Passport costs in Chicago IL in 2026 range from $35–$225, depending on passport type, processing speed, and whether you apply for a book, card, or both. A standard adult passport book costs $130, plus a $35 acceptance fee at USPS, libraries, or passport centers. A passport card costs $30, and a book + card combo costs $160. Expedited service adds $60, while 1–2 day delivery adds $20. Children’s passports cost $100, including acceptance fees. Most Chicago travelers spend $165–$215 for a new adult passport with expedited service in 2026.
Passport costs in Chicago range $35–$225 in 2026. Learn adult and child passport prices, expedited fees, acceptance fees, renewal costs, and total travel document expenses.
Passport Cost Overview in Chicago (2026)
Passport pricing in Chicago follows U.S. Department of State national fee guidelines, but total cost varies depending on location, processing speed, and whether you apply at USPS, libraries, or regional passport agencies. Chicago applicants can choose standard service, expedited service, or emergency same-day appointments at the Chicago Passport Agency. Additional costs include photos, delivery upgrades, and optional passport cards. Understanding how each fee works helps you estimate the accurate amount to expect when applying for or renewing your passport in 2026.
• Chicago passport costs vary by age, processing speed, and document type.
• USPS and library locations charge a mandatory acceptance fee.
• Expedited service adds significant cost but reduces wait times.
• Travelers often need upgraded shipping to meet travel deadlines.
Adult Passport Book Costs
The passport book is the most commonly used document for international air travel and is required for flights to any foreign country.
• A new adult passport book costs $130, set by the U.S. Department of State.
• All first-time applicants must pay a $35 acceptance fee at their local passport acceptance facility.
• Total cost for a new passport book is $165, not including photos or shipping.
• Passport books remain valid for 10 years, making them a long-term travel investment.
Passport Card Costs for Adults
Passport cards are wallet-sized documents for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean but cannot be used for international flights.
• A new adult passport card costs $30 plus the $35 acceptance fee.
• The passport card + book bundle costs $160, saving money for multi-use travelers.
• Processing times match passport book timelines unless expedited.
• Cards are useful for border driving trips, cruises, and secondary ID.
Passport Renewal Costs (Adult Passport)
Renewals are simpler because they can be completed by mail without an acceptance fee, reducing total cost for adult applicants.
• Renewing a passport book costs $130, with no acceptance fee required.
• Renewing a passport card costs $30, processed through the same mail-in system.
• Book + card renewals cost $160 total.
• Most Chicago renewals take 6–9 weeks without expedited service.
Child Passport (Under 16) Costs
Child passports have different pricing, shorter validity, and must be applied for in person with parental consent.
• A child passport book costs $100, including the acceptance fee.
• A child passport card costs $15 plus the $35 acceptance fee.
• Book + card for children cost $115 total.
• Child passports are valid for 5 years, requiring more frequent renewals.
Expedited Passport Service Costs
Chicago travelers often choose expedited service when upcoming flights require faster processing than routine wait times allow.
• Expedited service costs $60, reducing processing time to 2–3 weeks.
• The expedited fee applies to book, card, or combination applications.
• Applicants may also add $20 for 1–2 day return delivery for passports.
• Emergency expedited appointments at the Chicago Passport Agency offer same-day service but require proof of urgent travel.
Photo, Printing & Shipping Costs
Extra fees apply for passport photos, mailing documents, and optional delivery upgrades.
• Passport photos cost $15–$20 at Chicago USPS, drugstores, and shipping centers.
• Some applicants choose retail photographers charging $20–$35 for enhanced image quality.
• USPS priority mailing adds $8–$15, depending on tracking and speed.
• One-to-two day return delivery for passport books costs $20.
Passport Acceptance Facility Fees
First-time passport applicants must use an acceptance facility to verify identity and submit documents.
• Chicago acceptance facilities charge a mandatory $35 acceptance fee per application.
• USPS locations, clerk’s offices, and selected libraries all accept applications.
• Walk-ins cost the same as appointments, but wait times may vary.
• Acceptance fees apply to first-time applicants and children, not adult renewals.
Chicago Passport Agency (Same-Day & Urgent Costs)
Chicago’s regional passport agency serves travelers with urgent international trips who need a passport within days.
• Same-day passport service requires proof of urgent travel within 72 hours.
• Expedited in-person applications still require $60 expedited fees.
• Emergency passport services may include additional handling fees depending on timing.
• Agency appointments fill quickly near summer and holiday travel seasons.
Passport Upgrades: Large Book, Name Changes & Damaged Passports
Some travelers require optional upgrades or special processing depending on travel needs.
• A 52-page large passport book is available at no additional cost for heavy travelers.
• Name-change passport reissues cost $0–$130 depending on timing and eligibility.
• Damaged passport replacements require the same cost as a new adult passport: $165 total.
• Lost or stolen passport replacements also cost $165, with additional forms required.
Optional Passport Add-Ons & Extra Costs
Some Chicago applicants incur optional or unexpected passport-related expenses beyond the standard application.
• Notary fees cost $1–$25 for documents requiring authentication.
• Copying and document printing costs $0.10–$0.30 per page at USPS locations.
• Courier services cost $25–$75 if using third-party submission help.
• Travel agents and passport expeditors charge $85–$200 for convenience packages.
Total Passport Cost in Chicago (2026)
Total pricing depends on age, application type, processing speed, and whether extra services are added.
• New adult passport book: $165–$225 depending on extras.
• Adult renewal: $130–$190 depending on shipping add-ons.
• Child passport: $100–$150 depending on additional services.
• Most Chicago travelers spend $165–$215 for a fully processed passport book with expedited delivery in 2026.
Ways to Reduce Passport Costs in Chicago
Travelers can lower passport expenses with smart timing and minimal add-on services.
• Apply early to avoid paying expedited fees, saving $60–$80.
• Renew by mail to avoid the $35 acceptance fee.
• Take passport photos at low-cost vendors to save $10–$15.
• Avoid third-party expeditors unless absolutely necessary.
Summary Table
| Category | Chicago Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Adult Passport Book | $130 |
| Adult Passport Card | $30 |
| Acceptance Fee | $35 |
| Child Passport Book | $100 |
| Expedited Service | $60 |
| Passport Photos | $15–$20 |
| Typical Adult Total | $165–$215 |
FAQ
- How much does a passport cost in Chicago?
Most adults pay $165–$215 for a new passport book. - How much is the acceptance fee?
The mandatory acceptance fee is $35 for first-time applicants. - How long does it take to get a passport?
Routine processing takes 6–9 weeks, expedited takes 2–3 weeks. - Can I renew my passport by mail?
Yes—adult renewals can be done by mail without an acceptance fee. - How much is expedited service?
Expedite processing costs $60, plus $20 for 1–2 day return delivery. - Does the Chicago Passport Agency offer same-day service?
Yes, but appointments require proof of urgent international travel. - How much are passport photos in Chicago?
Passport photos cost $15–$20, depending on the provider.