Federal officials anticipate confusion this summer as travelers coming home from Canada or Mexico are now required to show a passport or passport card. To avoid travel disruptions, City Clerk Miguel del Valle is reminding residents to apply early for a passport or passport card for their summer travel plans.
The Clerk's office expects an increase in passport applications as the summer traveling season nears, which could result in federal processing delays. Beginning June 1, all U.S. citizens entering the country by land or sea must present a passport or government border-crossing passport card that shows their name and proof of citizenship. Both applications are available at the City Clerk's offices.
To apply for a U.S. Passport for the first time, each applicant must appear in person at an official passport acceptance facility with proof of U.S. citizenship, two passport-specific photos and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver's license or state ID. Complete U.S. Passport services, including photo services, are available at Clerk del Valle's City Hall office at 121 N LaSalle or at the City Clerk Satellite Offices at 5301 S Cicero and 5430 W Gale St.
Passport fees vary for regular service, which takes on average 4 to 6 weeks, or expedited process, which takes on average 3 or 4 weeks. Regular service fees are $75 for adults and $60 for children under age 16. Expedited process is $135 for adults and $120 for children.
Passport cards can only be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. The card, also available at the City Clerk's City Hall and Satellite Offices, is $45 for adults and $35 for children.
The passport fee must be in the form of a money order or check made payable to U.S. Department of State. There is a separate $25 execution fee that can be paid in cash, check or money order payable to the City Clerk. For more information about accepted forms of ID, passport photo requirements and a link to the Passport section of the U.S. Department of State's website, please visit City Clerk del Valle's website.
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