How to Schedule and Attend a Passport Appointment at Your Local Post Office

Book your passport appointment online through the USPS website or by phone

You schedule a passport appointment at the post office through the USPS Passport Acceptance Facility system, not by walking in or calling your local branch. Go to passports.state.gov and click "Schedule an Appointment" — this takes you to the official booking portal where you enter your ZIP code, see available times at nearby post offices, and reserve a specific date and time slot.

If you cannot use the online system, call the State Department's passport information line at 1-877-487-2778. They can schedule an appointment for you over the phone and will give you a confirmation number. Either way, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details, location, and what to bring.

Appointment availability varies by location and season. Post offices in smaller towns may have slots only once or twice a week, while busy urban locations often fill up weeks in advance. If your nearest post office has no open times, check offices in neighbouring towns — you can travel to any location that works for your schedule.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule through passports.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778; do not call your local post office directly.
• Bring your completed passport form (DS-11 for a new passport, DS-82 for renewal), proof of citizenship, government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents in order, because the post office staff will not accept incomplete applications.
• Post office passport appointments typically take 20 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a receipt showing your application number and expected delivery date.
• Processing time is separate from your appointment — standard service takes 6 to 8 weeks after your appointment, or 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service (which costs extra).

What documents you must bring to your appointment

The post office staff will not process your application if any of these documents are missing or incomplete. Bring the original documents themselves, not photocopies, except where noted.

Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) is required if you are applying for your first passport, if your passport was lost or stolen, or if your passport is damaged. You must fill it out completely before you arrive — do not leave blanks. You can download it from state.gov or pick up a copy at the post office, but filling it out there will delay your appointment.

Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application) is for renewing an expired or expiring passport if you still have it in your possession. Like DS-11, complete it fully before your appointment.

Proof of citizenship means an original birth certificate (certified copy from the vital records office, not a hospital record), naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. A photocopy is acceptable only if it is certified by the issuing agency.

Government-issued photo ID must be current and show your face clearly. A driver's license, state ID card, or military ID all work. If you do not have one, bring a second form of ID plus an affidavit of identity signed by a U.S. citizen who has known you for at least two years.

Passport photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup. Many post offices sell passport photos on-site if you need one, though bringing your own is faster.

If you are renewing by mail and your passport is still valid, you do not need to visit the post office at all — you can send your application and documents by mail instead. The post office appointment is only for new passports, replacements, and renewals where you must appear in person.

Fees and payment methods at the post office

The post office collects the passport fee at your appointment. The standard passport book costs $130 for adults (16 and older) and $100 for children under 16. A passport card (smaller, for land and sea travel only) costs $35 for adults and $20 for children. You can get both a book and a card together for $165 (adults) or $120 (children).

Expedited processing costs an additional $60 on top of the book or card fee. This shortens the processing time to 2 to 3 weeks instead of 6 to 8 weeks. You request expedited service at your appointment, not when you schedule.

The post office accepts cash, check, or credit and debit cards. They do not accept payment plans or partial payments — you must pay the full amount at your appointment. If you cannot pay that day, you can reschedule and come back later, but your application will not move forward until payment is received.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 15 minutes early. The post office staff will call you by name when they are ready. Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay together and are easy to hand over.

The staff member will review your form for completeness and accuracy, check that your documents match what you wrote on the application, and verify your identity using your photo ID. They will examine your passport photo to make sure it meets the requirements. If anything is missing or wrong, they will tell you what needs to be fixed before they can accept the application.

Once everything is in order, they will take your payment, scan or copy your documents, and give you a receipt. This receipt shows your application number and the expected delivery date based on the processing time you chose (standard or expedited). Keep this receipt — you will need the application number if you have questions about your passport later.

The entire appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The post office does not issue your passport on the spot; they send your application to the State Department's processing facility, which produces and mails your passport to you.

Processing time and tracking your passport after your appointment

Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date of your appointment. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. These are estimates, not guarantees — processing can take longer during peak travel seasons (spring and summer) or if there are errors in your application.

You can track your passport using the application number from your receipt. Go to passports.state.gov and use the "Check Application Status" tool. This shows whether your application is being processed, has been approved, or has been mailed. The tool updates every 24 hours.

Your passport will be mailed to the address you provided on your form. Standard mail delivery takes 1 to 2 weeks after the State Department mails it. If you need your passport sooner, you can pay for expedited mail delivery when you schedule your appointment, though this is separate from expedited processing and costs extra.

What to do if you miss your appointment or need to reschedule

If you cannot make your scheduled time, cancel and rebook through passports.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778. Cancelling ahead opens that time slot for someone else and prevents you from losing your place in the queue.

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, the post office will not hold your slot. You will need to schedule a new appointment, which may not be available for several weeks depending on demand at that location.

If you have already submitted your application and need to make changes before it is processed, contact the State Department's passport information line. Changes made after your appointment is complete are more difficult and may delay your passport.

Common reasons applications are rejected at the post office

The post office staff will catch most problems during your appointment and ask you to fix them before they accept your application. The most common issues are incomplete forms (blank lines or missing signatures), a passport photo that does not meet requirements (wrong background, wrong size, or taken more than six months ago), or missing proof of citizenship.

If you bring a photocopy of your birth certificate instead of a certified copy, the staff will reject it. The same applies to a driver's license that has expired — it must be current to serve as your photo ID. If you do not have a current government ID, bring a second form of ID (like a school ID or employee badge) plus a signed affidavit of identity.

If your application is rejected, you can reschedule another appointment and return with the corrected documents. You do not lose your place — you simply book a new slot and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport the same day at the post office?

No. The post office only accepts your application and sends it to the State Department for processing. Processing takes a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks (expedited) or 6 to 8 weeks (standard). If you need a passport within days, you must visit a passport agency in person, not a post office. Passport agencies are located in major cities and handle emergency same-day or next-day service.

What if I do not have my birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually takes 1 to 3 weeks by mail. If you cannot get a birth certificate in time, you can bring other proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or a valid passport you already hold. The post office staff can tell you what alternatives they will accept.

Do I need an appointment if I just want to buy a passport photo?

No. Many post offices sell passport photos without an appointment. Walk in during business hours, have your photo taken, and pay the fee (usually $10 to $15). You can then use that photo for your passport appointment whenever you schedule it.

Can someone else attend my appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person so the post office staff can verify your identity with your photo ID. The only exception is for children under 16, whose parent or legal guardian must attend with them. If you are unable to attend, reschedule for a time that works for you.

What if my address changes after my appointment but before my passport arrives?

Contact the State Department's passport information line at 1-877-487-2778 as soon as possible with your application number. They can update your mailing address in the system before your passport is mailed. If your passport is already in the mail to your old address, you may be able to file a change of address with the post office, though this is not may provide to work.