Emergency Passport
Agency Location and Hours
The Chicago Passport Agency is Illinois's dedicated federal office for emergency and expedited passport issuance. It occupies the 18th Floor of the Kluczynski Federal Building at 230 S. Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604 — a well-known Loop landmark a short walk from the heart of downtown. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding federal holidays.
The Kluczynski Federal Building houses multiple federal agencies, so expect a full federal security checkpoint at the entrance. Allow at least 15 extra minutes to clear security, especially on busy mornings. Once on the 18th floor, follow the signage directly to the passport agency reception desk.
Who Qualifies for an In-Person Appointment
The Chicago agency is reserved for travelers with documented urgent need:
- Departing internationally within 14 calendar days — confirmed flight, cruise, or train reservation required.
- Needing a foreign visa within 28 days — bring consulate correspondence or a letter from the foreign embassy showing the visa appointment date.
Compassionate exceptions exist for death or critical illness of an immediate family member abroad. Explain the situation fully when you call NPIC; the operator can flag your case for priority handling even without a travel ticket.
Booking Your Appointment
Appointments are mandatory — the Chicago agency does not accept walk-ins under any circumstances. Book through the National Passport Information Center:
- Phone: 1-877-487-2778 (Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–10:00 PM ET; Sat 10:00 AM–3:00 PM ET)
- Online: travel.state.gov — limited slots; phone is recommended for departures within 72 hours
Chicago is one of the busiest agencies in the Midwest, serving a large regional population. Call at exactly 8:00 AM ET for the best slot availability. If the Chicago agency has no available dates before your trip, ask the NPIC operator to check other nearby agencies for earlier openings.
Required Documents
Bring all originals — the agency will make photocopies at the counter. Missing even one document means a wasted trip. First-time applicants need:
- Completed DS-11 form — do not sign until the agent instructs you to
- Proof of U.S. citizenship — certified birth certificate with raised seal, previous U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate
- Government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, or military ID (valid or expired within 5 years)
- Photocopy of both sides of your ID
- One 2×2-inch passport photo — white background, taken within the past 6 months
- Proof of urgent travel — confirmed itinerary showing your name and international departure date
- Payment — see fee table below
Renewals use form DS-82 instead. You'll need your most recent passport book (issued after age 16, undamaged, issued within the past 15 years). No birth certificate required for renewals.
Passport Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Passport book (adult) | $130 |
| Execution fee (first-time applicants only) | $35 |
| Expedite fee | $60 |
| 1-2 day return shipping | $19.53 |
| Passport card (add-on) | $30 new / $30 renewal |
Pay government fees (book + execution + expedite) by check or money order to "U.S. Department of State." Return shipping must be paid separately by credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted for government fees.
Getting to the Chicago Passport Agency
The Kluczynski Federal Building is ideally positioned for public transit. The nearest CTA stops are:
- Jackson (Blue Line): Exit at Dearborn and Jackson — the building is directly across the street.
- LaSalle/Van Buren (Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple lines): Two-block walk east on Van Buren to Dearborn.
- Harold Washington Library (Red, Blue Lines): Two-block walk north on State St, then west on Adams.
Driving is not recommended — Loop parking runs $25–$50/day and morning traffic is heavy. If you must drive, the 55 W. Monroe garage and ABM Parking on Wacker are the closest options. Rideshare drop-off on Dearborn Street is the most practical alternative to transit.
On the day of your appointment, bring a snack and water. The wait can run 1–2 hours depending on appointment volume and document review complexity. Vending machines are available in the building.
No Appointment Available?
Chicago fills up fast. If you can't get a slot in time:
- Ask NPIC to check all 26 agencies — Other regional agencies may have earlier openings that aren't visible online.
- Expedited mail service — For departures 3–5 weeks out, USPS Priority Mail Express with the $60 expedite fee is the next best option.
- Registered courier service — A licensed expediting company can hand-carry your application to whichever agency has the earliest opening. Budget $150–$300 on top of government fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Chicago agency serve only Illinois residents?
- No — federal passport agencies serve anyone who can get there. If Chicago is your nearest available agency, you can book there regardless of your home state.
- Can I get a passport card instead of a book?
- Yes, as an add-on. Passport cards work for land and sea crossings to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean but cannot be used for international air travel. Most emergency travelers need the book.
- My child is traveling with me — do they need their own appointment?
- Yes. Each applicant needs their own appointment. For children under 16, both parents must appear or one must provide a notarized DS-3053 consent form.
- What time should I arrive?
- Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. Federal security lines can be lengthy on busy mornings. Being late by more than 10–15 minutes may result in losing your slot.
- Can I get my photo taken near the building?
- There is no on-site photo service at the passport office. Walgreens and CVS locations on State Street are within two blocks — get your photo taken before your appointment to avoid delays.