How to Schedule Your Passport Appointment

Where to book your passport appointment

You book a passport appointment through the State Department's official website at passports.state.gov. The site has a scheduling tool that shows you available times at passport acceptance facilities and passport agencies near you. You do not call ahead or email — the online system is the only way to reserve a time slot.

Passport acceptance facilities are usually located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Passport agencies are federal offices in major cities. Both can process passport applications, but passport agencies handle expedited requests and lost or stolen passports. The scheduling tool tells you which type of facility is closest and what services each one offers.

If you cannot access the website or need help finding a location, you can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and can tell you where to go and what times are open. They cannot book the appointment for you — you still have to do that online.

Key Takeaways

• Go to passports.state.gov and use the appointment scheduling tool to find locations and book a time slot in your area.
• You will need to enter your zip code, the type of service you need (new passport, renewal, or replacement), and whether you need it quickly.
• Bring the documents the confirmation email lists — usually a completed application form, proof of citizenship, photo ID, and a passport photo.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all required documents, because missing paperwork will cancel your appointment and you will have to reschedule.
• Processing times vary: routine service takes 6 to 8 weeks, expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks, and some agencies offer same-day or next-day service for an extra fee.

What information you need before you book

Have your zip code ready and know what type of passport service you need. The scheduling tool asks whether you are applying for a new passport, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or stolen passport. Each type has different requirements and different wait times, so choosing the right category matters.

You will also choose whether you need routine or expedited service. Routine service is slower and costs less. Expedited service costs more but moves faster. Some passport agencies also offer a same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, but this is only available at certain locations and only for specific situations — the scheduling tool will tell you if it is an option near you.

Have your phone number and email address ready. The State Department will send you a confirmation email with your appointment details and a list of documents to bring. You will need this confirmation when you arrive.

Steps to complete your online appointment booking

Go to passports.state.gov and click on the appointment scheduling link. Enter your zip code and select the type of service you need. The tool will show you available locations and open time slots for the next several weeks.

Choose the location and time that work for you. You will then enter your name, date of birth, phone number, and email address. The system will send you a confirmation email — save this email or print it out, because you will need to show it when you arrive.

The confirmation will list exactly which documents you must bring. Read it carefully. Different types of applications require different paperwork. For example, a new passport requires a birth certificate or naturalization papers, but a renewal may only require your old passport. Arriving without the right documents will result in your appointment being cancelled.

Documents you will need to bring

All passport applications require a completed application form, proof of U.S. citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo. The form you need depends on your situation: Form DS-11 for a new passport or replacement, or Form DS-82 for a renewal by mail (though if you are going in person, you may use DS-11 instead).

Proof of citizenship can be an original or certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship. A photocopy is not enough — you must bring the original document or a certified copy. Your government-issued photo ID can be a driver's license, state ID, or military ID.

Your passport photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and show your face straight-on against a white or off-white background. You can have it taken at the passport facility itself for a fee if you do not have one, but bringing one from a pharmacy or photo studio is usually faster and cheaper.

If you are 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 going in person. The confirmation email will tell you whether your situation qualifies.

What to expect when you arrive

Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time. Bring your confirmation email, all required documents, and a valid photo ID. The staff will review your paperwork, take your photo if you did not bring one, and collect your application and fee.

The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The staff will not make a decision on the spot — they will tell you when to expect your passport based on the service type you chose. Routine service takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks. Same-day or next-day service, where available, costs extra.

You can track your application online using your confirmation number once the State Department has processed it. You will receive an email when your passport is ready for pickup or when it is being mailed to you, depending on which facility you used.

If you cannot keep your appointment

Cancel or reschedule through the same scheduling tool on passports.state.gov. Log back in with your confirmation number and email address, and you can change your time or location. Cancelling frees up the slot for someone else and lets you book a different time.

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you will lose that slot and have to book a new one. There is no penalty beyond having to reschedule, but it means a longer wait if the facility is busy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person applying for the passport must book their own appointment using their own information. If you are helping a minor or someone who cannot use the website, you can help them fill out the form, but they must be present at the appointment with their own ID.

What if there are no appointments available in my area?

Check the scheduling tool again in a few days — cancellations open up regularly. You can also search for facilities in nearby cities or counties. If you need a passport urgently, some passport agencies offer same-day or next-day appointments for an additional fee, but these are limited and only at certain locations.

Do I need to print my confirmation email?

You should bring it with you, either printed or on your phone. The staff will scan or reference the confirmation number to pull up your appointment details. Having it saves time and reduces the chance of errors.

Can I change my appointment after I book it?

Yes. Log back into the scheduling tool with your confirmation number and email address, and you can reschedule to a different date, time, or location. You can do this as many times as you need before your appointment.

What happens if I do not have all my documents when I arrive?

Your appointment will be cancelled and you will have to reschedule. The staff cannot process your application without the exact documents listed in your confirmation email. Gather everything before you go.