How to Book a Time Slot at Your Local Post Office

What the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler does

The USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler is an online tool that lets you reserve a specific time to visit a Post Office location for services like passport photos, notary services, or help with shipping. Instead of walking in and waiting in line, you book a slot ahead of time, show up at that time, and go straight to a clerk.

Not every Post Office offers appointments, and not every service can be booked this way. The scheduler only works at participating locations, and you can only reserve time for certain transactions. If your local office doesn't participate or doesn't offer the service you need, you'll have to visit without an appointment.

Key Takeaways

• You can book Post Office appointments online at usps.com by entering your ZIP code and selecting a location and service type.
• Appointment availability depends on your location and the service you need — not all Post Offices or services participate in the scheduler.
• You can book up to 30 days in advance, and you'll receive a confirmation number and reminder before your slot.
• If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so through the same online tool up until your appointment time.

How to find and book an appointment

Go to usps.com and look for the "Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler" link, usually found in the main navigation or under "Services." Enter your ZIP code or city name. The tool will show you nearby Post Offices that offer appointments.

Select the location you want to visit. A calendar will appear showing available dates. Click on a date, and the tool will show you available time slots for that day. Choose the time that works for you. You'll then select the service you need — passport photos, notary, shipping help, or another available option — and confirm your appointment.

You'll receive a confirmation number when ready. Write it down or take a screenshot. The USPS will also send you a reminder email before your appointment, usually 24 hours in advance.

What services you can book through the scheduler

Common services available through the appointment scheduler include passport photos, notary services, and information with shipping and mailing. Some locations also offer help with mailbox rentals, money orders, and other retail transactions. The exact services vary by location.

Before you book, the scheduler will show you which services that specific Post Office offers. If the service you need isn't listed for your location, you can either try a different nearby Post Office or visit without an appointment to ask if they can still help you.

How far in advance you can book

You can schedule an appointment up to 30 days ahead. This means if today is January 15, you can book a slot as far out as February 14. You cannot book same-day appointments through the online scheduler.

If you need to visit a Post Office today or tomorrow, you'll have to go in person without an appointment. Walk-in customers are served on a first-come, first-served basis, though appointment holders are typically called before walk-ins.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your confirmation number and a valid ID. For passport photos, bring the photo specifications or ask the clerk what's required. For notary services, bring the documents you need notarized and a valid ID. For shipping, have your package ready and know where it's going.

Arrive a few minutes early. If you're running late, contact the Post Office directly — the phone number will be on your confirmation email. If you miss your appointment, you can book another one through the scheduler.

Canceling or rescheduling your appointment

You can cancel or reschedule through the same online tool. Go back to usps.com, find the scheduler, and enter your confirmation number. You'll see options to change your time or date, or to cancel entirely. You can make changes up until your appointment time.

If you cancel, that time slot opens up for other customers to book. If you need to reschedule but the scheduler isn't working or you can't find your confirmation number, call the Post Office location directly — the number is on your confirmation email.

What to do if your location doesn't offer appointments

If the scheduler shows no participating locations near you, or if your Post Office doesn't offer the service you need, visit in person during regular business hours. Post Offices serve walk-in customers every day, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

You can call your local Post Office to ask about wait times before you go, or to confirm they offer the service you need. The Post Office locator on usps.com includes phone numbers for each location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No, you must book the appointment for yourself. The person who books the appointment should be the one who shows up. If someone else needs to visit, they can book their own appointment through the scheduler.

What happens if I'm late to my appointment?

Call the Post Office as soon as you know you'll be late. The number is on your confirmation email. If you miss your slot entirely, you can book another appointment through the scheduler or visit as a walk-in customer.

Can I change my appointment after I book it?

Yes, you can reschedule or cancel through the online scheduler using your confirmation number. Changes can be made up until your appointment time. After your appointment time has passed, you'll need to book a new one.

Do I have to pay to use the appointment scheduler?

No, booking an appointment is free. You only pay for the actual service — passport photos, notary fees, shipping, or whatever you're there for.

What if I don't have internet access to book online?

Call your local Post Office directly. The staff can tell you about appointment availability and may be able to help you book over the phone, though policies vary by location.