Kane County Clerk encourages holiday travelers to apply now for passports

Falling leaves and temperatures are a reminder that the holiday season is coming. The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, and Kane County Clerk John A. Cunningham recommends that Kane County residents apply now for passports if they plan to travel during the holidays.

"The holidays are a popular time for travel and I encourage those who need a passport to come to the Clerk's Office as soon as possible to apply," Cunningham said. "Our staff will help applicants through the process of getting a passport so they can get back to focusing on the important things like making holiday plans to visit family and friends."

First-time applicants for either a passport book or passport card can apply in person at the Clerk's Office, 719 S. Batavia Ave., Building B, Geneva, IL 60134.

The Clerk's Office accepts in person passport applications on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

However, no "Hand Carry" passports (a specific type) will be processed after 3:30 p.m.

It is recommended that applications are made at least a couple months prior to travel to make sure that passports are received as needed, although more time is needed if a visa is required for travel. If travel will occur within 14 days, applicants must apply at the Chicago Passport Office rather than the Clerk's Office.

A completed passport application includes the following items:

• A completed "Application for Passport Book and Passport Card," Form DS-11 (available at www.kanecountyclerk.org);

• Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as your previous U.S. passport or birth certificate;

• Proof of identity, such as previous U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, driver's license, military ID, or government identification card;

• Social Security number;

• A color 2- by 2-inch photograph taken within the last six months; and

• Application fees (check or money orders only).

Passport applicants will soon be able to have a passport photograph taken for $15 when they apply in person at the Clerk's Office. For information about the soon-to-be-available passport photography service, application fees, acceptable forms of ID, or passports generally, visit www.kanecountyclerk.org/Records/Passports/passports.aspx or call (630) 232-5964.

The Kane County Clerk's Office is an authorized acceptance agency for passports. The clerk's office performs several other major functions, including custodian of County records, registrar of vital records, chief election official, and tax extension. The clerk's office provides information and resources to residents through the clerk's website www.kanecountyclerk.org, Twitter @KaneCoILClerk, or www.facebook.com/kanecountyclerk.