• Most post offices require scheduled appointments after Covid. Click here to schedule your appointment.
  
• Bring all documents listed in Step 1 to the post office.
  
• When you arrive at the post office, ask for the clerk who deals with passports.
  
• Tell the post office clerk that you are doing a HAND CARRY PROCEDURE.
  
• Post office clerk will witness your signatures, verify your identity and will seal all documents in one envelope. You will be charged $35 or $50 (if you need to take photos) for this procedure.
  
• UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ALLOW THE POST OFFICE CLERK TO MAIL YOUR ENVELOPE DIRECTLY TO THE NATIONAL PASSPORT CENTER. YOU MUST WALK OUT OF THE POST OFFICE WITH YOUR SEALED ENVELOPE!
  

NEW U.S. PASSPORT FOR ADULTS

STEP 3: FILL OUT REMAINING DOCUMENTS & CALCULATE FEES (AVS Service Fee + Shipping Fee)

FEES

We must receive your sealed envelope with 24 hours of your post office appointment or it will become invalid. Please notify our office when you are sending your sealed envelope and provide a tracking number. Due to a surge in passport applications, we want to make sure we can process your paperwork on time.

STEP 1: GATHER THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS

*** The service fees are non-refundable. Due to the high volume of applications being processed, the processing times may be changed by the Passport Agency. AMERICAN VISA SERVICE is not responsible for processing delays within US Department of State or shipping delays. AMERICAN VISA SERVICE is NOT a government agency. By mailing your paperwork to AMERICAN VISA SERVICE for processing, you confirm that you reviewed our website and agree to all rules and prices listed on our website.

• Original US birth certificate with both parents' names or Certificate of Naturalization or passport issued more that 15 years ago
  
• One passport photo (can be taken at the post office)
  
• Valid in-state driver's license or state-issued ID (front & back)
  
• Copy of itinerary showing international flights within 14 days of the post office appointment. If you do not have an itinerary, please call 312-922-8860 or email us: info@avschicago.com
  
• One Application DS-11 (fill out online)this form must be filled out online. All hand-written applications will be suspended
  
• One Letter of Authorization (click here to download)- this form must be included inside your sealed envelope. If not, your paperwork will be suspended and it will take considerably longer to process your passport.
  
• Personal check for $190.00 if you are applying for a passport book only OR $220.00 if you are applying for a passport book AND passport card. Make check payable to "US DEPARTMENT OF STATE"
  

AMERICAN VISA SERVICE 
53 W. JACKSON BLVD, STE 1226
CHICAGO IL 60604
Tel: 312-922-8860

STEP 4: MAIL YOUR SEALED ENVELOPE & REMAINING DOCUMENTS TO OUR OFFICE ADDRESS BELOW WITHIN 24 HOURS OF YOUR POST OFFICE APPOINTMENT

Use this procedure if:

• You are over 18 years of age
  
• Have never had a U.S. Passport before
  
• Your U.S. Passport was issued more than 15 years ago
  
• If you are 16-18 years of age OR older than 18, AND your previous passport was issued for 5 years, please use "Services for Teens" procedures
  

STEP 2: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AND VISIT YOUR LOCAL POST OFFICE

    AMERICAN VISA SERVICE

• One Letter of Authorization (click here to download)- we ask to you fill out an additional form in case the passport agency requests one.
  
• AVS Order form (click here to download)
  
• Please put the additional letter or authorization and AVS Order form on top of your sealed envelope.