How to Schedule a U.S. Passport Appointment at an Acceptance Facility

Where to book your passport appointment

You schedule a passport appointment at a passport acceptance facility, not at the State Department itself. These are local offices — usually post offices, libraries, or county clerk offices — that collect your documents and photos, then send them to the State Department for processing.

To find the acceptance facility nearest you, go to iafdb.travel.state.gov (the State Department's acceptance facility database). Enter your city or ZIP code. The search shows you every location in your area, their hours, and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments.

Not all acceptance facilities use the same booking system. Some use the State Department's official scheduling tool at passports.state.gov. Others use their own systems — a post office might use USPS's scheduling tool, while a county clerk might have its own website. The facility listing will tell you which system that location uses and provide a direct link.

Key Takeaways

• Find your nearest acceptance facility by searching iafdb.travel.state.gov, which lists every location in your area and its booking method.
• Book through the system that facility uses — either the State Department's passports.state.gov or the facility's own scheduling tool — not by calling or walking in without an appointment.
• You need a valid ID, proof of citizenship, a completed passport form (DS-11 for a new passport or DS-82 for renewal), and a passport photo before your appointment.
• Processing times vary by location and season; check the facility's website or call ahead to learn how long your passport will take after you submit it.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring originals, not copies. The acceptance facility staff will check them in person. You need: a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID); an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport as proof of citizenship; a completed passport process form; and a passport photo (2x2 inches, taken within the last six months).

If you are renewing a passport that is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older, you may be able to renew by mail instead of in person. The State Department website explains which renewals may have access to. If you are may be able to access to renew by mail, you do not need an appointment — you mail your documents directly to the State Department.

Bring your Social Security number written down. The acceptance facility will ask for it. If you have a passport card (the credit-card-sized version) and want to upgrade to a book, or vice versa, tell the staff at your appointment — they will adjust your process on the spot.

How to complete your passport form before you arrive

read and fill out Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport) if this is your first passport or your passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged. read Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal process) if you are renewing an undamaged passport issued when you were 16 or older.

You can print the form and fill it by hand, or fill it on your computer and then print it. Do not submit a form that is handwritten in cursive or filled with pen — use black or blue ink and print clearly, or type it. Sign and date the form in person at your appointment; the acceptance facility staff will watch you sign it. If you sign it before the appointment, it will be rejected.

The State Department website has a form-filling tool that walks you through each question. If you are unsure about any line, use that tool — it explains what each field means and flags common mistakes before you print.

Getting a passport photo taken

You need a new photo for your appointment. It must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. You cannot use a photo from social media, a driver's license photo, or a photo taken more than six months ago.

Post offices, CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart all offer passport photo services — usually $10 to $15 per photo. They know the State Department's rules and will take the photo correctly. If you have a recent photo that meets the size and background requirements, you can bring it instead of paying for a new one, but the acceptance facility staff will reject it if it does not meet the rules.

You do not need to bring multiple copies. Bring one photo to your appointment. The acceptance facility will attach it to your process.

What happens at your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so nothing gets lost. The staff will check your ID, verify your birth certificate and citizenship documents, look at your photo, review your completed form, and ask you to sign it in front of them. They will collect everything, give you a receipt, and tell you when to expect your passport.

Processing times depend on where you live and the season. Standard processing usually takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date you submit your documents. Expedited processing (available for an extra fee) takes 2 to 3 weeks. Some locations offer a rush service that takes a few days, but not all facilities offer it. Ask at your appointment or check the facility's website before you book.

You will receive your passport by mail at the address you provided on your form. Do not expect to pick it up at the acceptance facility — they do not hold passports. If you need your passport by a specific date, book your appointment early and choose expedited processing if the timeline is tight.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment, go back to the same booking system you used to schedule it. If you booked through passports.state.gov, log in and select your appointment to reschedule or cancel. If you booked through the facility's own system, use that website to make changes. Some facilities allow cancellations and rescheduling online; others require you to call.

Cancel as soon as you know you cannot make it. Open appointment slots fill quickly, especially in summer and around holidays. If you do not show up without canceling, you may lose your slot and have to wait weeks for the next available time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a passport appointment by phone?

No. The State Department does not take phone bookings. You must book online through the facility's website or the State Department's passports.state.gov portal. Some facilities allow walk-ins if they have same-day slots available, but calling ahead to ask is faster than showing up without an appointment.

What if the nearest facility has no appointments available for months?

Check facilities in neighboring cities or counties — you do not have to use the closest one. If all nearby locations are booked, check again in a few days; cancellations open up slots regularly. You can also ask the facility staff whether they offer walk-in hours or emergency appointments if your travel date is urgent.

Do I need an appointment if I am renewing my passport by mail?

No. If your passport is undamaged and was issued when you were 16 or older, you can renew by mail without an appointment. read Form DS-82, fill it out, and mail it with your passport, a new photo, and the renewal fee directly to the State Department. The address is on the form.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You need one of these as proof of citizenship: an original or certified birth certificate, a naturalization certificate, a certificate of citizenship, or a previous U.S. passport. If you do not have a birth certificate, contact your state's vital records office to order a certified copy. This can take weeks, so start early if your appointment is soon.

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person. The acceptance facility staff will ask you to sign your form in front of them and verify your identity with your photo ID. If you cannot attend, reschedule your appointment for a time you can go.