How to Book and Attend a Passport Appointment in Los Angeles

Where to book a passport appointment in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has two main places to book a passport appointment: the Los Angeles Passport Agency (downtown, for expedited service) and the Los Angeles County Clerk's office (multiple locations, for routine service). Most people start with the County Clerk because it has more appointment slots and shorter wait times. The Passport Agency handles cases that need to move faster — typically when you're leaving within two weeks.

To book at the County Clerk, go to lacounty.gov/assessor and look for the passport services section, or call 1-888-LA-COUNTY. You'll see available dates and times for locations near you. The Passport Agency requires you to call 1-877-487-2778 to book; you cannot reserve online. Have your driver's license number and Social Security number ready when you call.

Both offices are appointment-only. Walk-ins are not accepted. If you show up without a reservation, you will be turned away.

Key Takeaways

• The Los Angeles County Clerk handles most passport appointments and lets you book online; the Passport Agency (downtown) is for cases needing faster processing and requires a phone call to reserve.
• Bring your completed DS-11 form (new passport) or DS-82 form (renewal), a government-issued ID, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo — missing any one of these will delay or cancel your appointment.
• County Clerk appointments typically have openings within two to four weeks; Passport Agency appointments move faster but cost more and have fewer slots.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents in a folder, because staff will not process your case if paperwork is incomplete or missing.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring originals, not copies, of your birth certificate or naturalization papers. A certified copy of your birth certificate (the kind with the raised seal) works; a photocopy does not. If you were born outside the United States, bring your naturalization certificate or green card. If you're renewing a passport you already hold, bring that passport instead.

You also need a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID, or military ID. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your number. Bring one new passport photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face straight-on, with a white or off-white background, and you cannot wear sunglasses or a hat (religious head coverings are permitted).

Fill out form DS-11 (for a new passport) or DS-82 (for a renewal) before you arrive. You can download both from state.gov. Do not sign the form until you're at the appointment — the staff member will watch you sign it. Bring the unsigned form with you.

Costs and payment methods at Los Angeles locations

A new adult passport book costs $130 (execution fee $35, book fee $95). A passport card costs $30 (execution fee $35, card fee $0, but you pay the execution fee). If you want both a book and a card, the total is $160. Passport renewals by mail cost less, but in-person renewals at the County Clerk cost the same as new passports.

The Passport Agency charges an additional $60 expedite fee on top of the passport cost if you need your passport within two weeks. Bring a check or money order made out to the "U.S. Department of State," or bring a credit or debit card — both are accepted at County Clerk locations and the Passport Agency.

If you cannot pay the full amount at your appointment, you cannot complete the process. There is no payment plan or option to pay later.

How long the appointment takes and what happens during it

Plan for 30 to 45 minutes from arrival to leaving. The staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign the form in front of them, take your photo if you brought one that doesn't meet standards, and collect payment. They will not issue your passport on the spot. Instead, they send your paperwork to a processing center.

At the County Clerk, routine passports take 6 to 8 weeks to arrive by mail. Expedited service (available at the Passport Agency) takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you need your passport even faster, you can pay an additional $18 for overnight delivery once it's processed, but you cannot rush the processing itself.

You will receive a receipt at your appointment. Keep it — you may need it if your passport doesn't arrive or if there's a problem with your application.

Downtown Los Angeles Passport Agency location and hours

The Passport Agency is located at 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90024. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and closed on federal holidays. There is paid parking in the building. Public transit: take the Metro Purple Line to Wilshire/Western or the Red Line to Wilshire/Vermont, then walk or take a local bus.

This office handles expedited cases only — cases where you need your passport within two weeks or are leaving the country within four weeks. If your timeline is longer, the County Clerk is faster and cheaper. The Passport Agency does not accept walk-ins under any circumstance.

County Clerk passport locations across Los Angeles County

The County Clerk runs passport services at multiple locations. The main office is downtown at 500 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Satellite locations exist in Long Beach, Norwalk, Downey, and Compton. Each location has different hours and availability, so check the County Clerk website before you book to see which location has the soonest opening near you.

All County Clerk locations are open Monday through Friday. Most open at 8:00 a.m. and close between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. Some locations have reduced hours on certain days. The website shows real-time availability, so you can see exactly which dates have openings before you commit to a location.

What to do if your appointment is cancelled or you need to reschedule

If the County Clerk cancels your appointment (rare, but it happens), you'll receive an email or phone call. Log back into the booking system and choose a new date. If you need to reschedule yourself, cancel your current appointment in the online system and book a new one immediately — slots fill quickly.

If you booked at the Passport Agency and need to reschedule, call 1-877-487-2778 during business hours. Have your confirmation number ready. Cancellations at the Passport Agency are less flexible, so try to keep your appointment if you can.

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you lose your slot and will have to book again from the beginning. There is no grace period or option to show up late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport appointment in Los Angeles if I don't have a birth certificate?

You need some form of proof of citizenship. If you don't have your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the county or state where you were born — that process takes 1 to 3 weeks. If you were naturalized, bring your naturalization certificate instead. The Passport Agency or County Clerk can tell you what documents they will accept for your specific situation if you call ahead.

What if I need a passport in less than two weeks?

Book at the Passport Agency (downtown) and pay the $60 expedite fee. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from your appointment. If you're leaving sooner than that, you may not be able to get a passport in time. Some people in this situation travel with a passport card instead of a book, which can be processed faster in certain cases — ask the Passport Agency when you call.

Do I need an appointment if I'm renewing my passport by mail instead of in person?

No. If your passport is not damaged, expired more than five years ago, or lost, you can renew by mail using form DS-82. Mail it to the address on the form with your payment and new photo. This takes 6 to 8 weeks and costs less than in-person renewal. You only need an in-person appointment if you're getting a new passport or your renewal doesn't meet the mail-in requirements.

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes. One adult can accompany you. Children and extra family members are not permitted in the processing area. If you're a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present with a government ID and proof of custody.

What happens if my documents are incomplete when I arrive?

The staff member will tell you what's missing and cancel your appointment. You'll have to reschedule and come back with the correct documents. There's no way to fix it on the spot. Check your documents against the checklist on the County Clerk or Passport Agency website the night before your appointment.