The Franklin Park village clerk’s office is teaming with the public library district there to offer two special passport processing events on Saturdays – especially as the federal government announces a return to regular processing times after applicants significant delays last year.
“The passport application and renewal service are in high demand right now so we wanted to partner with the Franklin Park Public Library to offer these services – especially on a Saturday since we’re not open on a Saturday,” Village Clerk April Arellano told Pioneer Press.
The usual wait time to get a passport, which is applied for locally but processed through the U.S. Department of State, hit an all-time high in 2023, with officials reporting the government “experienced unprecedented demand” for the document required for international travel.
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“Between October 2022 and September 2023 (the federal fiscal year), the Department of State issued over 24 million passport books and cards – the highest amount ever in our nation’s history,” according to the Dept. of State website.
The situation had gotten so dire, some travelers had to change or, worse, cancel their vacation and other plans.
By the end of last year, though, the State department announced the logjam had eased.
Arellano said the passport processing events on Jan. 27 and March 30 focus on the U.S. passport application for first-time applicants, parents or guardians applying for children under age 16, or people who do not meet the U.S. Department of State’s requirements to renew passports.
“The goal is to offer these services during peak season with the library. If these events become successful, we’re hoping we can continue to do that,” the village clerk said.
The Saturday events are in addition to regular Monday through Friday passport processing service the clerk’s office has offered since 2003 at Village Hall.
People who use the passport service, including during the special Saturday events, pay the customary fees charged by the Department of State, as well as a $35 local processing fee and $15 for photo service – if an applicant needs to have the required pictures taken at the event.
Arellano cited her team, which includes Deputy Village Clerk Sarah Guevarra and clerk assistant Karen Imundo, as well as library Executive Director Vanessa Morrison and Assistant Director Marcin Wrobel, for helping to make the Saturday passport processing events happen.
“We wanted to extend these services to anyone who needs these application services on the weekend,” Arellano said.
According to Arellano, appointments for Jan. 27 are fully booked with approximately 20 applicants expected, while appointments for the March 30 event may still be available. The processing event will be held in the large meeting room at the library, 10311 Grand Ave. Appointments may be made by calling the clerk’s office.
The event is not limited to Franklin Park residents only, according to the clerk’s office.
“It’s a service that we can offer our residents and really anybody who needs them. It’s something we can provide so why not? We want to make sure that our residents and everyone have access to these services,” Arellano said.
She said appointments take approximately 30 minutes if applicants arrive with their forms completed, and the application is processed by the federal government within six weeks to eight weeks for routine service. The time is two weeks to three weeks for expedited service.
“Normally we see an increase in applications around this time, and closer as we get to spring break, and during the holidays as well. We’re just hoping to see what the demand looks like and take it from there,” Arellano said.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelancer.
Pioneer Press staff contributed.