The Sterling Public Library has joined the U.S. State Department Passport Agency to provide passport services for U.S. citizens in the Sauk Valley area. Sterling Public Library is an official Passport Acceptance Facility, accepting DS-11 applications for passports at the Adult Circulation Desk.
Passport applications will be accepted during our regular business hours, but please try to come during these times:
9:30 am – 7 pm on Monday and Tuesday
9:30 am – 4 pm on Wednesday through Friday
9:30 am – 12 pm on Saturday
Appointments are appreciated and may be made by calling 815-625-1370.
Passport Application Requirements
To apply for a passport at Sterling Public Library, please provide the following:
Completed Passport Application Form DS-11
Applications may be filled out online at www.travel.state.gov and then printed single-sided. The Library also provides applications which must be filled out in black ink with no whiteout. Do not sign the application until asked to do so by an agent.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship (one of the following - you will need to submit the original and a photocopy of the document)
• Original birth certificate or certified copy issued by the city, county, or state
• Previous U.S. passport
• Naturalization Certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad
• For minors under 18, the birth certificate must be presented
Proof of Identity (one of the following - you will need to submit a photocopy)
• Valid driver's license (or state ID)
• Naturalization Certificate
• Prior U.S. passport
• Government employee ID
• Official Military ID card
• Valid foreign passport
Current Passport Photo
A color photo of yourself (2 inches by 2 inches) taken within the last 6 months is also required. The Library does not provide photo services, however there are several places near the Library that provide the service such as the Sterling Post Office, CVS and Walgreens.
Processing Fees
For detailed fee information, visit the State Department's website. All payments made to the State Department must be made by check or money order. The processing fee to the Library can be made by check or cash or credit card. For specific fee information, please contact the Library.
Timing Information
If you would like to know how long it will take to receive your passport, you can review detailed timing information by visiting the State Department's website.
Passport Renewal
You may renew if your 10-year passport was issued within the last 15 years. The Library does not accept mail-in renewal applications. To process your renewal, please visit the State Department's website.
If you were under 16 when your passport was issued you cannot renew; you must reapply.