WOODSTOCK, Ill. – People looking to apply for passports through the McHenry County Treasurer’s Office can now schedule appointments electronically, as well as access additional service improvements.

First-time applicants, and certain people seeking to renew expiring passports, can access the new online scheduling system by visiting treasurer.mchenrycountyil.gov and selecting the “Schedule Your Appointment” button. Applicants may also walk in without an appointment if staff is available. Previously, applicants were only able to schedule their appointments by phone, Treasurer Donna Kurtz said.

“Our objective is to deliver passport photo services and passport application processing reliably and quickly, with the highest quality. The Treasurer’s Office now provides on-line passport appointment scheduling, and walk-in support, as resources permit. In addition, we are utilizing the talents of our staff by offering native speakers of Polish and Spanish translation assistance for non-English speakers and their families,” Kurtz said.

Online appointments are the best way to make sure that a time slot is reserved for applicants or other family members that may need a passport. The appointment is scheduled via the portal. Applicants will receive an email confirmation, and then an email reminder 24 hours prior. The Treasurer’s Office is located at 2100 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock.

First-time applicants are required to apply in person, as are applicants who were issued their passport before age 16, who were issued their most recent passport more than 15 years ago, or whose passports were lost, damaged or stolen. Most other applicants seeking to renew must do so by mail under federal law – the portal links to the form and the instructions.

The Treasurer’s Office charges a $35 fee per application, and $15 to take the required 2x2 photo. Payment by cash, check or money order is accepted.

While Kurtz’s office strongly encourages applicants to use the new online portal, it will do its best to accommodate walk-ins. People who are required to renew by mail can get their photo taken as walk-ins, with no appointment necessary.

Please call 815-334-4260, or email treas@mchenrycountyil.gov, with questions.