How to Schedule a U.S. Passport Appointment

Where and how to book a passport appointment

You schedule a U.S. passport appointment through the State Department's official website at passports.state.gov, or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. The website lets you search for appointment availability at passport acceptance facilities and passport agencies near you, then book a specific date and time. Phone booking takes longer but works if you cannot access the website or need help navigating the system.

Passport acceptance facilities are located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices across the country. Passport agencies are federal offices in major cities that handle expedited and emergency cases. Most people book at an acceptance facility because they are more numerous and have more available slots. You will need to know your zip code or city to search for locations near you.

The appointment system shows you real-time availability. If no slots appear for your location, check nearby cities or try again in a few days — cancellations open up regularly. You can also call the National Passport Information Center to ask about availability or to book over the phone if the website is not working.

Key Takeaways

• Book your passport appointment at passports.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778; the website shows real-time availability at passport acceptance facilities and agencies near you.
• Passport acceptance facilities at post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices handle routine passport applications and renewals, while passport agencies handle expedited and emergency requests.
• You will need your zip code or city name to search for locations, and the system will show you available dates and times before you confirm your appointment.
• If no appointments appear in your area, check nearby cities or call back in a few days, since cancellations create new openings regularly.
• Bring all required documents to your appointment — the State Department website lists what you need based on whether you are explore for a new passport or renewing an existing one.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The documents you need depend on whether you are explore for a new passport, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or stolen passport. The State Department website has a checklist for each situation. In general, you will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), and a completed process form.

For a new passport, bring your original birth certificate or naturalization certificate, a government photo ID, and Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport). For a renewal by mail or in person, bring your most recent passport and Form DS-82 or DS-11, depending on your situation. If your passport was lost or stolen, bring a police report, a government photo ID, and Form DS-11.

You will also need a passport photo. Most acceptance facilities can take your photo on site for a fee, or you can bring one you had taken elsewhere. The photo must meet State Department standards — the website shows the exact requirements. Bring payment in the form the facility accepts; most take checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards, but policies vary by location.

How long appointments take and when you will receive your passport

A routine appointment at a passport acceptance facility usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The staff will review your documents, take your photo if needed, and collect your payment. They will then send your process to a passport agency for processing.

Processing time depends on demand and the type of service you request. Routine service takes 6 to 8 weeks from the time the agency receives your process. Expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs extra. Emergency service is available at passport agencies and some acceptance facilities for same-day or next-day passports, but only in specific situations — the State Department defines what counts as an emergency.

You can check the status of your process on the State Department website using your receipt number. The website will tell you when your passport has been mailed. Passports are sent by mail to the address you provide, not picked up at your appointment location.

Differences between passport acceptance facilities and passport agencies

Passport acceptance facilities handle new applications, renewals, and replacements during normal business hours. They are located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Staff at these locations verify your documents and collect your process, but they do not process it — that happens at a passport agency.

Passport agencies are federal offices that actually process applications and issue passports. They are located in major cities: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. You can book an appointment at a passport agency if you need expedited or emergency service, or if you are explore for a passport for the first time and cannot use an acceptance facility in your area.

Passport agencies typically have fewer available appointments than acceptance facilities because they handle fewer applications. If you need your passport quickly, a passport agency appointment may be your only option, but you will pay more for expedited or emergency processing.

What to do if you cannot find an available appointment

If the website shows no available appointments in your area, try searching in nearby cities or counties. Acceptance facilities in less populated areas sometimes have more open slots than those in major cities. You can also call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to ask about availability or to book by phone.

Check the website again in a few days. Cancellations happen regularly, and new slots open up. Some people find it helpful to check early in the morning or late in the evening when fewer people are booking. If you need a passport urgently, ask about passport agency appointments in your region — they may have expedited slots available even when acceptance facilities are full.

If you are traveling soon and cannot find an appointment before your trip, contact the National Passport Information Center to discuss your situation. They can tell you about emergency options or whether you might be able to renew by mail instead of in person.

Preparing for your appointment day

Arrive at your appointment 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all required documents in their original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of citizenship. Bring your payment in the form the facility accepts. If you are having your photo taken at the facility, wear clothing you would normally wear in a photo and avoid hats or sunglasses.

If you are explore for a child's passport, both parents or guardians must be present, or one parent must bring a notarized consent form from the other parent. The State Department website explains the rules for minors. Bring the child's birth certificate and your government photo IDs.

Do not assume your appointment time is flexible. Arrive on time. If you are late, the facility may not be able to see you and you may lose your appointment slot. If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the website or by calling the National Passport Information Center as soon as you know you cannot make it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a passport appointment online if I do not have a computer?

Yes. Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to book by phone. Staff can search for available appointments in your area and book a time for you. You will receive a confirmation number by mail or email, depending on what you provide.

Do I need an appointment to renew my passport by mail?

No. Mail-in renewal does not require an appointment. You send your process, passport, and payment directly to the address listed on the State Department website. Mail-in renewal takes longer than in-person renewal and is only available if your passport is not damaged and you still have it.

What if I lose my appointment confirmation number?

You can look up your appointment on the State Department website using your name and date of birth, or call the National Passport Information Center. Keep your confirmation email or letter in a safe place until after your appointment.

Can I change my appointment time after I book it?

Yes. Log into your account on passports.state.gov and select a new time, or call the National Passport Information Center to reschedule. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before your appointment time may allow you to rebook sooner.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

You lose that appointment slot. You will need to book a new appointment through the website or by phone. If you know you cannot make your appointment, cancel it so someone else can use that time.