How to Schedule and Attend Your Passport Renewal Appointment

Book your appointment through the State Department's online system or by phone

You cannot walk into a passport acceptance facility and renew your passport without an appointment. The State Department's official appointment system is at passports.state.gov, where you can see available dates and times at locations near you. If you do not have internet access or prefer to book by phone, call 1-877-487-2778 (toll-free) during business hours.

When you book online, the system shows you which facilities have openings and lets you pick the date and time that works for you. You will receive a confirmation number immediately — save this number and the appointment details. If you book by phone, a representative will assign you a slot and email or mail your confirmation.

Appointment availability varies by location and season. Urban passport agencies often fill up weeks in advance, while smaller regional facilities may have openings sooner. If your nearest location has no dates available, check facilities in neighbouring cities or counties — you can travel to any passport acceptance location in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment at passports.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778; you cannot renew without one.
• Bring your current passport, a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents in hand, as missing paperwork will result in a cancelled appointment.
• Processing times vary from same-day service at some agencies to several weeks at others, depending on the facility and current demand.
• If you cannot keep your appointment, cancel online or by phone at least 72 hours ahead to free the slot for someone else.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your current passport, even if it is expired. You will also need the correct application form — Form DS-82 if you are renewing by mail or in person and your passport is still valid, or Form DS-11 if your passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged. You can download both forms from state.gov or pick them up at the passport facility.

You must also bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID) and proof of citizenship. Proof of citizenship means your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. A photocopy is not enough — bring the original document.

If you are renewing a child's passport, bring the child's current passport, the completed form, your photo ID, and the child's birth certificate. You will also need to bring the other parent or a court order if the other parent is not present.

Arrive early and bring originals, not copies

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. Passport facilities are strict about start times, and arriving late can result in your appointment being cancelled. Bring all original documents — passport agencies will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate, naturalization papers, or ID, even if they are certified.

Bring a recent colour photo if you are applying for a new passport book (not a renewal). The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face clearly against a white or off-white background. Passport photos taken at drugstores or photo studios usually meet the requirements.

If you have changed your name since your last passport, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The agency will not process your renewal without it.

Processing times depend on the facility and current workload

Some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day service if you pay an expedited fee, but this is not available at all locations. Standard processing at most facilities takes one to three weeks. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), processing can stretch to four to six weeks even with expedited service.

When you book your appointment, the system will tell you the expected processing time for that specific location. Ask the staff member at your appointment when you can expect to receive your passport — they can give you a more precise date based on current demand.

You can track your passport's status online at passports.state.gov using your confirmation number and date of birth. The tracking system updates as your application moves through each stage.

What happens during your appointment

A passport agent will review your documents, ask you to sign the application form in front of them, and take your photo if you are getting a new passport book. The entire appointment usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. The agent will tell you when your passport will be ready and how you will receive it — by mail, by courier, or for pickup at the facility.

If any of your documents are missing or incomplete, the agent will tell you immediately and may cancel your appointment. You will have to reschedule and come back with the correct paperwork. This is why checking the requirements before you arrive matters.

If you are paying by check or money order, bring it made out to "U.S. Department of State." Most facilities also take cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Fees vary depending on whether you are renewing a passport book, a passport card, or both, and whether you choose standard or expedited processing.

Cancel or reschedule if your plans change

If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online at passports.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778. Cancelling at least 72 hours before your appointment time frees the slot for someone else and may allow you to rebook sooner. If you cancel less than 72 hours before, you may lose your appointment fee.

To reschedule, cancel your current appointment first, then book a new one through the same system. If your location has no available dates, check other nearby facilities or wait a few days for new slots to open.

What to do if you miss your appointment

If you do not show up for your appointment, you will lose the fee you paid and will have to book a new appointment from scratch. The system may also flag your account, which can delay future bookings. If you are running late, call the facility directly — some agents will hold your slot for a few extra minutes if you call ahead, but this is not may provide.

If an emergency prevents you from attending, contact the facility as soon as possible. Explain your situation and ask whether you can reschedule without losing your fee. Policies vary by location, but staff may be willing to work with you if you reach out before your appointment time passes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person whose passport is being renewed must book the appointment themselves using their own information. If someone is unable to book online, another person can help them through the phone line at 1-877-487-2778, but the applicant's details must be used.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You will need to obtain one before your appointment. Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This can take several weeks, so start the process as soon as you know you need to renew your passport. The passport agency will not process your renewal without proof of citizenship.

Can I renew my passport by mail instead of going to an appointment?

You can renew by mail only if your passport is still valid, was issued when you were 16 or older, and you have not changed your name. If any of these do not apply, you must go to a passport facility in person. Mail-in renewals take longer than in-person appointments, usually four to six weeks.

What if my appointment is cancelled by the State Department?

The State Department occasionally cancels appointments due to facility closures or staffing issues. If this happens, you will be notified by email or phone, and you can rebook immediately at passports.state.gov. You will not lose your fee.

Do I need to bring my Social Security number to my appointment?

You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but you should know your number. The application form asks for it. If you do not know your number, you can provide other identifying information, but having it ready makes the process faster.