How to Schedule a Passport Appointment at the Post Office

Book your passport appointment at USPS through their online system or by phone

The United States Postal Service runs a passport acceptance service at many of its locations. To get a passport appointment, you go to the USPS website's passport appointment scheduler, enter your ZIP code to find nearby post offices that offer the service, and pick an available time slot. If you prefer to book by phone, you can call the post office directly — the number is listed on the USPS location finder — and ask when they have passport appointment times open.

Not every post office handles passports. The USPS website shows you which locations in your area do, and whether they have same-day or advance appointment slots. Some offices book weeks ahead; others have openings within days. The appointment system shows you real-time availability, so you can see exactly what times are open before you commit.

You do not need to bring anything to book the appointment — just your ZIP code and a phone number or email where USPS can reach you if there is a scheduling change. The appointment itself is when you bring your documents and photos.

Key Takeaways

• USPS passport appointments are booked through the official USPS website scheduler or by calling the post office directly.
• Not all post offices offer passport services, so use the USPS location finder to confirm your nearest office does before you try to book.
• Appointment availability varies by location — some offices have slots within days, while others book several weeks ahead.
• You need a valid email address or phone number to complete the booking, but no documents are required at the time you schedule.
• If you cannot find an appointment near you, calling the post office directly sometimes reveals cancellations or additional time slots not shown online.

What documents and photos to bring to your appointment

When you arrive at your appointment, bring your completed passport process form, a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo. The form you need depends on whether you are renewing an existing passport or getting your first one. For a first passport or if your old one was lost or stolen, you fill out Form DS-11. For a renewal, you use Form DS-82 or DS-64 depending on your situation.

Your proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad — the USPS website lists all accepted documents. The passport photo must meet State Department specifications: 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. Many post offices sell passport photos on-site if you did not bring one, though you can also bring one from a pharmacy or photo studio.

Bring your government ID — a driver's license, state ID, or military ID all work. If you are explore for a child's passport, bring the child's birth certificate and both parents' IDs, even if only one parent is present at the appointment.

How long the passport process takes after your appointment

The post office does not issue passports at the appointment. Instead, they check your documents, take your photo if needed, collect your process and fees, and send everything to the State Department's passport agency. From that point, processing time depends on how busy the agency is and which service level you chose.

Routine service takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date the agency receives your process. Expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs extra. You can check the current processing times on the State Department website — they update these regularly and vary by season. Peak travel months like spring and summer typically have longer waits.

The post office gives you a receipt at your appointment with a tracking number. You can use this number on the State Department website to see whether your process has been received and is being processed. Once your passport is ready, it is mailed to the address you provided on your process.

Fees and payment methods at your appointment

The passport process fee and execution fee are separate charges. As of 2024, a first-time adult passport book costs $130 for the process fee plus $35 for the execution fee, totaling $165. A passport card costs $30 plus $35 execution fee. A renewal is $130 for the book or $30 for the card, with no execution fee. These prices change periodically, so check the State Department website before your appointment to confirm current costs.

If you choose expedited service, add $60 to your total. Expedited processing is not available for first-time passports at the post office — you can only expedite renewals. For a first passport that needs to be rushed, you must go to a passport agency or acceptance facility in person and request expedited service there.

Post offices accept cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. They do not accept payment plans or partial payments — you pay the full amount at your appointment. If you cannot pay at the time of your appointment, you can reschedule.

What happens if you need to cancel or reschedule

If you need to change your appointment time, log back into the USPS appointment scheduler using the confirmation email or reference number you received when you booked. You can cancel your slot and book a different time. If you booked by phone, call the post office directly to reschedule.

Cancellations made at least 24 hours before your appointment time do not carry a penalty. If you cancel within 24 hours or do not show up, some post offices may charge a no-show fee or require you to rebook. Policies vary by location, so check your confirmation email or call ahead if you are unsure.

If the post office cancels your appointment due to staffing or other issues, they contact you at the phone number or email you provided during booking. They offer you another available time slot.

Passport appointments for minors and special situations

A child under 16 must have both parents or guardians present at the appointment, or one parent with a notarized consent form from the other. The child's birth certificate and both parents' government IDs are required. If the child has a different last name than one parent, bring a marriage certificate or adoption decree to explain the difference.

If you are renewing a passport that is not damaged or lost, you may not need an in-person appointment — you can mail your process to the State Department instead. The USPS website tells you whether your situation qualifies for mail-in renewal. If it does, you can skip the appointment altogether.

If your passport was lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail. You must go to the post office in person and file a report of loss or theft as part of your process. This requires an appointment and takes longer than a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport appointment the same day I call?

Same-day appointments are rare and depend on your location. Some post offices hold a few same-day slots, but most book weeks ahead. Call your local post office directly to ask if they have same-day availability — the online scheduler shows only advance bookings.

What if there are no appointments available near me?

Try searching a wider area by entering nearby ZIP codes into the USPS scheduler. You can also call post offices in neighboring towns to ask about their availability. If no post office has openings, you can go to a State Department passport agency or acceptance facility in person without an appointment, though wait times are typically longer.

Do I need to print my appointment confirmation?

You do not need to print anything. Bring your ID and documents. The post office has your appointment in their system and can look you up by name and time. Having your confirmation email on your phone is helpful but not required.

Can I change my appointment after I book it?

Yes. Log into the USPS appointment scheduler with your confirmation details and select a new time, or call the post office directly. Changes made 24 hours or more before your appointment time do not carry a fee at most locations.

What if I do not have all my documents ready for my appointment?

Reschedule your appointment. The post office cannot process your process without all required documents, and you will lose your appointment slot if you show up incomplete. Use the scheduler or call the post office to book a new time once you have gathered everything.