proof (original + photocopy): IL DL (REAL ID OK)[14].
  4. 2x2" photo.
  5. Child: Both parents/DS-3053 notarized + ID copy; custody docs if solo[3].
  6. Fees (below).
  7. Book/attend: Sign on-site.

Renewal (DS-82)

  1. DS-82 (download)[4] + old passport + photo + fees.
  2. Mail to processing center[17].
Type App Fee (Check) Execution Fee Total Check Total Card (App Only)
Adult New $130 $35 $165 $30 + $35
Child New $100 $30 $130 N/A
Adult Renewal $130 N/A $130 $30

[16]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Rejections delay 4-6 weeks; check photo tool[19]:

  • 2x2", color, <6 months, white background.
  • Head 1-1⅜", neutral face, no glare/glasses/shadows/uniforms[15].

Gurnee spots: Walgreens (6070 Rt 132), CVS (5050 Grand Ave), or facilities (~$12-16).

Expedited and Urgent Services

  • Expedited (+$60, 2-3 weeks): At facilities/mail[20].
  • Urgent (<14 days, life/death only): Chicago Agency appt (1-877-487-2778)[8].
  • Private rush: Use warily[21].

Track peaks at travel.state.gov[2].

After Submission

Track status[18] after 7-10 days. Delivery: 6-8w routine, 2-3w expedited. Valid 10y adult/5y child. Contact State Dept for issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead in Gurnee? 4-6 months; peaks extend times[2].

Photos at Post Office? Call ahead[9]; else CVS/Walgreens.

Missing parent? Notarized DS-3053 + ID copy[3].

IL DL as ID? Yes, current/REAL ID + copy[14].

Lost abroad? DS-64 + embassy app[5].

Expedite renewal? Yes, +$60[20].

Out-of-state birth cert? Order from that state[13].

Urgents at county? No, Chicago only[8].

Sources

  1. [1] U.S. Travel Trends
  2. [2] Passport Processing Times
  3. [3] Form DS-11
  4. [4] Form DS-82
  5. [5] Lost/Stolen
  6. [6] Corrections
  7. [7] Wizard
  8. [8] Agencies
  9. [9] USPS Finder
  10. [10] Warren Township
  11. [11] Lake County Clerk
  12. [12] USPS Passports
  13. [13] IL Vital Records
  14. [14] REAL ID
  15. [15] Photo Specs
  16. [16] Fees
  17. [17] Mailing
  18. [18] Status
  19. [19] Photo Tool
  20. [20] Expedited
  21. [21] Private
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