How to Schedule Your Passport Appointment

Where to schedule your passport appointment

You schedule a passport appointment through the U.S. State Department's official appointment system at passports.state.gov. This is the only place to book a time slot at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency office. You cannot schedule an appointment by phone, email, or in person — you must use the online system.

The website lets you search for locations near you, see available dates and times, and hold a specific appointment slot while you gather your documents. Once you complete the booking, you will receive a confirmation number and instructions for what to bring on your appointment day.

Passport acceptance facilities are usually located at post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Passport agency offices are in major cities and handle more complex cases, like replacing a lost passport or renewing one that was issued when you were under 16. The online system will show you which type of location is available in your area and how far out appointments are scheduled.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment at passports.state.gov — this is the official State Department system and the only way to schedule a time slot.
• You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and contact information to complete the booking.
• Appointment availability varies by location and season; rural areas and off-peak months often have shorter wait times.
• You must bring your confirmation number, valid ID, and all required documents on the day of your appointment, or your slot will be forfeited.
• If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it through the website at least 24 hours in advance so the slot opens for someone else.

Steps to book your appointment online

Start by going to passports.state.gov and clicking the option to schedule an appointment. You will be asked to enter your zip code or city to see available locations. The system shows you passport acceptance facilities first, then passport agency offices if you need one.

Select the location closest to you or the one that works best for your schedule. The system will display available dates and times for the next several weeks or months, depending on demand. Click the date and time that works for you. You will then enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email address.

Review all the information you entered to make sure it is correct. Once you confirm, the system will assign you a confirmation number and send it to your email. Write down this number or take a screenshot — you will need it when you arrive for your appointment. The confirmation email also lists what documents to bring and any special instructions for your location.

What documents to have ready before booking

Before you start the online booking, gather the documents you will need to bring to your appointment. Having these ready helps you complete the booking faster and ensures you do not miss any required items on appointment day.

For a first-time passport, you will need a birth certificate (original or certified copy), a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), and proof of citizenship. You will also need to bring a completed passport process form — either Form DS-11 (for in-person process at an agency) or Form DS-82 (for renewal by mail, if you are renewing). The State Department website has both forms available to read and print.

For a passport renewal, the requirements are simpler if your passport is still valid and was issued when you were 16 or older. You will need your current passport, a new photo, and a completed renewal form. If your passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged, you will need to explore in person at a passport agency office, which requires the same documents as a first-time process.

How to find the shortest wait times

Passport wait times vary widely by location and time of year. Urban passport agency offices often have waits of several weeks, while smaller acceptance facilities in rural areas may have appointments available within days. The online booking system shows you real-time availability, so you can see exactly how far out appointments are at each location.

If your nearest location has a long wait, check facilities in neighboring towns or counties. Many people are willing to travel 30 or 45 minutes to get an appointment weeks sooner. You can also check the system on different days — cancellations happen regularly, and new slots open up as people cancel their appointments.

Passport demand is typically lower in winter months and higher in spring and summer. If your travel is not urgent, scheduling for January through March often means shorter waits. If you need a passport quickly and cannot find an appointment, you may be able to pay for expedited processing at a passport agency office, though this requires an in-person appointment.

What happens after you book

After you complete your online booking, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number, date, time, and location. This email also lists the exact documents you need to bring and any location-specific instructions, like where to park or which entrance to use.

Arrive at your appointment 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your confirmation number, all required documents, a new passport photo (4x6 inches, taken within the last 6 months), and payment. Passport fees vary depending on the type of passport and whether you are explore for the first time or renewing. The State Department website lists current fees, which change periodically.

If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it through the passports.state.gov website as soon as you know. Canceling at least 24 hours in advance releases your slot for someone else and may allow you to rebook for a different date. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will lose your slot and have to book a new one.

Passport photos and other requirements

Your passport photo must meet specific State Department rules. It must be 4x6 inches, taken within the last 6 months, show your full face and shoulders against a plain white or off-white background, and be in color. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup, and your expression should be neutral with your mouth closed.

Many drugstores, including CVS and Walgreens, offer passport photo services for around $10 to $15. You can also have photos taken at some post offices and libraries. If you already have a digital photo that meets the rules, some online services will format and print it for you at a lower cost.

Bring the original or certified copy of your birth certificate, not a photocopy. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original and an English translation certified by a translator. You will also need a valid photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID all work. If you do not have a photo ID, ask the passport facility what alternatives they accept.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment date or time, log back into passports.state.gov using your confirmation number and email address. The system will let you cancel your current slot and book a new one. This works best if you cancel at least a few days in advance, so you have time to find another available slot.

If your location has no other available times that work for you, you can cancel and try a different location. Keep in mind that canceling and rebooking may push your appointment further out, especially during busy seasons. If you cancel, do it as soon as you know you cannot make it — the sooner you release the slot, the sooner someone else can use it.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will forfeit your slot. You will have to start over and book a new appointment through the website. There is no way to recover a missed appointment or get a refund, so set a reminder on your phone or calendar for the day before your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I schedule a passport appointment by phone?

No. The State Department only accepts passport appointment bookings through passports.state.gov. You cannot schedule by phone, email, or in person. If you have trouble using the website, you can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for technical help, but they cannot book an appointment for you.

What if there are no appointments available near me?

Check locations in neighboring towns or counties — many people find shorter waits by traveling 30 to 60 minutes. You can also check the website on different days, as cancellations open up new slots regularly. If you need a passport urgently and cannot find an appointment, visit a passport agency office in person to ask about expedited in-person service.

Do I need an appointment for passport renewal by mail?

No. If your passport is still valid and was issued when you were 16 or older, you can renew by mail using Form DS-82. You do not need an appointment. Mail your process, current passport, new photo, and payment to the address on the form. Processing takes several weeks.

What if I lose my confirmation number?

Check your email for the confirmation message from the State Department — it contains your confirmation number. If you cannot find the email, go to passports.state.gov and use the option to look up your appointment. You will need to enter your name, date of birth, and email address.

Can I bring someone else to my appointment?

Yes. A family member or friend can accompany you and help with paperwork. However, only the person whose name is on the appointment can be processed. If you are explore for a child's passport, a parent or guardian must be present with the child.