How to Schedule and Prepare for Your U.S. Passport Appointment

Where to book your passport appointment

You book a U.S. passport appointment through the State Department's official website at travel.state.gov. The site has a scheduling tool that shows you available times at passport acceptance facilities and passport agencies near you. You enter your ZIP code, choose whether you need a new passport or a renewal, and the tool displays open slots.

Passport acceptance facilities are usually located in post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices. Passport agencies are federal offices in major cities. Acceptance facilities handle new passports and some renewals; passport agencies handle expedited cases and certain complex situations. The scheduling tool tells you which type of location has the appointment you need.

You cannot book by phone. The online tool is the only way to reserve a time. If you cannot access the website, you can visit a location in person and ask staff to help you schedule, though this may mean a longer wait.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment at travel.state.gov using the scheduling tool, which shows available times at nearby post offices, libraries, or passport agencies.
• Bring your completed application form (DS-11 for new passports, DS-82 or DS-64 for renewals), a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo.
• Processing times vary: routine service takes several weeks, expedited service costs extra and takes one to two weeks, and emergency service is available for travel within 72 hours.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents in the order the staff request, because missing even one item will delay your appointment.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The documents you need depend on whether you are getting a new passport or renewing one. For a new passport, bring your completed application form DS-11 (not signed yet — you sign it at the appointment), a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or state ID, proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth), and a passport photo that meets State Department standards (2x2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months).

For a passport renewal by mail or in person, the requirements are simpler: your current or expired passport, a completed form DS-82 or DS-64 depending on your situation, and a new passport photo. If your passport was lost or stolen, you use form DS-64 instead and must appear in person.

Bring originals, not copies, of your citizenship documents. The staff will not accept photocopies. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your Social Security number written down if you do not have your card.

Passport photo requirements and where to get one

Your passport photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. You must be facing the camera directly, with a neutral expression and both eyes open. Glasses are allowed only if they do not create a glare, and you cannot wear a hat or head covering unless it is for religious reasons (and your face must still be fully visible).

You can get a passport photo at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), post offices, and professional photography studios. Pharmacy photos usually cost $10 to $15 and are ready the same day. Do not use a selfie or a photo from social media — the State Department rejects them. If you bring a photo that does not meet the standards, the staff will tell you to get a new one before they process your application.

Processing times and expedited service

Standard processing takes several weeks from the date you submit your application. The exact timeline varies depending on how busy the passport agency is and the time of year — summer and early fall are slower. You can check current processing times on travel.state.gov.

If you need your passport faster, you can request expedited service at your appointment. Expedited processing costs an additional fee (currently $60 on top of the passport fee) and takes one to two weeks. If you are traveling within 72 hours, you can request emergency service, which is handled at passport agencies only and requires you to show proof of your travel plans.

You cannot upgrade to expedited or emergency service after your appointment — you must request it when you book or when you arrive. If you miss your appointment, you will need to schedule a new one, and your place in the queue resets.

What to expect during your appointment

Arrive 15 minutes early. The staff will call you by name when they are ready. Bring all your documents in one folder or envelope so you can hand them over in order. The staff will review your application form, check that your photo meets standards, verify your citizenship documents, and confirm your identity with your photo ID.

You will sign your application form in front of the staff member. They will take your photo if you did not bring one, though this costs extra. They will collect your fee — cash, check, or card depending on the location. The staff will give you a receipt with a tracking number so you can check the status of your passport online.

The entire appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if all your documents are in order. If something is missing or incorrect, the staff will tell you what you need to fix and may reschedule you or ask you to return with the correct documents. Do not leave without your receipt — you need it to track your passport.

Fees and payment methods

A new passport book costs $130 for adults (ages 16 and up) and $100 for children under 16. A passport card (a wallet-sized ID for land and sea travel) costs $35 for adults and $20 for children. You can get both a book and a card at the same time for a combined fee. Expedited service adds $60. Passport photos taken at the appointment cost extra if you did not bring one.

Payment methods vary by location. Most post offices and passport agencies take cash, checks, and credit or debit cards. Some smaller facilities may accept only certain payment types, so call ahead if you are unsure. You cannot pay online — you pay at your appointment.

What to do if you cannot make your appointment

If you need to cancel or reschedule, go back to travel.state.gov and use the scheduling tool to change your time. You can cancel up to 24 hours before your appointment without penalty. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will lose your spot and have to book a new one.

If an emergency comes up and you cannot reschedule online, call the passport agency or acceptance facility directly. The phone number is on your appointment confirmation. Explain your situation and ask if they can move you to another time. Some locations are more flexible than others, but there is no may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes, you can bring a family member or friend, but only you can stand at the counter during your appointment. Children under 16 must have a parent or legal guardian present. If you are applying for a child's passport, the child must be there in person.

What if my birth certificate is damaged or I cannot find it?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This can take several weeks. In the meantime, you can use other documents that prove citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate, consular report of birth, or even a previous passport. Call the passport acceptance facility near you to ask what alternatives they will accept.

Do I need an appointment if I am renewing my passport by mail?

No. If your passport is not damaged, lost, or stolen, and your name has not changed, you can renew by mail without an appointment. You mail your application, current passport, new photo, and fee to the address on the form. This takes longer than in-person service but costs less.

What happens if I show up without all my documents?

The staff will not process your application. They will tell you what is missing and ask you to come back with the correct documents. You will need to reschedule your appointment or ask if they can fit you in later that day. Bring everything on the checklist to avoid this delay.

Can I track my passport after I submit my application?

Yes. The receipt you get at your appointment has a tracking number. Go to travel.state.gov and enter your number to see the status. You can also sign up for email updates so you know when your passport is ready for pickup or delivery.