How to Schedule a Passport Appointment at Your Local Agency

How to book a passport appointment

To get a passport, you need an appointment at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency. The fastest way to book is through the State Department's official website at passports.gov, where you can see real-time availability and pick a date and time that works for you. You can also call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to book by phone, or visit a passport acceptance facility in person and ask staff to schedule you.

Which route you choose depends on how soon you need your passport and whether you have all your documents ready. Online booking through passports.gov is usually quickest because you see open slots when ready. Phone booking takes longer because you are waiting for a representative, but it can help if you have questions about what to bring. In-person booking at a local facility works if you prefer to handle everything face-to-face.

Key Takeaways

• Book online at passports.gov to see available appointment times and reserve a slot without waiting on the phone.
• You will need a valid government ID, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization papers), and a completed passport process form DS-11 or DS-82 before your appointment.
• Passport agencies typically have appointments available within one to four weeks, though times vary by location and season.
• Bring original documents to your appointment — photocopies and digital photos are not accepted for proof of citizenship or identity.

What documents to bring before you book

Before you schedule an appointment, gather the documents you will need. You must bring an original, unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID). You also need proof of U.S. citizenship — either an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. If your birth certificate is a certified copy, it must have a raised seal or be an official state-issued version.

You will also need a completed passport process. For a new passport, use form DS-11. If you are renewing a passport you still have, use form DS-82. You can read both forms from passports.gov or pick them up at a passport acceptance facility. Do not sign the form before your appointment — you must sign it in front of the acceptance agent.

Have a recent color passport photo ready as well. It must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on with a plain white or off-white background. Many CVS, Walgreens, and post offices offer passport photo services if you do not have one.

Where to find passport acceptance facilities near you

Passport acceptance facilities are located in post offices, libraries, and some county clerk offices across the country. To find one near you, use the facility locator on passports.gov — enter your zip code and it will show you the closest locations, their hours, and whether they are currently taking appointments. Not every post office or library accepts passport applications, so check the locator before you go.

Passport agencies are different from acceptance facilities. Agencies are run directly by the State Department and handle more complex cases, like lost or stolen passports, name changes, or damage. If you are getting your first passport or renewing a standard one, you will go to an acceptance facility. Agencies are located in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and you can only visit by appointment.

Booking through passports.gov online

Go to passports.gov and click "Book an Appointment." Select whether you need a new passport, a renewal, or a replacement. The site will ask for your zip code and show you available facilities and dates. You can filter by location and see which times have openings — the calendar updates in real time, so you can see exactly what is available.

Once you pick a date and time, you will enter your name, email, 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 confirmation — you will need to show the barcode when you arrive. If you need to reschedule, you can do that through the same website using your confirmation number.

Booking by phone with the National Passport Information Center

Call 1-877-487-2778 to book by phone. The 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. A representative will ask you which facility you prefer and what dates work for you, then check availability and book the appointment. They will give you a confirmation number over the phone — write it down and ask them to email or mail your confirmation details.

Phone booking takes longer than online booking because you are waiting for a representative, but it can be helpful if you have questions about your documents or need to book for someone else. The wait time varies depending on call volume, so try calling early in the morning or on weekdays if possible.

What to expect at your appointment

Arrive 15 minutes early with all your original documents, your completed process form, your passport photo, and your confirmation email or barcode. The acceptance agent will review your documents, ask you questions to verify your identity and citizenship, and take your photo if you did not bring one. They will also collect your fee — passport fees vary by age and type (new vs. renewal), so check passports.gov for current pricing.

The agent will sign and stamp your process, give you a receipt, and tell you when to expect your passport. Standard processing takes about four to six weeks. Expedited processing is available for an extra fee and takes about two to three weeks. You can check the status of your process online using your receipt number.

If you cannot find an available appointment

Availability changes constantly as appointments are booked and cancelled. If the facility you want is full, check back the next day or try a different location nearby. Some areas have longer wait times during peak seasons (spring and summer), so booking for a time outside those months may show more openings.

If you need a passport urgently and cannot find an appointment within your timeframe, you have other options. You can request expedited processing at your appointment for faster turnaround. You can also visit a passport agency in person without an appointment if you have a travel emergency — bring your documents and a letter explaining why you need the passport urgently, though wait times at agencies can be several hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

You can book an appointment for a minor child if you are their parent or legal guardian. You will need to provide your own ID and the child's birth certificate. For adults, they must book their own appointment or call the National Passport Information Center to authorize you to book on their behalf.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your appointment, you will need to book a new one. Cancellations and no-shows free up slots, so new appointments may become available quickly. Reschedule through passports.gov or call 1-877-487-2778 as soon as possible.

Do I need an appointment if I go in person to a post office?

Most post offices now require appointments, though a few still accept walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the facility locator on passports.gov to see whether your local post office takes appointments or walk-ins. If it requires an appointment, you cannot be served without one.

Can I change my appointment date after I book?

Yes. If you booked online, log into passports.gov with your confirmation number and select a new date and time. If you booked by phone, call 1-877-487-2778 and a representative will reschedule you. Changes are free and can usually be made up to a few days before your appointment.

What happens if my documents are not acceptable?

The acceptance agent will tell you at your appointment if a document does not meet requirements — for example, if your birth certificate is not a certified copy or your ID is expired. You will need to get the correct document and book a new appointment. Keep your receipt in case you need it for your next visit.