Westmont IL Passport Guide: Applications, Renewals, Locations

Getting a Passport in Westmont, IL

Westmont, located in DuPage County, Illinois, sees frequent international travel among residents for business trips to Europe and Asia, family vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean, and seasonal peaks in spring/summer for tourism and winter breaks for warmer destinations. Students from nearby colleges participate in exchange programs, while urgent scenarios like last-minute family emergencies or job relocations add pressure. High demand at local facilities often leads to limited appointments, especially during these periods, so planning ahead is essential. This guide covers the process for first-time applicants, renewals, replacements, and more, drawing from official U.S. Department of State guidelines to help you navigate common pitfalls like photo rejections due to glare or shadows, incomplete minor documentation, and confusion over renewal forms versus new applications.[1]

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Choosing the right service prevents delays and extra trips. Here's how to decide:

• First-Time Passport: Use if you've never had a U.S. passport, your previous passport was issued before age 16, or more than 15 years ago. Requires in-person application on Form DS-11 at an acceptance facility. Common in Westmont for new travelers, students heading abroad, or families with young children.[1]

• Renewal: Eligible if your current passport was issued when you were 16 or older, within the last 15 years, is undamaged, and was issued in your current name (or you can document a name change). Use Form DS-82 by mail—no in-person visit needed unless adding pages or it's a child passport. Many Westmont business travelers renew this way to avoid queues.[1]

• Replacement for Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passport: Report it via Form DS-64 first (online or mail), then apply for a replacement. If abroad, contact a U.S. embassy; if valid and lost in the U.S., you may use DS-82 for renewal-style replacement. Urgent travel? Attach proof. DuPage County residents often face this with travel bags misplaced at O'Hare Airport.[2]

• New Passport Book/Card or Both: Book for all international travel (10-year validity for adults); card for land/sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Caribbean (lower cost, shorter validity).[1]

• Corrections or Name Changes: Use DS-5504 within one year of issue at no fee; otherwise, treat as replacement.[1]

Misusing forms is a top challenge—e.g., submitting DS-82 for a minor's passport gets rejected outright. Check eligibility tools on the State Department's site before gathering documents.[1]

Required Documents and Forms

Gather originals; photocopies won't suffice. Fees are non-refundable, paid separately: application to State Department (check/money order), execution fee to facility (cash/check/card varies).[3]

Core Documents Checklist:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Original birth certificate (long-form preferred, issued by vital records office), naturalization certificate, or previous undamaged passport. Illinois birth certificates from IDPH or county clerk (e.g., DuPage County Clerk for Westmont births).[4][5]
• Proof of Identity: Valid driver's license, military ID, or government ID. Enhanced Illinois DL/ID works well.[6]
• Photocopies: Front/back of ID and citizenship docs on plain white paper.
• Form: DS-11 (first-time/minors), DS-82 (renewal).[1]
• Fees: Adult book $130 application + $35 execution; child $100 + $35. Expedite +$60.[3]

For name changes: Marriage certificate, court order. Minors need both parents' presence or consent form.[1]

Illinois vital records delays are common—order early via https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/birth-death-other-records.html or DuPage Clerk.[4][5]

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

Photos account for 25% of rejections in busy areas like DuPage County.[1] Specs: 2x2 inches, color, white/cream/off-white background, head 1-1 3/8 inches, taken within 6 months, no glasses (unless medically necessary), neutral expression, even lighting—no shadows, glare, or hats (unless religious/medical).[7]

Pro Tips:

• Use CVS, Walgreens, or UPS Stores in Westmont (e.g., 414 Hill Ave)—many guarantee acceptance or retake free.[7]
• Selfies/digital fail; professional only.
• Common errors: Closed mouth smile, head tilt, busy backgrounds, poor contrast.

Upload digital version if using online renewal system (launched 2023).[1]

Where to Apply in Westmont and DuPage County

Westmont lacks a dedicated passport agency (those are by appointment only for life/death emergencies).[8] Use acceptance facilities:

• Westmont Post Office: 115 N Cass Ave, Westmont, IL 60559. By appointment; call 630-968-1536. High demand—book 4-6 weeks ahead, especially summer.[9]
• DuPage County Clerk Offices: Main at 421 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton (near Westmont); also Glen Ellyn. Full service including photos; appointments via dupagecounty.gov.[5]
• Other Nearby: Lisle Post Office (5 miles), Downers Grove Library (passport fair events seasonally).[9]

Find more: Use State Department's locator or USPS tool.[10][9] Peak seasons (spring break March-April, summer June-August, winter Dec-Jan) fill slots fast—book via online systems.[1]

No walk-ins typically; confirm via phone.

Passport Facilities and Nearby Locations in and Around Westmont

Passport acceptance facilities are official locations authorized by the U.S. Department of State to witness and submit passport applications for first-time applicants, renewals, and certain replacements. These sites do not process passports themselves; instead, they verify your identity, review your paperwork, administer oaths, and forward your application to a regional passport agency for final processing. Common types include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and municipal buildings. In and around Westmont, you'll find such facilities scattered across town and nearby communities, offering convenient options for residents and visitors alike.

When visiting a passport acceptance facility, come prepared with a completed DS-11 or DS-82 application form (depending on your needs), a valid photo ID, a passport photo meeting State Department specifications, and payment for application and execution fees. Expect a short wait for staff to review your documents—bring originals and photocopies as required. Agents will ask you to swear to the truthfulness of your application under oath, and they'll seal everything in an official envelope. Processing times vary by mail delivery to the agency, typically 6-8 weeks for routine service or 2-3 weeks expedited, but plan ahead as these are estimates only. Note that facilities cannot provide passport photos on-site or expedite beyond what's offered nationally.

Typical Busy Times and Planning Tips

Passport facilities tend to see higher volumes during peak travel seasons like summer months, spring breaks, and holidays, when demand surges. Mondays often start busy as people catch up from the weekend, and mid-day periods from late morning through early afternoon are commonly crowded due to standard work schedules. To minimize waits, aim for early mornings shortly after opening or late afternoons toward closing. Check for appointment systems where available, as walk-ins can face longer lines. Always verify requirements online via the State Department's website beforehand, and consider applying well in advance of travel dates to account for unexpected delays. Patience and preparation go a long way in smoother visits.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (mail time included); don't count on it for travel sooner.[1] Expedited (gold rush service): 2-3 weeks +$60, available at acceptance facilities or mail.[11] Urgent (travel within 14 days): Limited appointments at Chicago Passport Agency (2+ hours from Westmont)—proof of travel (itinerary, tickets) required; call 1-877-487-2778.[8]

Warnings: No hard guarantees—COVID backlogs and peaks extend times. Avoid last-minute reliance; one DuPage applicant waited 10 weeks expedited in summer 2023.[1] Track status online post-submission.[12]

Mail renewals to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.[1]

Special Cases: Minors and Students

Minors Under 16: DS-11 in-person with both parents/guardians (or DS-3053 consent from absent parent, notarized). Presence or form mandatory—biggest rejection reason.[1] Validity 5 years. Exchange students from Westmont schools (e.g., via AFS) need this early.

Seniors/Disabled: Same process; facilities offer accommodations—call ahead.[1]

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or New Passport (DS-11)

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm first-time/minor/replacement need. Use State Dept. wizard.[1]
2. Gather Documents: Citizenship proof, ID, photocopies, 2 photos.[1][7]
3. Complete Form DS-11: Fill online, print single-sided; do NOT sign until instructed.[13]
4. Calculate Fees: Check/money order for app fee to "U.S. Department of State"; execution fee to facility.[3]
5. Book Appointment: Westmont PO or DuPage Clerk; arrive 15 min early.[9][5]
6. Attend In-Person: Present docs, sign form, pay fees. Get receipt with tracking #.
7. Track and Wait: Use online tool; plan 6-8 weeks.[12]
8. Receive Passport: Sign inside upon arrival; report issues immediately.[1]

Renewal (DS-82) Checklist:

1. Confirm eligibility (last 15 yrs, age 16+ at issue).[1]
2. Fill DS-82 online/print; include old passport, photo, fees.[13]
3. Mail to Philadelphia address (certified recommended).[1]
4. Track online.[12]

Step-by-Step Checklist for Urgent Travel (Within 14 Days)

1. Confirm Urgency: International travel proof (non-refundable ticket).[8]
2. Routine/Expedite First: Try acceptance facility for expedite.[11]
3. If Needed, Passport Agency: Chicago (230 S Dearborn St); book via 1-877-487-2778 with proof.[8]
4. Life-or-Death: Within 72 hrs, call for emergency appt.[8]
5. Alternatives: Check Visa Waiver/ESTA if eligible.[14]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get a passport same-day in Westmont?
No routine same-day service locally. Chicago Agency for qualified urgent cases only (travel within 14 days).[8]

What if my Illinois birth certificate is missing?
Request expedited from Illinois Dept. of Public Health or DuPage Clerk (10-day rush).[4][5]

How do I renew if my passport is expiring soon?
Renew up to 9 months early with DS-82 by mail; keeps new expiry date from old one.[1]

Photos: Can I wear glasses?
Only if medically required and no glare over eyes; try contacts.[7]

My child’s other parent won’t sign—options?
Notarized DS-3053 or court order; both needed or sole custody proof.[1]

Peak season delays in DuPage?
Expect 2-4 week extra waits March-Aug/Dec; book appts/facilities now.[1][9]

Lost passport abroad—what now?
Contact U.S. Consulate; limited emergency passport for return.[15]

Can I track my application?
Yes, after receipt with online form (name, DOB, app locator #).[12]

Sources

[1]U.S. Passports & International Travel
[2]Report a Lost or Stolen Passport
[3]Passport Fees
[4]Illinois Vital Records
[5]DuPage County Clerk - Passports
[6]Illinois Secretary of State - REAL ID
[7]Passport Photo Requirements
[8]Passport Agencies
[9]USPS Passport Services
[10]Passport Acceptance Facility Search
[11]Expedited Service
[12]Check Application Status
[13]Passport Forms
[14]Visa Waiver Program
[15]Lost/Stolen Abroad

1,652)