Passport Advice

A passport is an individual's only valid form of identification while overseas. Applying for a passport is fairly simple. Processing can take up to six weeks.  Therefore, it's important to get started well in advance of travel. Once abroad, it is recommended that you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times, as police and other authority figures have the right to ask for your identification at anytime. It's important to photocopy your passport and keep the copy separate from your passport. If you lose your passport, having a photocopy will greatly expedite replacement. It's also important to check to make sure your passport will not expire for at least 6 months after the end of your international study program. If it does, you may be denied entry an entry visa.

Applying for a Passport

Step-by-step passport application instructions are available online. For general information call the Passport Information Number, 1-800-ASK-USPS (275-8777). Passport applicants should appear in person at one of the locations listed below and present the following items:

• If you are a natural-born citizen, a birth certificate which is certified with the State or County seal and indicates your name and where and when you were born or a previous passport. (Note: Registration of birth from hospital is not acceptable.)
• If you are a naturalized citizen, your original naturalization documentation or a previous passport.
• Two identical passport photos that are 2" by 2" with a light background.
• An official identification document with your picture, description and signature, i.e. valid driver's license, school, job or State ID or previous passport. Your social security number must be written on the application.
• Cash, money order or check made out to Passport Services in the amount of $85.00
• Allow four to eight weeks for processing.

Renewals for adult passports are required every 10 years and cost $55.00. The renewal form and information can be picked up at a post office. It is possible to renew adult passports through the mail.

Milwaukee-area Passport Acceptance Facilities

Post Office - Shorewood Branch
1620 E. Capitol Drive
Shorewood, WI 53211-9998
(414) 332-2236

Juneau Station Post Office, Milwaukee, WI
606 East Juneau Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53202-9998
(414) 289-0811

Milwaukee Main Post Office
345 West St. Paul Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53201-5066
(414) 270-2142

Milwaukee, WI, County Clerk
901 N. Ninth Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-4067

North Milwaukee Station, WI, Post Office
5995 N. Teutonia Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209-9998
(414) 466-3744

North Shore Branch Post Office
5651 N Lydell Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53217-9998
(414) 962-9854

Expediting Your Passport 

If your departure date is sooner than 4 weeks away, and you have not yet begun the application process, you should expedite service.

Call (312) 341-6020 and listen for the expediting prompt. Make sure you write down the confirmation number and time of appointment. The phone number listed above is automated. They automatically set the appointment for you. You must appear at the time stated, otherwise you lose your spot.

You must go the Kluczynski Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 18th Floor, Chicago, IL  60604 for the appointment.

You must bring the following:

• 2 identical passport photos
• Driver’s license—Must be valid!
• State Certified Birth Certificate (This cannot be a hospital certificate. It must have an embossed seal-original).
• $85.00 for the passport & $60.00 for the expediting fees=$145.00 total. Personal checks are accepted, although cash is preferred.
• Bring something, preferably your social security card, along for additional identification and/or reference of your social security number
• Proof of travel—itinerary or airline ticket
• Make sure you have all pertinent information. Failure to provide proper identification could hold up the process.