How to Book a Passport Appointment at USPS on USPS.com

Book your passport appointment directly on USPS.com using their online scheduler

You can schedule a passport appointment at a participating USPS location through USPS.com without calling or visiting in person first. The online scheduler shows you available dates and times at post offices near you, lets you choose the service you need (new passport, renewal, or correction), and confirms your appointment immediately.

Not every post office offers passport services, and not every location that does has the same hours or availability. The USPS.com scheduler filters for locations that actually handle passports and shows only the dates they have open. This saves you from driving to a post office that cannot help you.

The appointment system is free to use. You pay the State Department passport fee when you arrive for your appointment — USPS does not collect it online.

Key Takeaways

• Go to USPS.com, find the passport appointment scheduler, and enter your zip code to see which post offices near you offer passport services.
• You will need to know what type of service you need (new passport, renewal, or correction) before you book, because availability differs by service type.
• Bring your completed passport form, proof of citizenship, photo ID, and a passport photo to your appointment — the post office will not accept incomplete applications.
• Passport appointment slots fill up weeks or months ahead at busy locations, so book as soon as you know your travel date.
• If your nearest post office has no open slots, check locations 10 to 15 miles away — smaller branches often have more availability.

Finding a participating post office and checking availability

Start at USPS.com and look for the passport services section. Enter your zip code or city name into the location finder. The system will show you every post office within a set distance that handles passport appointments, along with their hours and the next available dates.

Availability varies wildly. A busy urban post office might show no open slots for six weeks, while a smaller branch 15 miles away might have appointments next week. If your first choice is full, expand your search radius. Many people find an appointment faster by traveling to a less busy location than by waiting for their nearest office to open new slots.

The scheduler updates in real time as people book and cancel. If you see no availability, check again the next day — cancellations happen regularly, especially for appointments more than two weeks out.

What information you need before you book

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and phone number ready. You will also need to know which passport service you are seeking: a new passport book, a passport card, a renewal, or a correction to an existing passport. Different services have different requirements and different availability at each location.

If you are renewing a passport, have your current passport number. If you are applying for a new passport, have your birth certificate or naturalization papers available — you will not upload them online, but you need to know you have them before you arrive.

The scheduler will ask for your preferred appointment date and time. Post offices typically offer morning and afternoon slots on weekdays and some Saturday mornings. Choose a time you can actually keep — canceling and rebooking takes time you may not have.

Completing your appointment booking

After you select your location, service type, and time slot, the system will ask you to enter your contact information and confirm your details. You will receive a confirmation number and an email with your appointment details. Save both.

The confirmation email includes the full address of the post office, the date and time of your appointment, and a list of documents you must bring. Print this email or save it to your phone — bring it with you to your appointment.

Some post offices send a reminder email or text 24 hours before your appointment. If you do not receive one, that does not mean your appointment was canceled. Check your confirmation email for the details and arrive on time anyway.

Documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your completed passport application form (Form DS-11 for a new passport, Form DS-82 for a renewal, or Form DS-11 for a correction). You can fill this out online before your appointment or print it and complete it by hand. Bring the original, not a copy.

Bring proof of citizenship: an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license. Bring one new passport photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The post office will not accept old photos or photos taken from a phone.

Bring the confirmation email with your appointment details. Bring a check or money order for the State Department fee — the amount depends on the service type and whether you are an adult or minor. The post office will tell you the exact amount when you arrive, but you can find current fees on the State Department website.

What happens if you need to cancel or reschedule

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment through USPS.com using your confirmation number. Log back into the scheduler, find your appointment, and choose to cancel or change the date and time. The system will show you other available slots at the same location or nearby locations.

If you cancel, your slot opens up for someone else to book. If you reschedule, you keep your place in line but move to a different date. Canceling and rebooking later may result in a later appointment, especially at busy locations.

If you cannot reach USPS.com to cancel, call the post office directly using the phone number from your confirmation email. Canceling by phone takes longer, but it ensures the post office knows you will not be coming.

What to expect when you arrive for your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring all documents listed in your confirmation email. The postal clerk will review your application and documents, take your photo if you did not bring one (though this costs extra and is not recommended), and collect your payment.

The clerk will not process your application on the spot. They will verify that everything is complete and correct, then send your application to the State Department. Processing times vary — standard service takes several weeks, and expedited service (available for an additional fee) takes one to two weeks.

You will receive your passport by mail at the address you provided on your application. The post office will not hold it for pickup. If your address changes before your passport arrives, contact the State Department immediately with your application number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a passport appointment for someone else?

No. The person applying for the passport must be present at the appointment. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must attend. You cannot book an appointment and send someone else in your place.

What if I do not see any available appointments on USPS.com?

Check locations farther away — smaller post offices often have more open slots. Check again the next day, as cancellations create new availability. If your travel date is flexible, try booking for a different week. If you need a passport urgently, contact the State Department about expedited processing or passport agencies in your state.

Do I have to use USPS.com to book, or can I call the post office?

USPS.com is the primary booking method. Some post offices accept phone calls to schedule appointments, but availability shown online is more current. Calling may result in a longer wait and less accurate information about open slots.

What if I miss my appointment?

Contact the post office as soon as possible to reschedule. Missing an appointment does not cancel your booking automatically — the post office will hold your slot for a short time, but you should call to confirm a new date. Repeated no-shows may result in having to book at a different location.

Can I get a passport the same day as my appointment?

No. The post office collects your application and sends it to the State Department. Standard processing takes several weeks. Expedited processing (available for an extra fee) takes one to two weeks. You will receive your passport by mail.