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Chicago Passport Agency Expedited Service Guide

The entrance to the Chicago Passport Agency building

The Chicago Passport Agency provides expedited passport services for U.S. citizens with urgent international travel plans. This service is ideal for travelers who need a passport within 14 days or 28 days for those needing a visa. It is also one of the best options for a same day passport in Chicago.

Schedule an appointment online or call the automated phone service at 1-877-487-2778 to get started.

If you are not in a rush to get your passport, you can apply for a at a Chicago passport acceptance facility or renew your passport by mail.

If you cannot visit the Chicago Passport Agency in person, you can authorize a third party to submit your application. This can be a friend, family member, travel agent, or a registered passport courier service.

Click for reliable expedited passport courier service.

Table of Contents

Who Can Use the Chicago Passport Agency?

The Chicago Passport Agency is designed for U.S. citizens with urgent travel needs, typically within 14 days.

Visiting the Chicago Passport Agency is It's the ideal option if:

  • Your trip is within two weeks
  • You need a visa and are traveling within 28 days
  • You need to replace a lost or stolen passport
  • You can travel to Chicago

Note: Appointments are required at this and all Regional Passport Agencies. Walk-ins are not allowed.

How to Make an Appointment

To make an appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency, follow these steps:

  1. Call 1-877-487-2778 or schedule an appointment online.
  2. Provide your travel date and passport type (new or renewal).
  3. Arrive at least 15 minutes early on the day of your appointment.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

When you arrive to your scheduled appointment, make sure that you have the following completed and organized:

  • Printed appointment confirmation of your appointment
  • Proof of travel (e.g., airline ticket, hotel reservation, or an acceptable proof of travel)
  • Passport application form (bring the correct application form for your travel needs. Complete the application form but do not sign the application until your appointment)
  • Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license or another form of acceptable ID)
  • Required supporting documents (e.g., proof of U.S. citizenship, legal name change, proof of custody of a minor, or other supporting documents relevant to your situation)
  • Passport photo (ensure your photo meets all passport photo requirements)
  • Applicable service fees (check, money order, or credit/debit card).

Pro Tip: Bring photocopies of all documents to help speed up the process.

For more information, check out our complete guide: What to Bring for Every Type of Passport Appointment.

Chicago Passport Agency Location & Hours

Chicago Passport Agency
101 Ida B. Wells Drive (*formerly 101 W. Congress Parkway)
9th Floor
Chicago, IL 60605-1074

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thursday
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Note: The agency is closed on all federal holidays.

Getting There: Directions & Parking Tips

The Chicago Passport Agency is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

Car:
  • From O'Hare Airport: Take I-190 E from the airport and merge onto I-90 E toward downtown Chicago. Continue on I-90 E and then take exit 51C for East Congress Parkway. Follow Congress Parkway east, and the destination will be on your left at the intersection with Clark Street. The Chicago Passport Agency is situated on the 9th floor of the building. Be sure to allow extra time for traffic, especially during peak hours.
  • From Midway Airport: Take Cicero Avenue north to I-55 N (Stevenson Expressway) toward downtown Chicago. Merge onto I-90/94 W (Dan Ryan Expressway) and exit at 51C for East Congress Parkway. Continue east on Congress Parkway, and the destination will be on your left at the intersection with Clark Street. The Chicago Passport Agency is located on the 9th floor of the building. Allow extra time for traffic, especially during busy hours.

Train: From Union Station - taxis available

Taxi: Taxis are available from O'Hare and Midway Airports.

Parking: The Chicago Passport Agency does not have a parking garage, but there are parking garages within walking distance of the building. Parking fees vary.

Chicago Skyline

Chicago Passport Agency Reviews

We analyzed the most recent Google reviews for the Chicago Passport Agency, gathering insights from visitors. The feedback highlights positive and negative experiences, showcasing the agency's strengths and areas needing improvement.

Many visitors praised the agency's efficiency, with numerous reviews mentioning smooth and quick processing times. The friendly and professional demeanor of the staff, as well as the ability to obtain same-day passports in urgent situations, were frequently commended.

On the other hand, some visitors reported long wait times, issues with organization, and occasional rude or unhelpful staff interactions.

This analysis provides valuable insights into the Chicago Passport Agency's performance and offers helpful information for planning your upcoming trip to the agency. Let's take a closer look:

Total Number of Reviews Analyzed: 110

Number of Reviews per Star Rating:
5-Star: 90 reviews
4-Star: 8 reviews
3-Star: 6 reviews
2-Star: 3 reviews
1-Star: 3 reviews

Average Star Rating: 4.7

Positive: 89.1% (5-star and 4-star reviews)
Neutral: 5.5% (3-star reviews)
Negative: 5.5% (1-star and 2-star reviews)

10 Most Frequent Negative Sentiments and Complaints

  1. Long Wait Times for Passport Pickup - Lengthy wait times and delays in passport pickup times caused frustration for some visitors.
  2. Inconsistent Information - A few customers reported conflicting instructions from different staff members, which caused confusion and frustration.
  3. Unhelpful Staff - A select few visitors described negative interactions with specific employees.
  4. Strict Afternoon Pickup Policy - Travelers expressed frustration over the limited time frame for picking up passports.
  5. Strict Security - Some visitors found the agency's security measures overly strict.
  6. Appointment Scheduling Issues - A couple of customers noted challenges with securing timely appointments.
  7. Limited Parking Availability - Difficulty finding parking nearby was a common complaint.
  8. Stressful Environment - High demand and urgency led to feelings of stress among several visitors.
  9. Damaged Documents - One customer reported receiving folded, mishandled documents.
  10. Payment Confusion - Issues with the payment process, including unclear card requirements, were mentioned by a few visitors.

10 Most Frequent Positive Sentiments and Compliments

  1. Efficient Service - Many reviewers appreciated the agency's quick and well-organized passport process.
  2. Friendly and Professional Staff - The staff's helpful and courteous attitude was frequently highlighted throughout numerous reviews.
  3. Same-Day Passport Pickup - Travelers valued the option to receive their passports on the same day, particularly those with a tight timeline and urgent travel needs.
  4. Clear Instructions - Many visitors found the entire process straightforward thanks to clear guidelines provided by staff members and signage.
  5. Fast Document Processing - Applicants with correct and complete paperwork often completed their visits in under an hour.
  6. Calm and Positive Atmosphere - A considerable number of reviewers praised the agency for reducing stress levels and creating a calm and positive environment during stressful and urgent situations.
  7. Exceptional Customer Care - A good deal of reviews mention staff members who showed understanding and compassion in high-stress scenarios.
  8. Smooth Security Process - Many visitors found the agency's security procedures efficient and hassle-free.
  9. Professionalism - The professionalism of employees was a consistent theme in positive reviews.
  10. Reliability - Customers appreciated the agency's ability to meet tight deadlines for passport issuance.

Recommendations for Those Planning a Visit to the Chicago Passport Agency

While some of these visitor reviews are conflicting, there are common threads throughout the negative and positive reviews. Based on this feedback, we've compiled a list of recommendations to ensure a smooth and efficient visit to the Chicago Passport Agency:

  • Make an appointment - Walk-ins are not permitted at any Regional Passport Agency. You must schedule an appointment by calling 1-877-487-2778 or online.
  • Follow Appointment Instructions - After you schedule your appointment, you will receive confirmation and instructions. Carefully review your confirmation email to ensure you bring the correct documents and arrive with plenty of time before your scheduled appointment
  • Prepare Documentation - Have all required documents completed, ready, and organized. Incorrect forms and/or missing paperwork will cause significant delays.
  • Verify the Chicago Passport Agency's Address and Location - In the event your navigation device/app provides a different location for the agency, be sure to familiarize yourself with the correct address:
     101 Ida B. Wells Drive (**formerly 101 W. Congress Parkway)
     9th Floor
     Chicago, IL 60605-1074
  • Arrive Early - Plan to arrive 30-60 minutes before your appointment to avoid unexpected delays like traffic or parking.
  • Parking Tips - There are many parking options located near the Chicago Passport Agency. That said, allocate extra time to finding parking or consider public transportation to avoid potential parking challenges.
  • Plan for Security Screening - All government agencies have security screening as well as rules and regulations. Be ready for a security check similar to airport screening upon your arrival.
  • Be Patient - Same-day passport pickup is not guaranteed for all applicants. If you do not have urgent travel needs or are traveling within the next 14 days (28 days if you need a visa), you are not guaranteed same-day service. You must plan accordingly.
  • Same-Day Service Pickup is in the PM - Same-day passports are generally available in the afternoon (2-4 PM). Be patient and understand that this is typical for same-day passport service. Plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can someone go on my behalf?
    Yes, you can authorize a registered passport expediting service or a third party (e.g., a friend or family member) to submit your application for you.
  • How long does the appointment take?
    Most appointments take 30 to 60 minutes, but processing times may vary depending on demand.
  • Can I get my passport on the same day?
    You can get a same-day passport in Chicago if you can prove an urgent travel need. You can also get a same-day passport renewal. In either case, you will need to show an urgent travel need. Bring proof of travel to your appointment to be eligible.
  • What if I arrive late?
    If you arrive more than 15 minutes after your scheduled appointment time, you may need to reschedule.
  • Can I walk in without an appointment?
    No. Appointments are required for all services at the Chicago Passport Agency.
  • When can I pick up my passport?
    Passport pickup times are typically between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Same-day pickup is available for those who qualify. Arriving early is recommended, as lines can form quickly.
  • Is there a place to eat near the agency?
    Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the Chicago Passport agency.

Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers

1. How can you get a passport when you're in a hurry?
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?

Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.

You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.

In a Hurry? Get Reliable Expedited Passport Courier Service:Expedite My U.S.Passport Now!
About the Author: For over 20 years, the U.S. Passport Service Guide team has helped hundreds of thousands of travelers with their travel document questions and shared advice about how to make traveling abroad simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

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