How to Schedule a Passport Appointment in Seattle

Where to book your Seattle passport appointment

Seattle has one full-service passport acceptance facility run by the U.S. State Department: the Seattle Passport Agency, located at 915 Second Avenue, Suite 992, Seattle, WA 98174. This office handles both new passport applications and renewals, and it is the only place in the city where you can apply in person.

You cannot walk in without an appointment. The State Department requires you to book a time slot before you arrive, and appointments fill weeks in advance during peak travel seasons (spring and summer). If you need a passport urgently, this office also handles expedited requests, but expediting adds cost and requires you to meet specific timing rules.

King County also has a passport acceptance agent at the King County Administration Building (500 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104), but this location only accepts applications — it does not issue passports or handle renewals. If you use this location, your application will be sent to the Seattle Passport Agency or another processing center, and you will wait longer than if you applied directly at the agency.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment at the Seattle Passport Agency online through the State Department's appointment system at travel.state.gov — you cannot call or book by mail.
• Bring your completed DS-11 form (new passport) or DS-82 form (renewal), a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo that meets State Department rules.
• Standard processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks but costs extra and requires you to pick up your passport in person.
• If no appointments are available, check the system daily — cancellations open up regularly, especially on weekday mornings.

How to book your appointment online

Go to travel.state.gov/appointments and select "Book an Appointment." Choose Washington as your state, then select "Seattle Passport Agency" from the list of locations. The system will show you available dates and times for the next several weeks.

You will need to enter your name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. The system will send you a confirmation email with your appointment date, time, and a list of documents to bring. Save this confirmation — you will need to show it when you arrive. If your plans change, you can cancel or reschedule through the same website up to 24 hours before your appointment.

The online system is the only way to book. The Seattle Passport Agency does not accept phone calls for appointments, and you cannot reserve a time by mail or in person.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring the form that matches your situation. If you are applying for your first passport or your passport was lost or stolen, bring a completed DS-11 form (Application for a U.S. Passport). If your passport is expired and you still have it, you may be able to renew by mail instead, but if you want to renew in person, bring a completed DS-82 form (U.S. Passport Renewal Application).

You also need a valid photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), and a passport photo. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, in color, with a white or off-white background, and showing your face straight-on with a neutral expression. Many drugstores and pharmacies in Seattle (CVS, Walgreens, Costco) offer passport photos for $10 to $20.

If you are applying for a child's passport, bring the child, both parents or guardians, and the child's birth certificate. If only one parent can attend, bring a notarized consent form from the other parent.

Processing times and expediting

Standard passport processing takes four to six weeks from the date you submit your application. Expedited processing takes two to three weeks but costs an additional $60 on top of the passport fee. To use expedited service, you must request it when you apply, and you must pick up your passport in person — it cannot be mailed to you.

If you need your passport even faster, the State Department offers emergency passport service for people traveling within 72 hours. You must go to the Seattle Passport Agency in person (no appointment needed for emergencies), bring proof of your travel plans, and pay an additional fee. This service is available only on weekdays during business hours.

Processing times can shift depending on how many applications the agency receives. During summer months and around holidays, wait times often stretch longer than the standard range. Check the State Department website before your appointment to see current processing times.

Passport fees and payment methods

A new adult passport book costs $130. A passport card (a wallet-sized ID valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean) costs $35. You can get both together for $165. Passport renewals cost the same as new applications.

Expedited processing adds $60. Replacement of a lost or stolen passport costs the same as a new passport. The Seattle Passport Agency accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card — bring whichever payment method you prefer.

If you are under 16, the fee is lower ($100 for a book, $20 for a card), and a parent or guardian must apply with you.

What to expect when you arrive

Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. Bring your confirmation email or print it out. The office is on the 9th floor of the building; take the elevator and check in at the reception desk. A staff member will review your documents, answer questions about your application, take your photo if you did not bring one, and process your payment.

The entire appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will not receive your passport that day — it will be mailed to you or held for pickup, depending on which service you chose. If you selected expedited service and chose in-person pickup, the agency will call you when your passport is ready, usually within two to three weeks.

If no appointments are available

The Seattle Passport Agency's appointment calendar often shows no openings for weeks, especially during spring and summer. This does not mean you cannot get an appointment — it means the visible slots are full. Check the booking system daily, particularly on weekday mornings around 8 a.m., when cancellations are most likely to appear.

If you cannot find an appointment in Seattle and you are not in a rush, consider applying at the King County Administration Building (acceptance only) or at a passport acceptance agent in a less busy county. Your application will take longer to process, but you will not have to wait as long for an appointment slot.

If you need a passport within two weeks, call the Seattle Passport Agency directly at 206-808-5700 to ask about emergency appointments or expedited processing options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if your passport is not damaged, was not lost or stolen, and you still have it in your possession. You can mail your application (DS-82 form), passport, new photo, and payment to the address on the form. This takes four to six weeks and costs less than in-person renewal because you do not pay the execution fee. Check the State Department website for the current mailing address.

What if I lost my passport or it was stolen?

You must apply in person at the Seattle Passport Agency with form DS-11. You cannot renew by mail or use expedited service for a lost or stolen passport. Bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required. Processing takes the standard four to six weeks.

Do I need an appointment for emergency passport service?

No. If you are traveling within 72 hours, you can go to the Seattle Passport Agency without an appointment during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Bring proof of your travel plans (airline ticket, hotel reservation, or itinerary) and be prepared to pay an additional emergency fee on top of the regular passport cost.

Can someone else pick up my passport if I chose in-person pickup?

No. The State Department requires you to pick up your passport in person with a valid photo ID. You cannot authorize someone else to collect it on your behalf.

What if I made a mistake on my application form?

Bring the form with you and tell the staff member at your appointment. They can help you correct minor errors before processing. If you discover a mistake after you have submitted your application, contact the Seattle Passport Agency at 206-808-5700 as soon as possible.