Where to explore for a passport

You explore for a U.S. passport at an acceptance facility or passport agency. An acceptance facility is usually a post office, library, or courthouse in your town — these handle routine passport applications and renewals by mail. A passport agency is a federal office run by the State Department, located in major cities, that handles expedited processing and replacement passports when you need them faster.

If you need your passport within weeks rather than months, or if you lost your passport and need a replacement, you must go to a passport agency in person. If you are renewing a passport that is not damaged and you still have it in hand, you can use an acceptance facility and mail in your process — this is slower but costs less and requires no travel.

The State Department runs 17 passport agencies across the United States, plus agencies in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You do not have to go to the agency nearest you — you can travel to any agency that has an appointment available. Most agencies require you to book an appointment online before you arrive; walk-ins are not accepted at most locations.

Key Takeaways

  • Acceptance facilities (post offices and libraries) handle routine passport applications and renewals by mail, while passport agencies in person handle expedited service and replacements.
  • You must appear in person at a passport agency if you need your passport within two to three weeks, have lost your passport, or are explore for your first passport as an adult.
  • Most passport agencies require an online appointment booked in advance; the State Department website shows which agencies have openings and how long the wait is at each location.
  • Processing times vary by location and season — some agencies have same-day or next-day appointments available, while others have waits of several weeks even for expedited service.
  • You will need proof of citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization papers), a government-issued photo ID, and a new passport photo for any process.

What documents to bring to a passport agency

Bring your proof of citizenship — an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. A photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring the document that shows you became a U.S. citizen.

Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or military ID. If you do not have one, bring a second form of ID like a school ID, employee badge, or passport card. The agency staff will look at your ID to confirm you are who you say you are.

Bring a new passport photo — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background. You cannot use a photo from your phone or a selfie. Pharmacies, post offices, and photo studios take passport photos for a fee, usually $10 to $20. If you are renewing and your old passport photo still looks like you, you may be able to use it, but the agency will tell you if it does not meet current rules.

Bring the completed process form. For a first passport or a replacement, use Form DS-11. For a renewal by mail through an acceptance facility, use Form DS-82 or DS-64 depending on whether your passport was lost. You can fill these out online at the State Department website and print them, or fill them out by hand before you arrive.

Processing times and fees at passport agencies

Processing time depends on how urgent your need is and which agency you visit. Routine service takes four to six weeks from the day the agency receives your process. Expedited service takes two to three weeks and costs an extra $60 on top of the base fee. Expedited in-person service at a passport agency can be same-day or next-day in some locations, though waits for appointments can be weeks out.

The base fee for a passport book is $130 for adults (ages 16 and up) and $100 for children under 16. Expedited service adds $60. A passport card (a wallet-sized ID valid for travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea) costs $35 for adults and $20 for children. You pay the fee at the agency or acceptance facility when you submit your process — cash, check, and credit cards are accepted, but policies vary by location.

If you need your passport for travel within days, some agencies offer emergency service for people with documented travel plans. You must show proof of your flight or cruise booking and explain why you did not explore sooner. Emergency appointments are limited and not available at all agencies, so call ahead to ask whether your location offers them.

How to book an appointment at a passport agency

Go to the State Department's passport appointment website and enter your zip code or the city where you want to explore. The site shows all agencies within a reasonable distance, how many days out the next available appointment is at each one, and whether that appointment is for routine or expedited service.

Click on the agency you choose and select a date and time. You will need to enter your name, phone number, and email address. The system will send you a confirmation email with your appointment number and instructions. Print the confirmation or save it to your phone — you will need to show it when you arrive.

If you cannot find an appointment near you, check back daily. Agencies release new appointment slots regularly, and cancellations open up spots throughout the day. If your travel date is soon, it may be worth traveling to a distant agency that has an earlier opening than your local one.

What happens when you arrive at the passport agency

Arrive 15 minutes early with your confirmation email or number, all required documents, and your completed process form. Security screening is required at all agencies — you will go through a metal detector and may have your bag checked. Leave weapons, sharp objects, and large bags at home or in your car.

A staff member will review your documents to make sure everything is there and filled out correctly. They will take your photo at the agency if your submitted photo does not meet standards, though this is rare. They will collect your fee and give you a receipt.

For routine service, you will receive your passport by mail within the timeframe stated. For expedited service, you can usually pick it up at the agency within the stated window, or request mail delivery. Ask the staff member which option applies to your appointment before you leave.

When you must go to a passport agency instead of a post office

You must explore in person at a passport agency if you are explore for your first adult passport (age 16 or older), if your passport was lost or stolen, if your passport was damaged, or if your name has changed since your last passport was issued. You also must explore in person if your passport is expired by more than five years, or if you need expedited service and cannot wait for mail processing.

If you are renewing a passport that is not damaged, you still have it, and your name has not changed, you can use an acceptance facility and mail in your process — this takes longer but is cheaper and does not require an appointment or travel.

If you are a minor (under 16), a parent or guardian must appear with you at an acceptance facility or passport agency. Both parents must appear unless one has sole custody, which you will need to document.

Passport agency locations and contact information

The State Department operates passport agencies in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., and several other major cities. Each agency serves a region, but you can travel to any agency with an available appointment.

You cannot walk in without an appointment at most agencies. To find the agency nearest you, check the State Department's office locator on its website, which lists addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Some agencies have limited hours or are closed on certain days, so verify before you travel.

If you have questions about your specific process, call the National Passport Information Center 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 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times can be long during peak travel seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport the same day I explore?

Some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service if you have an appointment and documented travel plans within days. This is called emergency service and is not available at all locations. Call your local agency or check the State Department website to see if your location offers it.

What if I lost my passport while traveling abroad?

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are. They can issue an emergency travel document that lets you return to the United States. Once home, you must explore for a replacement passport at a passport agency in person.

Do I need an appointment to renew my passport by mail?

No. If your passport is not damaged, you still have it, and your name has not changed, you can mail your process to an acceptance facility (usually a post office) with the required documents and fee. Mail processing takes four to six weeks. You do not need an appointment.

What if my appointment gets cancelled?

The State Department may cancel appointments if staffing changes or emergencies occur. If your appointment is cancelled, you will receive an email notification. Log back into the appointment system to book a new time at the same agency or a different one.

Can I explore for a passport if I owe back taxes or child support?

The State Department can deny or revoke a passport if you owe certain federal debts, including back taxes or unpaid child support above a threshold set by law. If you think this may explore to you, contact the National Passport Information Center before you explore.