New or First-Time Passports by Mail


This information applies to those applying for a new or first-time passport by mail only, not in person.

For a new passport, the applicant must take all the documents to an acceptance facility before mailing the required documents to the Chicago Passport & Visa Services office. An acceptance facility is an authorized office of the US Department of State that executes your passport application for expedited services. At an acceptance facility, you’ll sign your application in front of them and typically be charged a $35 fee. From there, they’ll put all your required documents in an envelope and seal it. It’s very important that you don’t open the envelope once it’s sealed.

If you need help finding the selected acceptance facility, we can be of assistance.

Complete Online Application

DS-11 Online Application

  • Do not sign the application until instructed to do so.
  • You must provide your Social Security number.
Passport Photos
  • Photo should be 2” x 2” on a white background.
  • Photo should not be older than one month.
Proof of US Citizenship

To obtain a new or first-time passport by mail, you must provide an original or certified copy of one of the following:

  • Certified birth certificate (long form, not abstract).
  • Consulate report of birth abroad certificate.
  • Naturalization Certificate.

The long-form birth certificate must be issued by the city, county, or state you were born in, have the bearer’s full name, include the date and place of birth, and list your parents’ first names. The birth certificate must also have the date filed with the registrar’s office (must be within one year of birth), have the registrar’s signature, and have an embossed, impressed, or multicolored seal of the registrar.

For minors 16 years of age or younger:

  • A certified birth certificate (long form, not abstract) is required.
  • Provide a previous passport (if available).
Personal Check or Money Order

Please make the check or money order payable to the US Department of State.

  • Adult: $170
  • Child: $140
Flight Itinerary

If you have a copy of your flight itinerary or ticket, please include it. If you don’t have those items, please give us a call.

Two Letters of Authorization

Letter of Authorization.

  • Check the first two boxes only, leaving the third box blank.
  • Please don’t fill out the courier company until you give our team a call.

Only one letter of authorization will need to be included in your package. The second letter of authorization must be sent along with your package after being sealed by an acceptance facility.

For minors 16 years of age or younger, the letters of authorization must be signed by both parents.

Service Order Form

Service Order Form

  • If you are processing your new or first-time passport application by mail, fill out the form and send it with the other documents.
Changed Your Name Due to Marriage or Divorce?

If you have changed your name due to a marriage or divorce, you’ll be required to bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree that shows the name change.

We’re Here for All Your Passport Needs

Chicago Passport & Visa Services is here to provide same-day passports, as well as passports in 3-5 days, 5-7 days, 7-10 days, 10-14 days, and 3-4 weeks.

Contact or visit our office today for more information.

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