How to Schedule a USPS Passport Appointment Online and by Phone

What the USPS Passport Appointment Scheduler does

The USPS Passport Appointment Scheduler is an online tool that lets you reserve a time slot at a Post Office location to explore for or renew a passport. You can access it through the official USPS website without creating an account. The scheduler shows you available dates and times at Post Offices near you that offer passport services, and it sends you a confirmation email with your appointment details.

Not every Post Office offers passport services — only about 7,000 of the roughly 31,000 USPS locations do. The scheduler filters results to show only those locations. When you book through the scheduler, you're reserving a specific time; you don't have to wait in line on a first-come, first-served basis.

Key Takeaways

• The USPS Passport Appointment Scheduler is free and available on the USPS website; you search by ZIP code to find nearby passport-accepting Post Offices.
• You can book an appointment online through the scheduler or call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule by phone if you prefer not to use the website.
• Appointment availability varies by location and season; popular times and locations may have limited slots weeks in advance.
• You must bring specific documents to your appointment — a completed form, proof of citizenship, and photo ID — or your appointment will not proceed.
• The scheduler confirms your appointment by email, but you should save or print the confirmation because some locations ask you to bring it with you.

How to book an appointment through the online scheduler

Go to usps.com and look for the passport services section. Click on "Schedule an Appointment" or "Find a Passport Location." Enter your ZIP code or city name. The scheduler will display Post Offices in your area that accept passport applications, along with their hours and available appointment slots.

Select the location and date that work for you. The scheduler shows time slots in 15-minute or 30-minute increments depending on the location. Click the time slot you want, then enter your name, email address, and phone number. You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. That email contains your appointment date, time, location address, and a confirmation number.

If no appointments are available in your area, the scheduler will tell you that slots are full. You can check back later — new slots sometimes open as cancellations happen, or you can try locations farther away. Some people find that checking early in the morning or late at night shows more availability.

Scheduling by phone instead of online

If you do not want to use the website, you can call the USPS passport appointment line at 1-877-487-2778. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. A representative will ask for your ZIP code, preferred dates, and contact information, then book an appointment for you.

Phone wait times can be long during peak seasons (spring and summer). If you reach a busy signal or long hold time, try calling early in the morning or on a weekday rather than Saturday. The representative will give you a confirmation number over the phone and mail a confirmation letter to your address, though you should write down the details when ready.

What documents you need to bring

Bring the following to your appointment: a completed passport process form (Form DS-11 for a new passport or 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), and a passport photo that meets State Department specifications. If you are renewing and your passport is not expired by more than five years, you may be able to use a simpler form and process.

The Post Office will not process your appointment if you arrive without these documents. Bring originals, not copies, for your citizenship and ID documents. Passport photos must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on against a white background. Many Post Offices have photo services on-site if you need one taken, though there is a fee.

Fees and payment at your appointment

Passport process fees vary depending on whether you are explore for a new passport, renewing, or replacing a lost one. As of 2024, a new adult passport book costs $130, and a passport card costs $35; a child passport book costs $105. Expedited processing (5–7 business days instead of 6–8 weeks) adds $60. Routine processing is the standard when you book through the scheduler.

The Post Office accepts cash, check, money order, or credit and debit cards. Bring payment in the form you prefer. You will also pay a Post Office acceptance fee of $35 on top of the State Department fee. The total cost for a new adult passport book with routine processing is therefore $165.

What happens after your appointment

The Post Office will accept your process and documents at your appointment, take your photo if you did not bring one, and send everything to the State Department. You will receive a receipt with a tracking number. Routine processing takes 6–8 weeks; expedited processing takes 5–7 business days but costs more.

You can track your passport status online using your receipt number and date of birth on the State Department website (travel.state.gov). The State Department will mail your passport to the address you provided on your process. If you need your passport sooner than the standard timeframe, you can request expedited processing in person at a passport agency, but that requires a separate appointment and is only available in certain cities.

If you need to cancel or reschedule

To cancel or change your appointment, go back to usps.com and find the passport scheduler. You should be able to enter your confirmation number and email address to modify or cancel. If you cannot find the option online, call 1-877-487-2778 and a representative will make the change for you.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, the slot is lost and you will need to book a new one. Some locations may flag repeated no-shows, so cancel if your plans change. There is no penalty for canceling or rescheduling through the official scheduler.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person explore for the passport must be the one to schedule the appointment. Parents or guardians can schedule for minors, but the minor's name and information must be entered into the scheduler. If a minor cannot attend, a parent or legal guardian can go in their place with a notarized letter of consent and the minor's birth certificate.

What if the nearest passport-accepting Post Office is far away?

The scheduler shows all locations within a reasonable distance of your ZIP code. If none are convenient, you can search a different ZIP code or try a nearby city. Some people travel to a location with more availability rather than wait weeks for a slot closer to home. You can also contact your local Post Office directly to ask if they plan to start offering passport services.

Do I have to print my confirmation email?

Most Post Offices do not require a printed confirmation, but some ask you to bring it. Save or print the email with your confirmation number, appointment time, and location address just in case. At minimum, write down your confirmation number before you go.

Can I renew my passport by mail instead of in person?

Yes, if your passport is not expired by more than five years, you are not changing your name, and you do not need expedited processing. You can mail your process and passport to the State Department using Form DS-82. The scheduler is for in-person appointments only, so use it only if you need to explore in person.

What if I arrive late to my appointment?

Call the Post Office location when ready if you are running more than 10 or 15 minutes late. Some locations will still see you if you are slightly late; others may cancel your slot and ask you to reschedule. It is better to call ahead than to arrive and find your appointment has been given to someone else.