How to Schedule a Passport Appointment Through AAA

AAA does not issue passports, but some AAA locations offer passport photo services and can direct you to the right office

If you are looking to get a passport, you need to apply through the U.S. State Department, not through AAA. However, AAA membership can help you in two ways: some AAA branches take passport photos that meet State Department requirements, and AAA staff can point you to the nearest passport acceptance facility in your area.

The actual passport application happens at a passport acceptance facility, which is usually a post office, library, courthouse, or dedicated passport agency office. You cannot make an appointment through AAA for the passport itself — you schedule directly with the acceptance facility or the passport agency.

Key Takeaways

• AAA locations may offer passport photos but do not issue passports or accept passport applications.
• You schedule your passport appointment directly with a passport acceptance facility, usually through the State Department's website or by calling the facility.
• Some AAA branches can tell you which acceptance facilities are nearest to you and their hours.
• Passport processing times vary depending on whether you use routine or expedited service, and some acceptance facilities have longer wait times than others.

Where to actually schedule your passport appointment

Go to travel.state.gov and use the passport acceptance facility locator. Type in your city or zip code, and the tool will show you every post office, library, courthouse, and passport agency near you, along with their hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require appointments.

Most post offices and libraries let you schedule online through their own websites or by phone. Some passport agencies (in major cities) require you to book through the State Department's appointment system. Call ahead to confirm whether the location you want takes appointments or accepts walk-ins, because this varies widely.

If you are in a hurry, passport agencies in large cities often have faster processing and may have same-day or next-day appointments available. These are different from regular acceptance facilities and handle expedited cases.

What AAA can actually do for you

Call your local AAA branch and ask whether they offer passport photo services. If they do, you can get your photo taken there and use it for your application. AAA photos typically cost $10 to $15 and meet State Department specifications — the photo must be 2x2 inches, in color, taken against a white background, and show your full face straight on.

AAA staff can also help you find the nearest passport acceptance facility and may have information about current wait times at local offices. This is especially useful if you live in a rural area or are unfamiliar with your region.

Documents you need to bring to your passport appointment

Bring your completed passport application (Form DS-11 for a new passport or Form DS-82 for a renewal), a valid government-issued ID, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo. If you got your photo at AAA, bring that. If not, bring a photo that meets the requirements listed above.

Proof of citizenship is usually a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. Your valid ID can be a driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport card. Bring the originals — photocopies are not accepted.

If you are applying for a minor's passport, bring the child's birth certificate, both parents' IDs, and consent from both parents (or a court order if custody is shared or disputed).

Processing time and expedited service

Routine passport processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs an extra $60. You request expedited service when you submit your application at the acceptance facility.

Passport agencies in major cities sometimes offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee, but you must have an appointment and proof of imminent travel (a ticket or itinerary). These appointments are harder to get and fill up quickly.

Processing times can be longer during peak travel seasons (spring and summer) and after holidays. Check the State Department website for current wait times in your area before you schedule.

What happens at your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The acceptance agent will review your application, check your documents, take your photo if you did not bring one, collect your fee, and give you a receipt. You will not receive your passport that day — it will be mailed to you.

The agent may ask you questions about your application to confirm the information is correct. Answer honestly and completely. If anything is wrong or missing, the agent will tell you before you leave, and you can fix it on the spot.

Keep your receipt. It has a tracking number you can use to check the status of your passport online through the State Department website.

If you need your passport faster than normal processing allows

If you have imminent travel (within 2 to 3 weeks), request expedited service at your appointment. If you need it even faster, look for a passport agency in a major city near you — agencies in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. sometimes have emergency same-day appointments.

To get a same-day appointment, call the passport agency directly and explain your situation. You will need proof of travel (a ticket or itinerary) and a valid reason for the rush. Not all requests are granted.

If you are traveling internationally within days and cannot get a passport in time, contact the State Department's emergency passport service or your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a passport appointment through AAA online?

No. AAA does not handle passport appointments. You schedule directly with the acceptance facility through the State Department's website or by calling the facility. AAA can help you find the nearest location and may offer photo services.

Do I need an AAA membership to get a passport photo at AAA?

Most AAA branches offer passport photos to members only, though some locations may serve non-members for a higher fee. Call your local branch to ask about their policy and pricing.

What if the nearest acceptance facility has a long wait time?

Check other facilities in your area — wait times vary. You can also travel to a passport agency in a larger city if one is within reasonable distance. Passport agencies typically have shorter waits than post offices and libraries.

Can I renew my passport by mail instead of going in person?

Yes, if your passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, and is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You mail your application (Form DS-82), passport, and fee to the address on the form. This takes 6 to 8 weeks for routine service.

What if I lost my passport or it was stolen?

You must apply in person at a passport acceptance facility or agency using Form DS-11 (not a renewal form). Bring a police report if your passport was stolen. Processing takes the normal 6 to 8 weeks unless you pay for expedited service.