How to Schedule a U.S. Passport Appointment

Where and how to book your passport appointment

You can schedule a passport appointment at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency. Passport acceptance facilities are usually located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Passport agencies are federal offices in major cities that handle more complex cases and expedited services.

To book an appointment, visit travel.state.gov and use the appointment scheduling system. You will need to enter your zip code to find nearby locations, then select a date and time that works for you. Some locations accept walk-ins, but appointment slots often fill weeks in advance, so scheduling ahead is the faster route.

If you cannot find an available appointment in your area, check locations in neighbouring counties or cities. Some facilities have more availability than others, and the system shows real-time openings across your region.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment through travel.state.gov, which shows all available times at nearby passport acceptance facilities and agencies.
• Passport acceptance facilities at post offices and libraries handle routine applications, while passport agencies handle expedited processing and complex cases.
• Bring your completed process form, proof of citizenship, photo ID, and a new passport photo to your appointment.
• Processing times vary: routine service takes several weeks, while expedited service (available at passport agencies) takes one to two weeks for an additional fee.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your completed Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport) or Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal process) depending on whether you are explore for a new passport or renewing an existing one. You can fill out these forms online or print them before your appointment.

You will also need proof of U.S. citizenship. This can be a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Bring the original document, not a copy. You must also bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID.

A new passport photo is required. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and meet specific requirements: a plain white or off-white background, your full face visible, and no sunglasses or filters. Many pharmacies and photo studios can take passport photos on the spot if you do not have one ready.

Fees and payment methods at your appointment

Passport fees depend on the type of service and the passport book you choose. A new adult passport book costs one amount; a passport card costs less. Expedited processing adds a separate fee on top of the book fee. The exact amounts change yearly, so check travel.state.gov for current pricing before your appointment.

Most passport acceptance facilities accept cash, check, and credit or debit card. Passport agencies typically accept the same methods. Bring enough cash or a valid card to cover the full fee, as you cannot pay part of the fee at the appointment and part later.

Processing time after your appointment

Routine service takes several weeks from the date of your appointment. Expedited service, available at passport agencies and some acceptance facilities, takes one to two weeks for an additional fee. The exact timeline depends on current processing volume, which fluctuates throughout the year.

You can track your process status on travel.state.gov using your process number and date of birth. The site will show whether your passport is being processed, approved, or ready for pickup.

What happens if you miss your appointment

If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, cancel it through travel.state.gov as soon as possible. This frees up the slot for another person and allows you to book a different time. Cancelling online takes a few minutes and requires your confirmation number.

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you may lose the slot and have to wait for the next available opening. Some facilities allow you to reschedule when ready online; others require you to wait a set number of days before booking again.

Passport renewal by mail instead of in person

If your passport is not damaged, lost, or stolen, and you were at least 16 when it was issued, you may be able to renew by mail instead of scheduling an appointment. You would mail your completed Form DS-82, your current passport, a new photo, and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than in-person service — usually several weeks or more depending on processing volume. If you need your passport sooner, an in-person appointment with expedited processing is faster, though it costs more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my passport appointment?

Yes. If you are a minor, a parent or guardian must come with you. Adults can bring a companion, but only the person whose name is on the appointment will be served. The companion can wait in the lobby or nearby.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a naturalization certificate, a previous passport, or a consular report of birth abroad. If you have none of these, contact your state vital records office to request a certified copy of your birth certificate before your appointment. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Can I get a passport the same day as my appointment?

No. Passports are not issued on the day of your appointment. Routine service takes several weeks; expedited service takes one to two weeks. You will receive your passport by mail after processing is complete.

What if the appointment system shows no available times near me?

Check locations further away, as some areas have longer wait times than others. You can also check the system again in a few days, as cancellations create new openings. If you need a passport urgently, look for passport agencies in nearby cities, which sometimes have faster availability than local acceptance facilities.