How to Find and Book a Passport Appointment Near You

Where to search for passport appointments in your area

Passport appointments happen at one of two places: a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency office. Acceptance facilities are usually in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices — they handle new passports and renewals for people who don't need to appear in person. Passport agency offices are federal buildings that handle expedited service, replacement passports, and cases where you need to appear before an official.

To find what's near you, go to the State Department's passport acceptance facility locator at passports.state.gov. Type your city or ZIP code and the tool shows every location within your area, hours, and whether they're currently accepting appointments. Many facilities let you book online through their own systems — the locator tells you which ones and links directly to their booking pages.

If you need faster service or have a complicated case, search for passport agency offices on the same State Department site. These are in major cities only, and you cannot walk in — you must have an appointment. The site shows you which agencies serve your region and how to reach them by phone to book.

Key Takeaways

• Passport acceptance facilities (post offices, libraries, county offices) handle routine passports and let you book online through their own systems, which you find via the State Department locator.
• Passport agency offices are for expedited service or complex cases and require a phone call to book — you cannot walk in or book online.
• The State Department's passport acceptance facility locator shows hours, current availability, and direct links to each location's booking system.
• Processing time varies by location and service type: routine takes four to six weeks at acceptance facilities, while expedited service at an agency office takes one to two weeks.
• You need to bring specific documents (birth certificate, ID, photos) to your appointment, and different locations may have slightly different requirements.

How to book an appointment online

Most post offices and many libraries let you reserve a time slot on their websites without calling. After you find your location in the State Department locator, click the link to that facility's booking system. You'll typically enter your name, phone number, what type of passport service you need (new, renewal, replacement), and pick from available dates and times.

Some systems ask you to upload documents before your appointment — usually a photo of your birth certificate and ID. Others just confirm your appointment and tell you what to bring. Write down your confirmation number and the date and time; some facilities email it, others don't, so don't rely on email alone.

If the facility's online system is down or fully booked, call the location directly. Post offices have a general number (1-800-ASK-USPS) that can transfer you to your local branch, or search "[your city] post office passport" to find the direct number. Libraries and county offices have their own phone lines.

Booking through a passport agency office

Passport agency offices do not have online booking. You must call the agency that serves your region. The State Department website lists the phone number for each agency and the states it covers. When you call, tell them what service you need (new passport, expedited renewal, replacement) and they will give you available appointment dates.

Agencies prioritize appointments based on travel dates. If you're leaving within two weeks, you may get an appointment sooner than someone traveling in two months. Have your travel dates ready when you call. You'll also need to provide your name, phone number, and the type of ID you'll bring to the appointment.

Some agencies let you book through their websites now, but this is still limited — check the State Department site for your region's agency to see if online booking is available. If not, phone is your only option.

What documents to bring to your appointment

For a new passport, bring your original birth certificate (or naturalization papers if you were not born in the U.S.), a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), and a passport photo. The photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, and meet State Department rules — white background, full face, no glasses or hats unless for religious reasons.

For a passport renewal by mail or at an acceptance facility, you need your expired passport, a new photo, and a government ID. Some facilities accept online photo uploads instead of printed photos; check your location's requirements when you book.

For any appointment, bring the completed application form. For a new passport, that's Form DS-11. For a renewal, it's Form DS-82 or DS-64 (if your passport was lost or stolen). You can fill these out before you go or at the facility — most acceptance facilities have forms on hand and staff can help you complete them.

Bring proof of citizenship if you're renewing and your passport is expired by more than five years, or if you're applying for a passport card. Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. Bring a check or money order for the passport fee — acceptance facilities do not always take cards, so call ahead to confirm payment methods.

Processing time and when to expect your passport

At an acceptance facility, routine service takes four to six weeks from the date you apply. Expedited service takes two to three weeks and costs extra — not all acceptance facilities offer it, so ask when you book. You pick up your passport by mail at the address you provide, or at some locations in person.

At a passport agency office, expedited service takes one to two weeks, and routine service takes two to three weeks. You receive your passport by mail unless you request in-person pickup at the agency.

Processing times are estimates and can stretch if the agency is backlogged or if your application is incomplete. If you're traveling soon, book an appointment at a passport agency office rather than an acceptance facility — the agency can turn around a passport faster and can sometimes issue it the same day if you have an emergency.

What to do if your nearest location is fully booked

If your local post office or library has no appointments available for weeks, check locations in nearby towns or cities. The State Department locator shows all facilities in your region, and you can travel to one farther away if it has sooner availability. Some people find an opening 30 minutes away rather than waiting two months locally.

If all acceptance facilities near you are booked, call the nearest passport agency office. Agencies keep some appointments open for walk-ins or last-minute cancellations, and staff can sometimes fit you in if your travel is urgent. Explain your timeline when you call.

You can also ask the acceptance facility staff when they expect new appointment slots to open. Many facilities release slots in batches — for example, every Monday morning — so calling ahead can tell you the best time to check the online system.

Preparing for your appointment day

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents in a folder. Bring originals, not copies — staff need to see the real birth certificate and ID. Bring the completed application form, even if you filled it out online; some facilities print it for you, but having your own copy prevents delays.

Bring your payment in the form the facility accepts. Post offices usually take checks, money orders, and sometimes cards — call ahead to confirm. County offices and libraries vary widely, so ask when you book. Bring exact change or a check made out to the U.S. Department of State if you're unsure.

If you're applying for a child's passport, both parents or guardians must be present, or one parent must bring a notarized consent form from the other. Bring the child's birth certificate and your ID as proof of parentage. Some facilities require an appointment for each family member, so book accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a passport appointment for someone else?

No. The person applying must book their own appointment or have a parent or legal guardian book it for them. If you're applying for a child, one parent can book and attend. For an adult, they must call or go online themselves.

What if I need a passport in less than two weeks?

Call the nearest passport agency office immediately — they handle expedited cases and may have same-day or next-day appointments for people with imminent travel. Bring proof of your travel date (flight confirmation, cruise ticket) to your appointment. Routine service at an acceptance facility will not meet your timeline.

Do I need to book an appointment for a passport renewal if my passport is not expired?

No. If your passport is valid and you're renewing early, you can mail in Form DS-82 with your passport and new photo — no appointment needed. You only need an in-person appointment if your passport is expired, lost, stolen, or if you're applying for the first time.

Can I change my appointment time after I book?

Most online systems let you cancel and rebook a different time slot. Call the facility directly if you cannot change it online. Canceling and rebooking is faster than calling staff to move your appointment for you.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

You lose your appointment slot and must book again. Some facilities have a cancellation fee or require you to wait longer for the next opening. If you cannot make it, cancel online or call as soon as you know so someone else can use that time.