Circuit Clerk – Passport

Welcome to the Effingham County Passport Department.

This department is available for accepting passport applications during regular office hours.

Passport Fees:


Age 16 and over:
$130.00 payable to the Dept. of State + $35.00 to the Circuit Clerk.

Under age 16:
$100.00 payable to the Dept. of State + $35.00 to the Circuit Clerk.

Acceptable forms of payment:
Cash, check made out to the Department of State or money order.
* The processing fee is non-refundable.

The Clerk’s Office Does NOT provide Photo Services.

How To Apply for a US Passport (Step by Step)


Items you will need to Apply for a US passport

  • Form DS-11, Application For a US Passport
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Proof of identity
  • Photo
  • Fee
  1. Come to the front counter of the Circuit Clerk’s office and ask for a passport Clerk. They will assist you and be able to answer your questions.
  2. Complete Form DS-11, Application For a US Passport. The form is available at the Clerk’s office or you can download it from the Department of State website. Do not sign the form.
  3. Obtain proof of U.S. citizenship. You need a certified birth certificate. Note: a hospital birth certificate is not acceptable. It must include your parent(s) full names. If you were born outside the U.S., you must provide a Certificate of Citizenship, Consular Report of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth or Naturalization Certificate.
  4. Provide proof of your identity. You need a valid Illinois driver’s license, current government ID card or current military ID. Note: if you have an out-of-state driver’s license, you will need to provide a second form of identification. If you were born outside the U.S., you must have a Naturalization Certificate.
  5. Get a passport photo taken. The Clerk’s Office Does Not provide Photo Services. Professional photographers and most pharmacies also take passport photos. Wear regular clothing and glasses or hearing aids, if you normally wear them. You cannot wear hats or uniforms. The photo must be less than six months old, in color and 2 inches by 2 inches with white or off-white background.
  6. Make sure you have the applicable fees. The fees are as follows:
    • Age 16 and over = $130.00 payable to the Dept. of State + $35.00 to the Circuit Clerk.
    • Unger age 16 = $100.00 payable to the Dept. of State + $35.00 to the Circuit Clerk.
    • Acceptable forms of payment include Cash, check made out to the Department of State or money order. The processing fee is non-refundable.
  7. Wait for your passport to arrive by Priority Mail. You can check the status of your application on the Department of State’s website at www.travel.state.gov.