How to Schedule a USPS Appointment for Passport Services

You book a USPS passport appointment through the USPS website or by phone, and the appointment type depends on whether you're explore for a new passport or renewing one

Not all USPS locations offer passport services, and those that do require you to book a time slot in advance. You cannot walk in without an appointment. The USPS website has a location finder that shows which post offices near you accept passport applications and accept passport renewals — these are sometimes different branches. Once you find a participating location, you can schedule through the USPS Passport Acceptance Agent portal or call that specific post office directly.

The appointment system lets you choose your date and time from available slots. Most locations have multiple time slots per day, but availability varies by branch and season. Spring and summer tend to fill faster because more people travel then. You'll need to know what type of service you need before you book, because the appointment categories are separate.

Key Takeaways

• Not every USPS location handles passports — use the USPS location finder to confirm your nearest branch offers the service you need.
• You must book an appointment in advance through the USPS website or by calling the post office directly; walk-ins are not accepted.
• Appointment types differ between new passport applications, passport renewals by mail, and passport card services.
• Bring the documents required for your specific service type on the day of your appointment, or the post office will not process your process.

Finding a USPS location that offers passport services

Start at usps.com/passports. The location finder asks for your ZIP code and shows you nearby post offices. Each result displays whether that branch accepts passport applications, passport renewals, or both. Some locations only handle renewals, not new applications. The finder also shows the post office hours and whether it's open on Saturday.

If the nearest location doesn't offer the service you need, the finder will show you the next closest branch that does. In rural areas, this might mean traveling to a different town. Call ahead to confirm the service is still available, because staffing changes and some locations reduce passport hours seasonally.

How to book your appointment online

Once you've found a location, go to the USPS Passport Acceptance Agent portal. You'll enter the post office name or ZIP code, select the service type (new process, renewal, or passport card), and choose from available dates and times. The system shows you what documents you'll need to bring for that specific service.

After you select your time slot, you'll receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email — you'll need to bring it or reference it when you arrive. The confirmation also includes a checklist of documents required for your appointment. Review this list before you go, because missing documents will delay your process.

Booking by phone if online scheduling isn't available

If the online portal is down or you prefer to book by phone, call the post office directly. Use the location finder to get the phone number for the branch you want. Tell them you need a passport appointment and what type of service you need. They'll tell you available times and book you on the spot.

Phone booking works the same way as online — you'll get a confirmation number and a list of documents to bring. Ask the staff member to email or mail the checklist to you if you're not sure what to bring. Some post offices will also tell you their current processing times, which can vary by location.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The documents you need depend on your service type. For a new passport process, you typically need a completed Form DS-11, proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate), a government-issued photo ID, and a new passport photo. For a passport renewal by mail, you need Form DS-82, your current passport, and a new photo if your appearance has changed significantly.

For a passport card, the requirements are similar to a new passport process. The USPS confirmation email lists exactly what you need for your specific appointment type. Bring originals, not copies, unless the checklist says otherwise. The post office staff will make copies if needed.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The USPS staff will review your documents to make sure everything is there and filled out correctly. They'll take your photo if you didn't bring one, though there's usually an extra fee for this. They'll collect your process and documents, give you a receipt, and tell you the expected processing time.

Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date the State Department receives your process. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs extra. The post office does not process the process itself — they accept it and send it to the State Department. You can track your process status online using your receipt number once processing begins.

Canceling or rescheduling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment time, log back into the USPS Passport Acceptance Agent portal and select your confirmation number. You can reschedule to a different date or time at the same location. If you need to cancel entirely, you can do that through the portal as well.

If you booked by phone, call the post office back to reschedule. Try to give at least 24 hours' notice so the time slot can open up for someone else. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may need to book a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport appointment the same day or next day?

Availability depends on your location and time of year. Some post offices have same-day or next-day slots, especially during slower seasons. Check the online portal to see what's available in your area. During peak travel season (spring and summer), slots often fill weeks in advance.

What if I don't have all my documents ready?

Do not go to your appointment without everything on the checklist. The post office will not accept an incomplete process. Reschedule your appointment once you have all documents gathered. This prevents wasting your time and the staff's time.

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

You'll provide your Social Security number on the process form (Form DS-11 or DS-82), but you don't need to bring a card. Bring a government-issued photo ID instead. The post office staff will record your number from the form you complete.

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person for a new passport process. For passport renewals by mail, you can mail in your process without going to the post office at all. If you're renewing in person, you must be present.

What if my post office closes or stops offering passport services?

Use the USPS location finder again to find the next nearest branch. You can reschedule your existing appointment to that location if it's within the same area, or cancel and book a new one. Call the original post office to ask about the closure before you reschedule.