Where to Book Your Passport Appointment

The two places that take passport appointments

You can make a passport appointment at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency. These are different places that handle different situations, and which one you need depends on whether you already have a passport and how fast you need it.

Passport acceptance facilities are post offices, libraries, and county clerk offices in your area. They handle new passports, passport renewals by mail, and corrections to existing passports. Passport agencies are federal offices run by the State Department. They handle expedited passports, passports for people who lost theirs, and situations where you need your passport in a few weeks or days.

Most people start at an acceptance facility because they are more common and have more appointment slots. If you need your passport faster than a standard appointment allows, or if your situation is unusual, you may need to go to a passport agency instead.

Key Takeaways

• Passport acceptance facilities (post offices, libraries, county clerks) handle routine new passports and renewals, and you can find them through the State Department's facility locator.
• Passport agencies are federal offices that handle expedited passports and urgent situations, and you must make an appointment before you arrive.
• You book acceptance facility appointments through the State Department website or by calling the facility directly — the method varies by location.
• Passport agency appointments are booked only through the State Department's online system at travel.state.gov, not by phone or in person.
• Processing time at an acceptance facility is typically four to six weeks for a standard passport, while a passport agency can issue one in one to two weeks if you pay for expedited service.

Finding and booking at a passport acceptance facility

Start by going to the State Department's facility locator at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Type in your city or zip code and the tool will show you every post office, library, and county clerk office near you that accepts passport applications. The list includes their hours, phone numbers, and whether they take appointments.

Once you have found a facility, you have two ways to book. Some facilities let you book online through the State Department's appointment system — you will see a link on the facility's page if this is available. Other facilities require you to call them directly to schedule. A few still work on a walk-in basis, though this is becoming less common. The facility listing will tell you which method that location uses.

When you call a facility to book, have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a sense of when you need your passport ready. The staff member will tell you what documents to bring and confirm your appointment time. Write down the confirmation details — some facilities email a confirmation, others do not.

Booking an appointment at a passport agency

Passport agencies are in major cities: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Seattle, Boston, and Washington, D.C. You can only book an appointment at a passport agency through the State Department's online system at travel.state.gov. There is no phone line to call, and you cannot walk in without an appointment.

Go to travel.state.gov, click "Schedule an Appointment," and select the passport agency nearest to you. The system will show you available dates and times. You will need to enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information. After you book, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Print this confirmation or save it on your phone — you must bring it to your appointment.

Passport agencies typically have appointments available within one to three weeks. If you need your passport in days, some agencies offer same-day or next-day service, but this costs extra and you must call the agency directly to request it. The phone number for your agency is on travel.state.gov.

What to bring to your appointment

At either type of facility, bring your completed passport application form (DS-11 for a new passport, DS-82 for a renewal, or DS-64 if your passport was lost or stolen). You will also need a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), and a passport photo that meets State Department standards.

If you are renewing by mail instead of in person, you do not need an appointment — you mail your application and documents directly to the address on the form. This takes four to six weeks and costs less than in-person renewal, but you cannot use it if your passport was damaged, lost, or stolen, or if you need it faster.

Timing and processing speed

A standard passport processed at an acceptance facility takes four to six weeks from the day you submit your application. If you pay for expedited processing (an extra fee), it takes two to three weeks. Acceptance facilities do not offer faster service than this.

A passport processed at a passport agency takes one to two weeks with expedited service, which is the standard at agencies. If you need it in days, call the agency directly after you book your appointment to ask about emergency or same-day service. These options exist but cost significantly more and are not may provide.

The State Department's processing times are estimates. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer) or after holidays, processing can take longer. Check travel.state.gov for current processing times before you book.

If you cannot find an appointment near you

If your nearest acceptance facility has no appointments for weeks, or if you need your passport faster than standard processing allows, consider traveling to a passport agency in a nearby city. Agencies typically have more availability than acceptance facilities, and you can book an appointment even if you do not live in that city.

You can also ask the acceptance facility if they have a cancellation list. Some facilities will call you if an earlier appointment opens up. This is not may provide, but it costs nothing to ask.

If you are in a true emergency — you have a flight in days and no passport — call the passport agency in your region. Explain your situation and ask about emergency appointments. These are rare and expensive, but they exist for situations like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment at a passport agency by phone?

No. Passport agencies only take appointments through the online system at travel.state.gov. You can call an agency after you have booked to ask about expedited or emergency service, but you cannot make your initial appointment by phone.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact the facility or agency as soon as you know you cannot make it. If you booked online, you may be able to cancel or reschedule through the same system. If you booked by phone, call the facility back. Missing an appointment without notice may result in a fee or loss of your appointment slot.

Do I need an appointment at every post office?

No. Some post offices still accept passport applications on a walk-in basis, but most now require appointments. The facility locator will tell you whether your local post office takes appointments or walk-ins. Call ahead if you are unsure.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person applying for the passport must book the appointment themselves or have a parent or legal guardian book it for them if they are a minor. You will need to show ID at your appointment that matches the name on the booking.

What happens if I book at the wrong facility by mistake?

Contact that facility and explain the error. They may be able to cancel your appointment and help you book at the correct location, or they may direct you to cancel online if you booked through the State Department system. Do this as soon as you realize the mistake so the slot opens up for someone else.