Kane County clerk reports $275,000 in passport fee revenue through September; urges social outreach

Kane County Clerk Brian reported to the Public Service Committee that passport-processing fees have generated more than $275,000 through September, a substantial increase from prior years.

The revenue, Brian said, reflects a sustained increase in passport applications: “So far through this year through September, we've generated over $275,000 in revenue from passport fees,” he told the committee. He said the office has processed 5,360 passport applications through September and expects additional activity in the remaining months of the fiscal year.

Why it matters: the clerk framed passport processing as a growing non-tax revenue source that returns to the county general fund. The office said it has expanded hours (until 8 p.m. Wednesdays) and uses social media to publicize services and extended hours to residents who work during normal business hours.

Committee members asked whether the passport trend reflected convenience, cost, or pent-up travel demand. Brian said multiple factors are likely in play, including pent-up travel demand after COVID and more families getting documentation for children. The clerk urged committee members to share social posts with constituents and the committee discussed posting on platforms such as Nextdoor to reach more residents.

The clerk also noted the passport operation has not required additional permanent staff despite record volumes and that the revenues flow back to the county’s general fund.

Less-critical details: the clerk said the office’s passport agent fees and customer payments are examples of non-tax revenue supporting county services. Committee members thanked the clerk’s staff and encouraged wider outreach.