How to Book a Passport Appointment in New York City

Where to book your passport appointment in NYC

New York City has two passport acceptance facilities run by the U.S. Department of State: the Manhattan Passport Agency at 376 Hudson Street in lower Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Passport Agency at 630 Fulton Street in downtown Brooklyn. Both accept appointments for passport renewals, replacements, and new passports. You cannot walk in without an appointment — the facilities operate by appointment only.

To book an appointment at either location, go to passports.state.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment." You will need to choose your location (Manhattan or Brooklyn), select the type of service you need, and pick an available date and time. The website shows you open slots in real time, and you can book weeks or months ahead depending on demand.

If you cannot reach the State Department website or prefer to book by phone, you can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a sense of what service you need before you call.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment online at passports.state.gov or by phone at 1-877-487-2778; walk-ins are not accepted at either NYC location.
• Manhattan and Brooklyn passport agencies are the only two facilities in the city, and both require an appointment scheduled in advance.
• Bring your current passport or birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship or residency depending on your service type.
• Appointment wait times vary by season and service type; routine renewals typically move faster than new passports or expedited requests.

What documents to bring to your appointment

What you bring depends on whether you are renewing an existing passport, replacing a lost or damaged one, or getting your first passport. For a passport renewal, bring your current passport, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), and a new passport photo if your current one is more than six months old or does not meet current standards.

For a new passport, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship (naturalization certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or certificate of citizenship), and a new passport photo. If you were born outside the United States, bring your birth certificate from the country where you were born, not a U.S. birth certificate.

For a replacement passport (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a new passport photo. You will also need to fill out Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) in person at your appointment. Bring it completed but unsigned — you will sign it at the agency.

All passport photos must meet federal standards: 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background, and showing your full face straight on. Many CVS, Walgreens, and local photography shops in NYC offer passport photos for $10 to $20.

How long appointments take and what to expect

Your appointment itself usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how straightforward your case is. The agent will review your documents, take your photo if you did not bring one, answer questions about your application, and collect your payment. You will not receive your passport at the appointment — the agency mails it to you after processing.

Processing time after your appointment is separate from appointment wait time. A routine passport renewal typically takes 6 to 8 weeks by mail. A new passport or replacement takes 8 to 12 weeks. If you pay for expedited processing (an extra fee), the agency prioritizes your application and aims for 2 to 3 weeks, though this is not may provide. Expedited service is available for new passports, replacements, and renewals.

Arrive at your appointment 15 minutes early. Bring all documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The agencies are located in busy areas of Manhattan and Brooklyn with limited parking, so consider using public transit or a car service. The Manhattan location is accessible by subway (1, 2, 3 trains at Franklin Street; A, C trains at Spring Street). The Brooklyn location is near the High Street-Brooklyn Bridge subway station (A, C trains).

Expedited and rush passport services

If you need your passport faster than the standard 6 to 12 weeks, the State Department offers two paid options: expedited processing and rush processing. Expedited processing costs an extra $60 and aims to deliver your passport in 2 to 3 weeks. Rush processing costs an extra $35 and is only available if you are renewing by mail (not in person).

You can request expedited processing at your in-person appointment in NYC. Tell the agent when you book or when you arrive, and pay the extra fee at the appointment. The agency will flag your application for faster handling, though processing time can still vary depending on volume.

If you need a passport within days for an emergency (a death in the family, a sudden job transfer, a medical crisis), you may be able to request an emergency passport at the agency. This is not a standard service and requires documentation of the emergency. Call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 to ask whether your situation qualifies and what proof you need to bring.

Passport photo requirements and where to get one in NYC

Passport photos are strict: 2 by 2 inches, color or black and white, taken within the last six months, white or off-white background, full face visible, eyes open and looking directly at the camera, neutral expression, no glasses (unless you have a medical reason), no head coverings (unless religious), and no filters or digital alterations. The photo must show your face from the top of your head to your chin, with your head taking up 50 to 69 percent of the frame.

You do not have to bring a photo to your NYC appointment — the agency can take one for you on the spot for a fee (usually $15 to $20). However, bringing your own photo saves time and money if you already have one that meets the standards. Many drugstores in NYC offer passport photos: CVS, Walgreens, Duane Reade, and local photography studios all provide this service for $10 to $25. Some also offer digital copies so you can print extras if you need them later.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you need to change your appointment date or time, log back into passports.state.gov with the confirmation number from your booking email. You can reschedule to a different date or time at the same location, or cancel and rebook at the other NYC location (Manhattan or Brooklyn) if you prefer. Cancellations and rescheduling are free and can be done online anytime before your appointment.

If you cannot find your confirmation number, call 1-877-487-2778 and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The agent can look up your appointment and help you reschedule or cancel. Do not simply skip your appointment — it blocks the time slot from being used by someone else, and you may have trouble booking again if you have a pattern of no-shows.

Common reasons appointments get delayed or canceled

The most common reason an appointment is canceled by the agency is missing or incorrect documents. Bring everything on the checklist for your service type, and double-check that your birth certificate is an original or certified copy (not a photocopy). If you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable, call 1-877-487-2778 before your appointment and describe what you have.

Appointments can also be delayed if the agency is understaffed or if there is a surge in demand (this often happens in spring and summer, or before major holidays). If your appointment is delayed, the agency will contact you by email or phone to reschedule. Check your email regularly in the weeks before your appointment.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to book a new one. The agency does not automatically rebook you, and you may face a longer wait for the next available slot if demand is high.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my passport by mail instead of going to an appointment in NYC?

Yes, if your passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, and is not significantly different from your current appearance. Mail your passport, a completed Form DS-82, a new photo, and the renewal fee to the address on the State Department website. By-mail renewal takes 6 to 8 weeks (or 2 to 3 weeks with expedited processing). If your passport does not meet these conditions, you must go in person to Manhattan or Brooklyn.

What if I lost my confirmation number for my appointment?

Call 1-877-487-2778 with your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, and the agent will look up your appointment and send you a new confirmation email. You can also log into passports.state.gov and use the "Find Your Appointment" tool if you remember the email address you used to book.

Do I need an appointment to get a passport card instead of a book?

Yes, passport cards are issued at the same agencies and require the same appointment process as passport books. You can request a card, a book, or both at your appointment. A card is smaller and cheaper but is only valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean — not for air travel or international flights.

How much does a passport cost in NYC?

Fees vary by service type and age. A new adult passport book costs $130 (plus a $35 execution fee at the agency). A renewal costs $110. A replacement costs $110. A passport card costs $30. Expedited processing adds $60. Fees are the same at both the Manhattan and Brooklyn locations, and you pay at your appointment.

Can someone go to the appointment for me if I cannot make it?

No. You must appear in person at your appointment. A parent or guardian can accompany a minor, but the minor must be present. The agency will not accept applications or documents from someone applying on your behalf.