Do You Need an Appointment to Get a Passport?

Yes, you need an appointment at most passport acceptance facilities

Most places that issue or accept passport applications require you to book an appointment in advance. Walk-ins are rarely accepted, and showing up without one usually means being turned away. The main exception is passport agencies in major cities, which operate on a limited first-come, first-served basis for expedited service — but even those have appointment slots available if you want to may provide your place in line.

The type of appointment you need depends on what you're doing: applying for your first passport, renewing one that's still valid, or replacing a lost or damaged one. Each has different requirements and different places that will accept it.

Key Takeaways

• Post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices that accept passport applications require appointments booked in advance through the State Department's online system.
• Passport agencies in major cities accept both appointments and walk-ins for expedited service, but appointments may provide you won't wait hours.
• You can book an appointment online at passports.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778, and most appointments are available within two to four weeks.
• If you need your passport in less than two weeks, you must go to a passport agency in person; mail-in renewal and acceptance facilities cannot meet that timeline.
• Minors under 16 must appear in person with both parents or guardians, and this requirement applies whether you're using an appointment or walk-in service.

Where you can book an appointment and how

The State Department runs an online appointment system at passports.state.gov. You enter your zip code, choose the type of service you need (new passport, renewal, replacement), and the system shows you nearby facilities with available slots. Most appointments are available within two to four weeks, though this varies by location and season.

If you cannot book online, you can call 1-877-487-2778 to reserve an appointment by phone. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern time. Have your zip code ready and know whether you need a new passport, renewal, or replacement.

Facilities that accept appointments include post offices, public libraries, county clerk offices, and some municipal buildings. Not every post office or library accepts passport applications — the system will show you which ones in your area do. Passport agencies themselves are located only in major cities: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Denver, and Washington, D.C.

Passport agencies versus acceptance facilities

Passport agencies are federal offices that handle all passport services, including expedited processing. They accept both appointments and walk-ins. If you book an appointment, you arrive at your scheduled time and are seen in order. If you walk in without an appointment, you join the walk-in queue, which can mean a wait of several hours, especially in the morning. Agencies are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings.

Acceptance facilities (post offices, libraries, clerk offices) only accept new passport applications and renewals by mail. They do not issue passports on the spot. You fill out your forms, provide your documents, and pay the fee. The facility mails your application to the nearest passport agency, which processes it and mails the passport back to you. This takes two to three weeks for routine service or one week for expedited service (which costs extra). Acceptance facilities require appointments and do not accept walk-ins.

If you need your passport in less than two weeks, you cannot use an acceptance facility. You must go to a passport agency in person, either with an appointment or as a walk-in.

What to bring to your appointment

Bring your completed application form (Form DS-11 for a new passport, Form DS-82 for renewal, or Form DS-64 for replacement), a government-issued photo ID, proof of 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, and meet specific requirements: full face, neutral expression, no glasses or hats, plain background.

You will also need to pay the fee. As of 2024, a new adult passport book costs $130, a passport card costs $35, and a combined book and card costs $165. Expedited service adds $60. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current amount when you book your appointment.

If you are renewing by mail through an acceptance facility, you can mail these documents instead of appearing in person — but only if your passport is still valid, was issued when you were 16 or older, and is undamaged. If any of those conditions are not met, you must appear in person at an agency.

Minors and parental requirements

If you are under 16, both parents or legal guardians must appear with you at your appointment or walk-in visit. If one parent is deceased, has lost custody, or cannot be located, you must bring a court order or other legal document explaining why. A single parent cannot apply for a minor's passport alone.

If you are 16 or 17, you can apply for your own passport, but at least one parent or guardian must be present. You will sign the application yourself rather than having a parent sign it.

Expedited service and rush timelines

Standard processing takes two to three weeks from the time the passport agency receives your application. Expedited processing takes one week and costs an extra $60. Both timelines assume the agency does not need additional documents from you.

If you need your passport in less than one week, you must go to a passport agency in person and request expedited service on the spot. Agencies can sometimes issue a passport the same day or within 24 hours if you are traveling within a few days, but this is not may provide and depends on the agency's workload. Bring all required documents and be prepared to pay the expedited fee.

If you are traveling internationally within two weeks and do not yet have a passport, your only option is to visit a passport agency in person. Acceptance facilities and mail-in renewal cannot meet that timeline.

What happens if you miss your appointment

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you lose that slot and must book a new one. The system does not automatically rebook you. Cancel through the online system at passports.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778 if your plans change, so the slot becomes available for someone else and you can rebook for a different time if needed.

If you arrive late to your appointment, the facility may turn you away and ask you to rebook. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in without an appointment at a post office or library?

No. Acceptance facilities like post offices and libraries require appointments booked through passports.state.gov. Only passport agencies accept walk-ins, though you may wait several hours if you do not have an appointment.

How far in advance do I need to book an appointment?

You can book as soon as you know you need a passport. Most locations have appointments available within two to four weeks. If you need one sooner, check for cancellations by searching the online system every few days, or go to a passport agency as a walk-in for expedited service.

What if there are no appointments available in my area?

Check nearby cities or counties — you can travel to a different location if it has earlier availability. You can also call 1-877-487-2778 to ask about cancellations or to request a phone appointment for certain services. Some passport agencies also accept walk-ins, though wait times can be long.

Can I renew my passport by mail without an appointment?

Yes, if your passport is still valid, was issued when you were 16 or older, and is undamaged. You mail your application, documents, and fee directly to the passport agency — no appointment needed. This takes two to three weeks for routine service. If your passport is expired, damaged, or was issued before you turned 16, you must appear in person at an agency or acceptance facility.

Do I need an appointment if I'm applying at a passport agency instead of a post office?

Appointments are not required at passport agencies, but they are strongly recommended. You can walk in, but you may wait two to four hours, especially in the morning. If you book an appointment, you arrive at your scheduled time and are seen in order.