Consulate General of El Salvador in Chicago, Illinois
The Salvadoran consular office in the U.S. Midwest
The Consulate General of El Salvador in Chicago is the main point of reference for the Salvadoran community settled in the heart of the American Midwest. Illinois is home to one of the oldest and largest Salvadoran diasporas away from the coasts, with families rooted in northwest city neighborhoods such as Belmont Cragin, Hermosa and Albany Park, and in suburbs like Cicero, Berwyn and Waukegan. The office is located in the O'Hare / Norwood Park area, on the far northwest side of Chicago, in an office building on West Bryn Mawr Avenue, very close to O'Hare International Airport and the major highways that connect the entire region.
In addition to serving Salvadorans throughout the Chicago metropolitan area, this consulate covers nationals from several Midwest states that have no consular representation, including Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota. As a result, people often travel from Milwaukee, Indianapolis or Detroit to obtain their passport, DUI (national ID) or civil registry documents; it is best to book your appointment in advance and plan your trip with extra time.
Contact for the Salvadoran consulate in Chicago
Address: 8605 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 310, Chicago, IL 60631
Area: O'Hare / Norwood Park (northwest Chicago)
State: Illinois
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30 am – 3:30 pm
Phone: (312) 451-3330
Email: consuladochicago@rree.gob.sv
Official website: rree.gob.sv
Days and office hours
IMPORTANT: Service is by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Services at the consulate of El Salvador in Chicago
- Salvadoran passport: First issuance, renewal and processing for minors.
- DUI (Documento Único de Identidad / national ID): Issuance and renewal for Salvadorans living in Illinois and the Midwest.
- Civil registry: Registration of births, marriages and deaths that occurred in the U.S.
- Minor's ID card (carné de minoridad): Identity document for Salvadoran minors.
- Powers of attorney: For managing property, inheritances or legal representation in El Salvador.
- Apostille and document legalization: Validation of certificates issued in the U.S. for use in El Salvador.
- Consular assistance and protection: Support in cases of detention, hospitalization, accident or repatriation.
How to book an appointment at the Chicago consulate
The appointment is mandatory and free. You can arrange it in three ways:
- Online appointment portal: go to portalcitas.rree.gob.sv and select the Consulate of El Salvador in Chicago.
- Call Center: call 1-888-301-1130, option 4, for help with your appointment.
- WhatsApp: message +503 7070-1071 for guidance on services.
Frequently asked questions – Consulate of El Salvador in Chicago
Does the Chicago consulate serve Salvadorans from Wisconsin, Indiana or Michigan?
Yes. The Consulate of El Salvador in Chicago is the reference office for the Midwest and serves nationals from states without their own consulate, such as Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison), Indiana (Indianapolis, Gary), Michigan (Detroit), Iowa and Minnesota. If you are coming from another state, book your appointment in advance and combine several services in a single visit whenever possible.
How do I get to the Salvadoran consulate in Chicago by public transit?
The consulate is on the northwest side of the city, in the O'Hare / Norwood Park area, on West Bryn Mawr Avenue. The most convenient train option is the CTA Blue Line, O'Hare branch, getting off at the Cumberland station. From there you can take a local bus or a short taxi/Uber ride. If you drive, access is direct from I-90 and I-294, with paid parking near the building.
Can I renew my DUI (national ID) at the Chicago consulate, or only my passport?
The Chicago consulate issues and renews both the Salvadoran passport and the DUI (Documento Único de Identidad / national ID). Both require separate appointments. For the DUI you will need your Salvadoran birth certificate and, if renewing, your previous DUI. We recommend confirming the exact list of requirements when you book your appointment, as it may vary depending on your case.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just show up at the office?
An appointment is required. The consulate does not serve people who show up without a booking. Request one for free at portalcitas.rree.gob.sv, or if you have trouble, call the Call Center at 1-888-301-1130, option 4, or message via WhatsApp at +503 7070-1071. Come on the day of your appointment with all original documents and their copies.
I live in Milwaukee – should I come to Chicago, or is there a closer consulate?
For Salvadorans in Wisconsin, the Chicago consulate is the closest one and the one assigned to you by jurisdiction. From Milwaukee it is roughly 1.5–2 hours by car via I-94. It is also worth keeping an eye out for mobile consular days (jornadas consulares móviles), when the consulate temporarily travels to other Midwest cities to bring services closer to the community.
Can the Chicago consulate help me in an emergency if I am detained or hospitalized?
Yes. The consulate provides consular assistance and protection in cases of detention, hospitalization, serious accident or death of a Salvadoran within its jurisdiction. If you are in an emergency, contact the consulate as soon as possible by phone at (312) 451-3330 or through the Call Center at 1-888-301-1130. Consular staff can advise you on your rights and handle the necessary paperwork.