How to Schedule a Passport Appointment in Philadelphia

Where to book your passport appointment in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has two locations where you can book a passport appointment: the Philadelphia Passport Agency (the federal office that issues passports) and the Philadelphia City Hall Regional Acceptance Facility (where you can submit your application). These are different buildings with different purposes, and which one you need depends on what you're doing.

The Philadelphia Passport Agency, located at 1600 Callowhill Street, handles passport renewals by mail and in-person appointments for new passports, replacements, and expedited services. The City Hall facility at 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard accepts new passport applications and renewals in person but does not issue passports — it collects your paperwork and sends it to the agency. Most people who need an appointment should call the Passport Agency directly.

You cannot walk in to either location without an appointment. Both require you to schedule ahead, and both have different wait times depending on the season and current processing volume.

Key Takeaways

• Call the Philadelphia Passport Agency at 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment; this is the main federal office and handles most passport services.
• Bring your completed DS-11 form (new passport) or DS-82 form (renewal), a valid ID, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo to your appointment.
• The Passport Agency is located at 1600 Callowhill Street; City Hall's acceptance facility is at 1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard — confirm which location your appointment is at when you book.
• Processing times vary by season; routine service takes four to six weeks, and expedited service (available at the agency) takes two to three weeks for an additional fee.
• If you need your passport urgently, ask about expedited service or same-day service when you call — availability depends on current demand.

How to schedule by phone

Call 1-877-487-2778 to reach the Philadelphia Passport Agency. This is a toll-free number that serves all passport agencies nationwide, but when you call, you will be routed to the Philadelphia location if that is where you want your appointment. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a sense of what service you need (new passport, renewal, replacement, or expedited) ready before you call.

The phone line is busiest in the morning and on Mondays and Fridays. If you reach a long wait, try calling mid-afternoon on a Wednesday or Thursday. When you reach an agent, tell them you want an appointment in Philadelphia and what you need the passport for. They will tell you available dates and times and confirm your contact information.

You will receive a confirmation number. Write it down and bring it to your appointment. If you do not receive a confirmation email within a few hours, call back to verify the appointment was recorded.

What documents to bring to your appointment

What you bring depends on whether you are getting a new passport, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged passport. For a new passport, bring your completed DS-11 form, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, and one passport photo (2x2 inches). You must appear in person for a new passport — no one else can submit it for you.

For a renewal, bring your completed DS-82 form, your current passport, and one new passport photo. If your passport was issued when you were under 16, or if it was issued more than 15 years ago, you may need to appear in person instead of renewing by mail — the agent on the phone will tell you which applies to you.

For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged), bring the DS-11 form, your ID, proof of citizenship, a passport photo, and a police report if your passport was stolen. Bring your confirmation number and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Do not bring children unless they also have an appointment.

Processing times and expedited service

Routine passport processing takes four to six weeks from the date the agency receives your application. If you submit your application at the Philadelphia Passport Agency in person, processing begins the same day. If you submit at City Hall, it takes an extra day or two for the paperwork to reach the agency.

Expedited service costs an additional $60 and cuts processing time to two to three weeks. You can request expedited service when you book your appointment or when you arrive. Expedited service is available at the Philadelphia Passport Agency but not at the City Hall facility — if you need expedited service, you must go to the agency.

During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), even expedited service can take longer because the agency processes a higher volume. If you need your passport in fewer than two weeks, ask about same-day or next-day service when you call — these are available only in urgent situations and cost more, but the agent can tell you if your situation qualifies.

The difference between the Passport Agency and City Hall

The Philadelphia Passport Agency (1600 Callowhill Street) is a federal office that issues passports. You can submit a new application, renew, or request expedited or same-day service here. Appointments are typically available within one to three weeks depending on the season.

The City Hall Regional Acceptance Facility (1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard) accepts passport applications but does not issue them. Your paperwork is collected and sent to the agency for processing. This location is useful if you prefer to submit your application in person at a City Hall location, but processing still takes the same amount of time because the agency must receive and process the application afterward. You cannot get expedited service at City Hall.

If you are renewing by mail (which is possible for some renewals), you do not need an appointment at either location — you mail your application directly to the agency. The phone agent will tell you whether your renewal qualifies for mail-in service.

What to expect when you arrive

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your appointment time. Bring your confirmation number, all required documents, and a valid ID. The waiting area is usually full, especially in the morning, but appointments move in order — you will not wait longer than 30 to 45 minutes past your scheduled time unless there is an emergency.

When your number is called, an agent will review your documents, take your photo if you did not bring one, collect your application, and tell you when to expect your passport. If anything is missing or incorrect, they will tell you immediately and may ask you to correct it on the spot or resubmit. Do not assume your application is complete until the agent confirms it.

You will receive a receipt showing your application number and expected processing date. Keep this receipt — you can use the application number to check the status of your passport online at the State Department website.

If you cannot reach the phone line or need help

The phone line 1-877-487-2778 is the official way to schedule. If you have trouble reaching it, try calling during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon, Wednesday through Thursday). The line does not take online bookings, so phone is your only option for scheduling an appointment.

If you have questions about what documents you need or whether your situation qualifies for expedited service, the phone agent can answer those when you call to book. You can also visit the State Department website (travel.state.gov) to download forms and read detailed information about passport services.

If your appointment is coming up and you realize you are missing a document, call the Passport Agency again as soon as possible. They may be able to reschedule you or tell you what to do before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a passport appointment online in Philadelphia?

No. You must call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule an appointment at either the Philadelphia Passport Agency or City Hall. There is no online booking system for passport appointments in Philadelphia.

How long does it take to get an appointment after I call?

It depends on the season and current demand. During slower months, you may get an appointment within one to two weeks. During peak travel season (March through August), appointments can be three to four weeks out. When you call, the agent will tell you what dates are available.

Do I have to go to the Passport Agency or can I use City Hall?

You can use either location to submit a new application or renewal. City Hall is a regional acceptance facility, so your paperwork is collected and sent to the agency for processing. Processing time is the same either way. If you need expedited or same-day service, you must go to the Passport Agency, not City Hall.

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

Call the Passport Agency and ask about same-day or next-day service. These services are available only in urgent situations (such as a death in the family or a last-minute business trip) and cost more than expedited service. The agent will tell you whether your situation qualifies and what the cost is.

Can someone else pick up my passport for me?

No. You must pick up your passport in person at the location where you submitted it. Bring your receipt and a valid ID. If you cannot pick it up yourself, contact the Passport Agency to ask about mailing options.