How to Schedule a U.S. Passport Appointment

Book your passport appointment through the State Department's official system or at an acceptance facility near you

You cannot walk into a passport office without an appointment. The U.S. State Department requires you to schedule a time slot in advance through their online system or by phone. Where you book depends on what you need: if you are explore for your first passport or renewing one that expired more than five years ago, you must go to a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or county clerk's office). If you are renewing a passport that is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can use the State Department's online renewal system and skip the appointment entirely.

The State Department's appointment booking system is at passports.state.gov. You enter your zip code, choose a location, and see available dates and times. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas. If you cannot find an opening nearby, you can check locations in surrounding counties or cities — many people find slots faster by traveling 30 to 45 minutes away.

If you prefer to book by phone, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. The wait times are often long, so online booking is usually faster. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern time.

Key Takeaways

• Book appointments at passports.state.gov by entering your zip code and selecting from available dates and times at nearby acceptance facilities.
• First-time applicants and people renewing expired passports must book an in-person appointment; those renewing valid passports can renew by mail or online without an appointment.
• Appointments fill weeks in advance in most areas, so check surrounding counties if your local office has no openings.
• Bring your completed DS-11 form (for new passports) or DS-82 form (for renewals), proof of citizenship, a photo ID, and a passport photo to your appointment.
• Processing times vary: routine service takes several weeks, and expedited service costs extra but is faster.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Showing up without the right documents will delay your passport or get your appointment cancelled. The exact list depends on whether you are explore for a new passport or renewing one, but all applicants need an original or certified copy of their birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), and a new passport photo that meets State Department standards.

For a new passport, you also need to bring the completed Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport). You can fill this out before you go or at the acceptance facility. You must sign it in front of the acceptance agent — do not sign it beforehand. Bring the original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. A photocopy is not enough.

If you are renewing a passport that is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can mail in Form DS-82 instead of going in person. If your passport is older than that or was lost or stolen, you must appear in person with Form DS-11.

Passport photo requirements and where to get one

Your passport photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on against a white or off-white background. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup. If you wear glasses, the lenses cannot reflect light. The photo must be in color on white paper.

You can get a passport photo at most CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart locations for $10 to $20. Post offices and UPS stores also offer passport photos. Some acceptance facilities will take your photo on-site for an additional fee if you arrive without one, but it is faster to bring one with you. Many people also use online passport photo services that let you upload a selfie, and the service mails you printed photos that meet State Department standards.

Processing times and expedited service

After your appointment, the State Department processes your process. Routine service takes several weeks — the exact timeline varies by location and current volume, but you should expect at least three to four weeks from the date you explore. Expedited service costs an extra $60 and cuts the processing time roughly in half, though it still takes at least one to two weeks.

If you need your passport urgently, you can request expedited service at your appointment. You pay the extra fee at that time. Some acceptance facilities also offer expedited in-person service for an additional fee, which means you can pick up your passport the same day or within a few days, but this is not available at all locations.

You can track your passport's status online at passports.state.gov using your confirmation number and date of birth. The tracking system updates as your process moves through each stage.

What to do if you cannot find an appointment slot

If your local area has no available appointments for weeks, you have several options. First, check acceptance facilities in neighboring counties or cities — rural and suburban locations often have more openings than downtown offices. Second, check the system again in a few days; cancellations happen regularly and new slots open up.

If you need a passport urgently and cannot get an appointment, contact your nearest passport agency directly. The State Department has 26 passport agencies across the country, and some allow walk-ins for emergency situations (such as international travel within 72 hours). Call the National Passport Information Center to find the agency nearest you and ask about emergency procedures.

Another option is to use a passport expediting service, which is a private company that handles the paperwork and submission for you. These services charge $100 to $300 on top of State Department fees, but they can sometimes find appointment slots faster or handle the process while you wait. Be cautious: only use services that are registered with the Better Business Bureau, and remember that no private service can speed up the State Department's processing time itself.

Renewing by mail or online instead of in person

If your passport is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you do not need an appointment. You can renew by mail using Form DS-82, or if you meet certain requirements, you can renew online through the State Department's online renewal system.

To renew by mail, fill out Form DS-82, include your current passport, a new passport photo, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail the package to the address listed on the form. Processing takes several weeks by mail, or you can pay extra for expedited service.

Online renewal is available if your passport was issued when you were 16 or older, is still valid, and was not lost or stolen. You create an account at passports.state.gov, upload your information and a new photo, and pay the fee by credit card. You do not need an appointment or to visit an office. Processing times are the same as mail renewal.

Common mistakes to avoid at your appointment

Forgetting to sign Form DS-11 before your appointment is one of the most common delays. You must sign it in front of the acceptance agent. Bringing a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of the original or certified copy will get your process rejected. The acceptance agent needs to see the actual document.

Wearing a hat or sunglasses in your passport photo, or using a photo that is too old or does not meet size requirements, will also cause delays. Bring a photo that clearly shows your face against a plain background.

Arriving late or missing your appointment slot means you will have to reschedule. Slots are limited, so plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online as soon as you know so someone else can use that slot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a passport appointment for someone else?

No. The person explore for the passport must book their own appointment and appear in person. Parents or guardians can book appointments for minors under 16, but the minor must still attend. For adults, only the applicant can schedule the appointment.

What if I need a passport in less than a week?

Contact your nearest passport agency about emergency or expedited in-person service. Not all agencies offer same-day service, but some can issue a passport within 24 hours if you have proof of imminent international travel. Call the National Passport Information Center to find the agency near you and confirm they handle emergencies.

Do I need to bring my Social Security number to my appointment?

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but you should know your number. The acceptance agent will ask for it as part of the process. If you do not know it, you can look it up on your tax return, W-2, or bank statements before you go.

Can I change my name on my passport at the appointment?

Yes, but you need to bring legal proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your name, you must explore for a new passport using Form DS-11, not renew an existing one.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

Your appointment slot will be released and given to someone else. You will need to book a new appointment through the online system or by phone. There is no penalty fee, but you will have to wait for the next available slot in your area.