How to Book and Prepare for Your US Passport Application Appointment

Where to book your passport appointment

You book a US passport appointment through the State Department's official appointment system at passports.state.gov. The site lets you search for passport acceptance facilities near you—these include post offices, libraries, county clerk offices, and dedicated passport acceptance agencies. You choose your location, select an available date and time, and receive a confirmation number by email.

Not all passport facilities accept appointments. Some operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly smaller post offices and libraries. The State Department website shows which locations near you take appointments and which do not. If your nearest facility doesn't offer appointments, you can travel to one that does, or ask about their walk-in hours and expected wait times.

Passport agencies in major cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington DC) handle expedited and emergency services and require appointments. Regional agencies also exist in some states. If you need your passport urgently, these agencies are your fastest option, though they charge extra fees.

Key Takeaways

• Book through passports.state.gov by searching your location and selecting an available time slot; you'll receive a confirmation number immediately.
• Bring your confirmation number, completed form (DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals), proof of citizenship, photo ID, and a passport photo to your appointment.
• Processing times vary: routine service takes several weeks, expedited service (available at some locations) takes one to two weeks, and emergency same-day service is only available at passport agencies in major cities.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all required documents; missing documents will result in rejection and you'll need to reschedule.
• You cannot transfer your appointment to another person, and cancellations must be made through the State Department website at least 24 hours before your scheduled time.

What documents you need before your appointment

Gather your documents before you book. You'll need a completed application form (DS-11 for a new passport book, DS-82 for renewal by mail, or DS-64 if reporting a lost or stolen passport). Download and print these from the State Department website or pick up a form at your appointment location. You must sign the form in front of the acceptance agent—do not sign it beforehand.

Bring proof of US citizenship: an original or certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous US passport. A photocopy is not acceptable. You also need a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, military ID, or state ID. If you don't have one, bring two documents that together establish your identity and age (such as a school ID and Social Security card).

A passport photo is required—4x6 inches, color, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background. You can have one taken at most post offices, pharmacies, and photo studios for $10 to $20. Some acceptance facilities offer photo services on-site. Bring the original photo; do not submit a printed copy from your phone or computer.

If you're renewing a passport that is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older, you may be able to renew by mail instead of in person, which costs less and takes longer. Check the State Department website to see if you may have access to; if you do, you can skip the appointment entirely.

How to complete your application form correctly

The form you need depends on your situation. Form DS-11 is for a new passport, a replacement for a lost or stolen passport, or a passport that is damaged. Form DS-82 is for renewal if your passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, and has not been lost or stolen. Form DS-64 is specifically for reporting a lost or stolen passport.

Print the form from passports.state.gov and fill it out by hand in black or blue ink. The State Department does not accept typed forms. Answer every question that applies to you. If a question does not apply, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank. Common mistakes include signing the form before your appointment (you must sign in front of the agent), writing in the wrong color ink, or leaving required fields empty.

If you're applying for a minor (under 16), both parents or guardians must appear in person at the appointment, and both must sign the application. If only one parent can attend, bring a notarized statement from the absent parent giving permission. The rules are strict here—missing a signature will delay your application.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 15 minutes early. Bring your confirmation number, completed form, all required documents, and your passport photo. The acceptance agent will review your documents to make sure everything is present and correct. They will ask you to sign the form in their presence. They will take your photo (or use the one you brought) and scan your documents.

The agent will collect your fee—$130 for a passport book if you're 16 or older, $100 if you're under 16, plus $35 for expedited service if you choose it. Fees change periodically; check passports.state.gov for current amounts. Most locations accept cash, check, or card, but confirm what your location takes when you book.

The agent will give you a receipt showing your application number and expected delivery date. Keep this receipt. You will not receive your passport at the appointment—it will be mailed to the address you provided on your form. Standard processing takes several weeks. Expedited service (available at some locations) takes one to two weeks. Emergency same-day service is only available at passport agencies in major cities and requires proof of imminent travel.

Processing times and tracking your passport

Routine service currently takes several weeks from the date of your appointment. Expedited service takes one to two weeks and costs an extra $35. These timelines are estimates and can shift depending on application volume. The State Department website shows current processing times by service type.

Track your passport using your application number at passports.state.gov. The tracking system updates as your application moves through processing, printing, and mailing. You can also call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time) to check status by phone.

Your passport will be mailed to the address you listed on your application. If you need it sent somewhere else, you must update your address before your appointment or contact the State Department immediately after. Passports are sent via standard mail, not tracked delivery, so allow extra time for postal delays.

If you need your passport urgently

If you're traveling within two weeks, you need expedited service. This is available at some passport acceptance facilities and at all passport agencies. Expedited service costs $35 extra and takes one to two weeks. Book an appointment at a location that offers it, or go directly to a passport agency in a major city.

If you're traveling within 72 hours, you need emergency same-day service. This is only available at passport agencies, not at post offices or libraries. You must appear in person with proof of imminent travel (a plane ticket, cruise confirmation, or travel itinerary showing departure within 72 hours). Same-day service costs $60 extra on top of the standard fee. Call ahead to confirm the agency can process your request that day—they sometimes reach capacity.

If your passport was lost or stolen abroad, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate. They can issue an emergency travel document that lets you return to the United States. This is not a full passport but will get you home.

Cancelling or rescheduling your appointment

Cancel or reschedule through passports.state.gov using your confirmation number. You must make changes at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. If you cancel within 24 hours or miss your appointment without cancelling, you lose your appointment slot and will need to book a new one, which may take weeks depending on availability at your location.

If you need to reschedule, the system will show you available times at the same location or nearby locations. If no times work for you, cancel and check back later—new slots open regularly as people reschedule or cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person at your appointment. The acceptance agent needs to verify your identity and witness your signature on the application form. If you cannot attend, you must cancel and reschedule for a time you can go.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This can take several weeks. If you have a previous US passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth, those can substitute. Call the National Passport Information Center to discuss your specific situation.

Can I get a passport photo taken at my appointment?

Some acceptance facilities offer photo services on-site for a fee, but not all do. Check the details for your location on passports.state.gov. If your location doesn't offer photos, bring one with you or have one taken beforehand at a pharmacy or photo studio.

What if my documents are in a different name than my current name?

Bring documents showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The acceptance agent will review these to confirm the connection between your old and new names. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

How do I know if my appointment was confirmed?

You'll receive a confirmation email at the address you provided when you booked. The email includes your confirmation number, location, date, time, and a list of required documents. Save this email and bring your confirmation number to your appointment. If you don't receive a confirmation email within a few minutes of booking, check your spam folder or rebook.