How to Book and Prepare for Your Passport Renewal Appointment

Book your appointment through the State Department's online system or by phone

You cannot walk into a passport acceptance facility without an appointment. The State Department's official website (travel.state.gov) has a scheduling tool where you enter your zip code, choose a location near you, and pick an available date and time. The system shows you openings weeks or months ahead, depending on demand in your area.

If you cannot use the online tool, call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778. They can book an appointment for you over the phone, though wait times are often long. Have your zip code and a few date options ready when you call.

Some passport acceptance facilities — usually post offices and libraries — do not use the State Department's system. They manage their own appointments through their own websites or phone lines. If you are applying at a local post office, check that post office's website first to see if they take online bookings or require you to call them directly.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment online at travel.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778; walk-ins are not accepted.
• Bring your current passport, a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on whether you are renewing by mail or in person), a government-issued photo ID, and a new passport photo.
• Appointment times are usually 15 to 30 minutes long, so arrive 10 minutes early but do not expect the process to take longer than that.
• Processing times vary by location and season; check the State Department website for current wait times in your area before you book.
• If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online or by phone so someone else can use that slot.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your current passport — the one you are renewing. If it is damaged, expired, or lost, you will need to apply in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility, not by mail. Bring the original, not a copy.

Bring a completed application form. For most renewals, this is Form DS-82 (Application for a U.S. Passport). If you are renewing in person because your passport was damaged or lost, you will fill out Form DS-11 instead. You can print these forms from travel.state.gov before your appointment, or the acceptance facility will have them on hand. Do not sign the form until you are at the appointment and the acceptance agent tells you to.

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID. A passport card counts. A student ID or work badge does not.

Bring a new passport photo. It must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background. You cannot use a photo from your phone or a selfie. Pharmacies, post offices, and photo studios all take passport photos for a small fee. If you already have a digital photo file that meets the requirements, some acceptance facilities can print it for you on the spot.

If you are renewing for a minor (someone under 16), bring the minor's birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, and both parents or guardians must be present with photo ID.

What to expect during your appointment

Arrive about 10 minutes early. The acceptance agent will check your documents, verify that your form is filled out correctly, and take your new photo if you did not bring one. They will collect your old passport and your fee. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

You will pay a renewal fee at the appointment. The amount depends on whether you are renewing a passport book, a passport card, or both. Fees change periodically, so check travel.state.gov for the current amount. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card — cash is not accepted at most facilities.

The acceptance agent will give you a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt. You will need it if you want to check the status of your passport later or if something goes wrong with your application.

Processing times after your appointment

After your appointment, the State Department processes your application. Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date you submitted your application at the acceptance facility. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs extra.

You can check the status of your passport using your tracking number at travel.state.gov. The website will tell you whether your application is being processed, whether it is ready for pickup, or whether there is a problem that requires your attention.

If you need your passport sooner than standard processing allows, you can request expedited service at your appointment. You will pay an additional fee. Even with expedited service, the State Department cannot may provide a specific date — they only promise the 2 to 3 week window.

If you cannot make your appointment

Cancel your appointment as soon as you know you cannot attend. Go back to travel.state.gov, log in, and cancel through the scheduling system. If you booked by phone, call 1-877-487-2778 to cancel. Cancelling frees up the slot for someone else and prevents you from being marked as a no-show.

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, you will have to book a new one. Some facilities may flag your account, which can slow down your application later.

Passport renewal by mail as an alternative

If your passport is not damaged, not lost, and you still have it in your possession, you may be able to renew by mail instead of going to an appointment. You fill out Form DS-82, include your old passport, a new photo, and a check or money order, and mail everything to the address on the form. You do not need an appointment for mail renewal.

Mail renewal takes longer — usually 8 to 11 weeks for standard processing — and you cannot request expedited service. If you need your passport within a few weeks, an in-person appointment is faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person at your appointment. The acceptance agent needs to verify your identity and collect your signature on the application form. A family member or friend cannot do this for you.

What if I do not have a current passport photo?

Many acceptance facilities can take your photo on the spot for a small fee, usually $10 to $15. You can also get a photo taken at a pharmacy, post office, or professional photo studio before your appointment and bring it with you. Either way works.

Can I change my name during passport renewal?

If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you will need to bring proof of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy. You can do this at your in-person appointment.

What happens if I lose my old passport before my appointment?

Report the loss to the State Department immediately. You will have to apply for a new passport instead of renewing, which requires an in-person appointment and additional forms. Call 1-877-487-2778 to report the loss and reschedule your appointment.

How do I pick up my passport after it is processed?

The State Department will mail your new passport to the address you provided on your application. You do not pick it up at the acceptance facility. If you need it faster, you can request expedited mail delivery at your appointment for an additional fee, though this is separate from expedited processing.