How to Book Your Passport Appointment at a Local Acceptance Facility

Where to find and book your appointment

You book a passport appointment through the State Department's official scheduling system at passports.state.gov. The site lets you search for acceptance facilities near you — these are usually post offices, libraries, or county clerk offices — and shows you available dates and times for the next several weeks.

Not every location offers appointments. Some smaller post offices handle passports by walk-in only. The search tool tells you which facilities near you take scheduled appointments and which do not. If nothing is available within a reasonable distance, you can check again in a few days — cancellations open up regularly.

You do not need to create an account or log in to search for appointments. You search by zip code, see what is open, and then book directly. The system will ask for your name, date of birth, and contact information when you confirm your slot.

Key Takeaways

• Book through passports.state.gov by searching your zip code for nearby acceptance facilities and available appointment times.
• Bring your completed DS-11 form (for a new passport) or DS-82 form (for renewal), a valid ID, and proof of citizenship — the facility will tell you exactly which documents they need when you book.
• Appointment slots fill weeks in advance during peak travel seasons, so book as soon as you know your travel dates.
• If you cannot find an appointment nearby, check again in a few days or search a wider radius — cancellations happen frequently.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all required documents; the acceptance agent will review everything before you leave.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The acceptance facility needs to see your completed application form, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of citizenship. For a new passport, you fill out form DS-11 before you arrive. For a renewal by mail, you use DS-82 instead — but you cannot renew by mail if your passport was lost, stolen, or significantly damaged.

Proof of citizenship means an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. A photocopy does not work. Your valid ID can be a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport card — it must not be expired.

You also need one passport photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Many acceptance facilities can take the photo for you on the spot for a small fee if you do not have one ready. Bring cash or a card — policies vary by location.

How to fill out your application before you arrive

Download form DS-11 or DS-82 from the State Department website and fill it out by hand in black or blue ink. Do not type it. The form asks for your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, current address, and contact information. If you are applying for a child's passport, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form.

Sign and date the form in front of the acceptance agent — do not sign it beforehand. The agent needs to watch you sign to confirm your identity. If you sign it at home, the facility will reject it and you will have to start over.

You can also fill out the form at the facility itself if you arrive early, but having it completed saves time. The State Department website has a fillable PDF version that prints clearly, or you can write it by hand.

Timing: how long the appointment takes and when your passport arrives

The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The agent reviews your documents, takes your photo if needed, collects your fee, and processes your application on the spot. You walk out with a receipt showing your application number.

After that, the State Department processes your application at a regional facility. Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks but costs extra. Routine processing is the default unless you pay for expedited service at your appointment.

The State Department will mail your passport to the address you provided on your form. You cannot pick it up at the acceptance facility. If you need your passport faster than expedited processing allows, you can request an emergency appointment at a regional passport agency, but those are limited to people with imminent international travel.

What to do if you cannot find an available appointment

Appointment availability changes constantly as people cancel. If your first search shows nothing, check the same location again in a few days. Many people book and then cancel, especially if their travel plans change.

You can also expand your search radius. If your nearest city has no openings, try the next town over or a county seat. Some people find appointments 30 or 40 miles away when their local options are full.

If you are traveling internationally within the next two weeks and cannot find a regular appointment, contact your nearest regional passport agency directly. They handle emergency cases and may fit you in, though you will need to show proof of your travel plans and pay an additional fee.

Fees and payment methods at your appointment

A new passport book costs $130 for adults and $100 for children under 16. A passport card costs $35. Expedited processing adds $60. The acceptance facility collects the full fee at your appointment — they do not bill you later.

Most facilities take cash, checks, and cards. Some take only certain payment methods, so check the facility's details when you book your appointment. If you are paying by check, make it out to the U.S. Department of State.

The acceptance facility keeps a portion of the fee and sends the rest to the State Department. You do not get a refund if you cancel your appointment, so only book when you are certain you can attend.

What happens if you miss your appointment or need to reschedule

If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it through passports.state.gov as soon as you know. This frees up the slot for someone else and lets you book a different time. You do not lose your fee by canceling.

To reschedule, cancel your current appointment and search for a new one. The system does not have a built-in reschedule button — you have to release the old slot and book a new one separately.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you lose the fee and have to book again from scratch. The facility will not hold your slot or contact you as a reminder, so mark your calendar and set a phone alert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person at your appointment. The acceptance agent needs to see your ID, watch you sign your application, and take your photo. A parent or guardian can attend with a child, but the child must be present.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This can take several weeks. If you were born abroad, you may need a consular report of birth instead. Start this process as soon as possible — you cannot book your passport appointment until you have proof of citizenship in hand.

Do I need to print my appointment confirmation?

You do not need to print it, but it is helpful to have it on your phone or in writing. The confirmation shows your appointment time, location, and confirmation number. Bring it with you so the facility can pull up your record quickly.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

You can search and book on behalf of a family member, but they must provide their own information when you complete the booking. The confirmation will go to the email address you enter. Make sure you have their date of birth and other details correct before you submit.

What if the facility asks for documents I was not told about?

Call the facility directly before your appointment if you have questions about what to bring. The State Department website lists standard requirements, but some facilities may ask for additional proof depending on your situation — for example, if your name has changed or if you were born outside the U.S.