How to Schedule a Passport Appointment at the Post Office

You can book a passport appointment at most U.S. Post Offices that offer passport services, but the process and availability depend on which service you need

Not every Post Office handles passports, and not every one that does will have the same appointment options. The Post Office accepts passport applications and can take your photo for a passport card or book, but they cannot issue passports — that happens at a passport agency or acceptance facility. Before you book, you need to know whether your location offers passport services at all, what type of appointment you need, and how far in advance you can schedule.

The Post Office uses two main systems for passport appointments: some locations use an online booking system through USPS.com, while others require you to call or visit in person to reserve a time. A few locations do not take appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The fastest way to find out which system your Post Office uses is to search for your location on the USPS website and look at what options appear.

Key Takeaways

• Not all Post Offices offer passport services, so you must search your ZIP code on USPS.com to confirm your location has them before trying to book.
• Post Offices accept applications and take photos but do not issue passports; your process goes to a passport agency or acceptance facility after submission.
• Some Post Offices let you book online through USPS.com, while others require a phone call or in-person visit to schedule an appointment.
• Passport appointment wait times vary by location and season, so booking as early as possible gives you more time slots to choose from.
• You will need to bring specific documents to your appointment, including proof of citizenship, a government-issued ID, and a completed process form.

Finding a Post Office that offers passport services

Start by going to USPS.com and using the Post Office locator tool. Enter your ZIP code or city name, then look for the "Services" section on each location's details page. If passport services appear in the list, that office accepts passport applications. If they do not appear, that location does not handle passports and you will need to find another office nearby.

Some Post Offices offer limited passport services — for example, they may accept applications but not take photos, or they may only handle passport cards and not books. The locator tool shows which specific services each office provides. If your nearest Post Office does not offer what you need, the tool will show you other locations in your area that do.

How to book an appointment online

If your Post Office uses the online system, the locator tool will show an "Schedule an Appointment" button or link on that location's page. Click it to see available time slots. The calendar typically shows dates two to four weeks out, though this varies by location and how busy the office is. Select a date and time that works for you, then enter your name and phone number to confirm the booking.

You will receive a confirmation number by email or text, depending on what you provided. Save this number — you will need it when you arrive for your appointment. Most Post Offices ask you to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you need to reschedule, you can usually cancel and rebook through the same system, or call the Post Office directly.

Booking by phone or in person

If your Post Office does not have online booking, call the location directly to ask about passport appointment availability. The phone number appears on the USPS locator page. When you call, have your calendar ready and ask what dates and times are open. The staff member will note your name, phone number, and preferred time slot.

You can also walk into the Post Office and ask to schedule an appointment at the counter. This works well if you want to see available times in person or if you prefer to confirm your appointment face-to-face. Either way, write down the date and time you are given, and arrive a few minutes early on the day of your appointment.

What to bring to your passport appointment

Bring your completed process form — either Form DS-11 for a new passport or Form DS-82 for a renewal, depending on your situation. You also need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license), and a Social Security card or other document showing your number. The Post Office staff will verify these documents before accepting your process.

You will also need a passport photo unless the Post Office is taking one for you at the appointment. If they do take your photo, there is usually a small fee included in the process cost. Bring a check or money order for the process and execution fees — most Post Offices do not accept credit cards for passport services, though this varies by location. Call ahead if you are unsure about payment methods.

Processing time after your appointment

After you submit your process at the Post Office, it goes to a passport agency or acceptance facility for processing. Standard processing takes about four to six weeks from the date the agency receives your process, not from your Post Office appointment date. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks but costs extra. The Post Office cannot speed up processing or tell you when your passport will arrive — only the passport agency can provide status updates.

You can track your process status on the State Department website using your process receipt number, which the Post Office gives you at your appointment. Check the status every few days if you are waiting for your passport to arrive. If processing takes longer than expected, contact the passport agency directly rather than returning to the Post Office.

What to do if your Post Office has no appointments available

If all appointment slots are full for several weeks, check other Post Offices in your area — nearby locations may have earlier openings. You can also look for a passport acceptance facility outside the Post Office system, such as a library, courthouse, or municipal office. These facilities accept applications the same way the Post Office does and may have more availability.

If you need a passport urgently and cannot find an appointment, you can visit a passport agency in person without an appointment, though wait times are typically longer. The State Department website lists passport agencies by location. Some agencies accept walk-ins, but call first to confirm hours and what documents to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my passport at a Post Office appointment?

Yes, if your passport is not damaged, lost, or stolen, and you still have it. You will need to bring the old passport, a completed Form DS-82, and payment. If your passport was issued when you were under 16, or if it is expired by more than five years, you may need to explore in person at a passport agency instead.

What if I miss my Post Office passport appointment?

Call the Post Office as soon as you realize you cannot make it and ask to reschedule. If you booked online, you can cancel through the system and rebook a new time. If you do not show up and do not cancel, the appointment slot is lost and you will need to book again from the available openings.

How much does a passport appointment at the Post Office cost?

The process fee for a passport book is $130 for adults and $100 for children under 16. A passport card costs $35 for adults and $20 for children. The Post Office charges an execution fee of $35 on top of the process fee. Fees vary slightly by location, so ask when you book your appointment.

Do I need an appointment to get a passport photo taken at the Post Office?

No, most Post Offices take passport photos without an appointment, though you may wait in line. If you want to combine your photo session with your process appointment, book an appointment and ask the staff to take your photo during that visit. This is more efficient if you are submitting your process the same day.

Can I book a passport appointment for someone else?

No, the person explore for the passport must be present at the appointment. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must attend with them. You cannot submit an process on behalf of an adult or schedule their appointment without them.