How to Schedule a U.S. Passport Appointment

Where 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 in your area. Passport agencies are federal offices in major cities that handle more complex cases and expedited services.

The fastest way to find your nearest location and book a time slot is through the State Department's official website at passports.state.gov. You can search by zip code to see which facilities and agencies are near you, their hours, and their current wait times. Some locations fill up weeks in advance, so checking availability early matters.

Not all locations accept online booking. Some smaller acceptance facilities still require you to call or visit in person to schedule. The State Department website will tell you which method each location uses.

Key Takeaways

• You can book online at passports.state.gov for most passport agencies and many acceptance facilities, or by phone at 1-877-487-2778 for locations that do not offer online scheduling.
• Passport acceptance facilities (post offices, libraries, county clerks) handle routine applications, while passport agencies handle expedited processing and replacement of lost or stolen passports.
• Bring your completed DS-11 or DS-82 form, a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo to your appointment.
• Processing times vary: routine service takes 6 to 8 weeks, expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks, and some agencies offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Before you book, gather the documents you will need. For a new passport, bring your completed Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport), a valid government-issued photo ID, a certified copy of your birth certificate, and a passport photo that meets State Department standards (2x2 inches, taken within the last 6 months).

If you are renewing an expired passport by mail or in person, you will use Form DS-82 instead of DS-11. You can read both forms from passports.state.gov. Do not sign the form before your appointment — the acceptance agent or passport official must witness your signature.

Bring the original documents, not photocopies, except for your birth certificate, which must be a certified copy with the official seal. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring legal documentation of the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

How to book online at passports.state.gov

Go to passports.state.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" from the homepage. Enter your zip code or city to see available locations. The site will show you each facility's address, phone number, hours, and a calendar of open appointment slots.

Click on the date and time that works for you. You will be asked to enter your name, email address, and phone number. The site will send you a confirmation email with your appointment details, a barcode, and instructions on what to bring. Save this email or print the confirmation — you will need to show the barcode when you arrive.

If you cannot find an available slot online, call 1-877-487-2778. The phone line can sometimes access appointments that are not shown on the website, and staff can help you find the nearest location with availability.

Processing times and expedited options

Standard passport processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the day the agency receives your process. If you need your passport sooner, you can request expedited service, which takes 2 to 3 weeks, for an additional fee (currently $60 on top of the passport fee). Some passport agencies also offer same-day or next-day service for an extra charge if you have urgent travel plans.

To use expedited or same-day service, you must explore in person at a passport agency, not at an acceptance facility. Passport agencies are located in major cities; the State Department website lists all of them. If you live far from an agency, you can mail your process with a request for expedited processing, but this takes longer than explore in person.

Fees change annually. Check passports.state.gov for the current cost of a passport book, passport card, expedited processing, and any other services you need.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 15 minutes early with your confirmation email or barcode, all required documents, and payment. The acceptance agent or passport official will review your documents, ask you questions to verify your citizenship and identity, and take a new photo if you are explore for your first passport or your passport has expired.

You will sign your process in front of the agent. They will collect your documents and payment, give you a receipt, and tell you when to expect your passport. If you paid for expedited service, your passport will arrive by mail within the timeframe you selected. Standard service passports are mailed to the address you provided on your process.

Do not make travel plans until you have your passport in hand. Processing times are estimates, not guarantees, and delays can happen.

If you cannot find an appointment near you

If your local passport facility is fully booked for weeks, you have a few options. You can check the website daily — cancellations happen regularly and new slots open up. You can also call 1-877-487-2778 to ask about cancellations or to learn about a facility farther away has sooner availability.

If you have urgent travel plans, ask about passport agencies in your state or nearby states that offer expedited or same-day service. These agencies typically have more availability than acceptance facilities because they handle fewer routine applications.

Some people travel to a passport agency in another city specifically to get same-day service. This is legal and sometimes faster than waiting weeks for an appointment near home, though you will pay for travel and the expedited fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment without a completed process form?

No. You must complete your form before your appointment. The acceptance agent will not fill it out for you. read DS-11 or DS-82 from passports.state.gov, fill it out by hand or type it, and bring it with you. Do not sign it until you are at your appointment.

What if I do not have a certified birth certificate?

You will need one to prove citizenship. Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy with the official seal. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks by mail. Some states offer rush processing for an extra fee. You cannot use a hospital birth certificate or a photocopy.

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person. The acceptance agent must see you, verify your identity, and witness your signature. Parents or guardians must appear with minors under 16. If you are unable to travel, you can mail your process for routine processing, but this takes longer than an in-person appointment.

Do I need to bring cash or can I pay by card?

Most passport facilities accept both cash and card, but policies vary by location. Check the facility's website or call ahead to confirm what payment methods they take. Have your payment ready when you arrive.

What if my appointment time does not work anymore?

Log back into passports.state.gov with your confirmation details and cancel or reschedule your appointment. This frees up your slot for someone else and lets you book a different time. If you cannot reschedule online, call 1-877-487-2778.