How to Book a U.S. Passport Appointment at the Post Office

You can schedule a U.S. passport appointment at many post offices, but not all of them offer this service

Not every post office handles passport appointments. The U.S. Postal Service operates roughly 31,000 locations, but only about 7,000 of them are passport acceptance facilities. These facilities can accept your completed passport process, take your photo, and verify your documents — but they cannot issue the passport itself. The State Department issues all passports from regional centers.

To find out whether your local post office accepts passport applications, visit the State Department's facility locator at passports.state.gov. Search by your ZIP code or city name. The results will show you which post offices near you are passport acceptance facilities, their hours, and whether they require an appointment.

Some post offices accept walk-ins for passport services, while others require you to book a time slot in advance. The requirement depends on the individual location and how busy it is. Calling ahead is always the safest approach.

Key Takeaways

• Only about 7,000 of the 31,000 U.S. post offices handle passport applications, so you must check the State Department's facility locator to find one near you.
• Post offices accept applications and take photos but do not issue passports — the State Department processes and mails them from regional centers.
• Some locations require appointments while others take walk-ins; call the specific post office to learn their policy before you go.
• You must bring a completed form, proof of citizenship, a photo ID, and a new passport photo when you visit.
• Processing times vary depending on whether you request routine or expedited service, and the State Department's current workload.

How to find a passport acceptance post office near you

Start at passports.state.gov/find-facilities. Enter your ZIP code or city name in the search box. The map will show all passport acceptance facilities in your area, including post offices, libraries, and courthouse locations.

Click on any location to see its hours, phone number, and services offered. The listing will tell you whether that post office accepts passport applications, whether it offers passport renewals, and whether it takes appointments or walk-ins. Some facilities also offer passport photos on-site for an additional fee, which saves you a trip.

If no post offices appear in your search results, the nearest facility may be a library or courthouse instead. These locations follow the same process as post offices and accept the same documents.

Calling to schedule your appointment

Once you have found a post office that accepts passports, call the location directly using the phone number in the State Department's facility locator. Do not call the general USPS customer service line — they cannot book passport appointments.

When you call, tell the staff member you need a passport appointment and provide your preferred dates and times. They will tell you what documents to bring, whether you need a new passport photo, and how long the appointment will take (usually 15 to 30 minutes). Ask whether they can take your passport photo at the post office or whether you need to bring one already taken.

Some post offices use an online booking system instead of phone appointments. The facility locator will indicate whether your location offers online scheduling. If it does, you can book directly through that system rather than calling.

What to bring to your passport appointment

Bring these documents to your appointment:

• A completed passport process form (Form DS-11 for a new passport, Form DS-82 for a renewal)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport)
• A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID)
• A new passport photo (4x6 inches, taken within the last six months)
• Payment for the passport fee (the amount varies by passport type; check passports.state.gov for current fees)

If you are renewing a passport by mail instead of in person, the requirements are different. The post office staff can tell you whether your situation qualifies for mail renewal when you call to schedule.

Bring the original documents, not copies. The post office will examine them and return them to you after your appointment. If you cannot locate your birth certificate, you can order a copy from your state's vital records office before your appointment.

How long processing takes after your appointment

After the post office accepts your process, the State Department takes over. Processing times depend on whether you request routine or expedited service.

Routine service typically takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date the State Department receives your process. Expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs an additional fee. You can request expedited service when you submit your process at the post office.

The State Department's processing times change based on current demand. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), wait times may be longer. You can check current processing times at passports.state.gov/processing-times.

The post office does not track your process after they send it to the State Department. Once your passport is ready, the State Department will mail it to the address you provided on your form. You can check the status of your process at passports.state.gov/status.

What happens if your post office does not take appointments

If your nearest passport acceptance post office does not offer appointments, you have two options: visit during their walk-in hours, or travel to a location that does take appointments.

Walk-in hours vary by location. Call the post office to ask when they accept passport applications without an appointment and how long the wait typically is. Some locations have specific times set aside for passport services; others handle them throughout the day. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait.

If the wait at your local post office is too long, search the facility locator again and look for other post offices, libraries, or courthouses within a reasonable distance that do offer appointments. Booking an appointment at a location 20 or 30 minutes away may be faster than waiting in line at your neighborhood post office.

Passport photos and other services at the post office

Many post offices offer passport photo services on-site. When you call to schedule your appointment, ask whether the location takes photos and what the fee is. If they do, you can have your photo taken at the same visit, which is convenient and ensures the photo meets State Department requirements.

If your post office does not offer photos, you can have one taken at a pharmacy (CVS, Walgreens), a UPS store, or a professional photographer before your appointment. The photo must be 4x6 inches, in color, taken within the last six months, and meet specific requirements (neutral background, both ears visible, natural expression). The State Department's website shows the exact photo rules.

Some post offices also sell passport books and forms at the counter, though you can read forms for free from passports.state.gov. Buying a form at the post office costs a small fee but saves you a printing step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my passport at the post office instead of getting a new one?

It depends on your situation. If your passport is not damaged, you were an adult when it was issued, and it has not been lost or stolen, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting the post office. If you need to renew in person or get a new passport, the post office can accept your process. Call your local passport acceptance post office to ask which option applies to you.

What if I need my passport faster than routine processing?

You can request expedited service at the post office when you submit your process. Expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks instead of 6 to 8 weeks and costs an additional fee. If you need a passport even faster, the State Department offers emergency services for travel within 72 hours, but you must explore in person at a passport agency, not at a post office.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

It depends on the specific post office. Some require appointments, some take walk-ins, and some do both. Call the location using the phone number in the State Department's facility locator to find out their policy. If they take appointments, booking one usually means a shorter wait.

What if I do not have my birth certificate?

You can order a copy from your state's vital records office before your appointment. Contact your state's health department or vital records agency to request a certified copy. This usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, so order it as soon as you know you need a passport. Bring the certified copy to the post office; a photocopy will not work.

Can I change my name on my passport at the post office?

If you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must explore for a new passport in person at a post office or passport agency. Bring your completed process, proof of citizenship, a photo ID, a new passport photo, and a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The post office will accept your process and send it to the State Department for processing.