How to Book and Attend Your Passport Renewal Appointment

You need an appointment to renew your passport in person at most locations

You cannot walk into a passport acceptance facility or passport agency without a scheduled appointment. The State Department requires you to book a time slot before you arrive, whether you are renewing a passport card, a book, or both. The appointment system exists to manage the volume of people applying and to reduce wait times on the day you show up.

Where you make your appointment depends on what you need. If you are renewing by mail (which does not require an appointment), you send your materials to the address on the State Department website. If you are renewing in person, you book through the State Department's appointment system at passports.state.gov, or you call 1-877-487-2778 to book over the phone.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment at passports.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778; walk-ins are not accepted at passport agencies or most acceptance facilities.
• Bring your current passport, a completed Form DS-11 or DS-82 (depending on whether you are renewing by mail or in person), a government-issued ID, and a new passport photo.
• Appointment availability varies by location and season; book as far in advance as the system allows, especially if you need your passport within a few months.
• Arrive 15 minutes early with all required documents; missing your appointment may result in a fee or loss of your time slot.
• Processing time after your appointment ranges from a few weeks to several months depending on whether you pay for expedited service.

How to book your appointment online or by phone

Go to passports.state.gov and select "Book an Appointment" or "Find a Location." The system will ask you to enter your zip code or city to see which passport acceptance facilities or agencies serve your area. You will then see available dates and times. Select the slot that works for you and confirm your booking. The system will send you a confirmation email with your appointment details, location address, and what to bring.

If you prefer to book by phone, call 1-877-487-2778 during business hours. A representative will ask for your location, the type of renewal you need, and your availability. They will book the appointment and provide you with the same confirmation details. Phone booking can take longer than online booking, especially during peak travel seasons (spring and summer).

Availability depends on your location and the time of year. Urban passport agencies often fill up weeks or months in advance. Rural or suburban acceptance facilities may have more open slots. If you cannot find an appointment near you, check nearby cities or counties — you can renew at any passport acceptance facility in the country, not just the one closest to your home.

What documents and information you need before your appointment

Bring your current passport, even if it is expired. You will also need a completed application form — either Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) or Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application), depending on your situation. DS-11 is for in-person renewals at an agency or acceptance facility. DS-82 is for mail renewals. You can download and print both forms from state.gov, or pick them up at the location where you have your appointment.

You must bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or military ID. You will also need a new passport photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. The photo must show your face straight-on, with a plain white or off-white background. Many CVS, Walgreens, and post offices offer passport photo services for a small fee.

If you are renewing a passport card or book that was issued before you turned 16, or if your passport was lost or stolen, you may need additional documents. Bring your birth certificate or naturalization papers if you have them. The acceptance facility staff can tell you at your appointment if you need anything else.

What to expect when you arrive at your appointment

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring all documents listed in your confirmation email. The staff will check your documents, verify your identity, take a new photo if needed, and collect your fee. Standard renewal costs $130 for a passport book and $35 for a passport card as of 2024, though fees can change. You can pay by check, money order, or credit card — policies vary by location, so check your confirmation email.

The appointment itself usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The staff will not interview you extensively if you are renewing a passport you have held for years. They will ask basic questions to confirm your identity and whether your information has changed. If you have a new name, address, or other significant change, tell the staff before they process your application.

Do not miss your appointment. If you cannot attend, cancel through the online system or call 1-877-487-2778 as soon as you know. Cancelling frees up the slot for someone else and prevents you from losing your fee or facing a rescheduling penalty.

How long it takes to get your passport after your appointment

Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks after your appointment. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs an additional $60. Expedited service does not speed up your appointment itself — it speeds up the processing time after you submit your application at the appointment.

You can track your passport's status online at passports.state.gov using your confirmation number and date of birth. The system updates as your passport moves through production and shipping. Most passports are mailed to the address you provided, though some locations offer in-person pickup for an additional fee.

If you need your passport sooner than standard or expedited processing allows, ask the staff at your appointment about expedited service with a same-day or next-day pickup option. This service is available at some passport agencies but not at all acceptance facilities, and it costs more. The staff can tell you whether your location offers it.

What to do if you cannot find an appointment or need one urgently

If the online system shows no available appointments in your area, check again in a few days. Slots open up regularly as people cancel. You can also search in nearby cities or counties — passport acceptance facilities are spread across the country, and you can travel to renew if needed.

If you need your passport within a few weeks, call 1-877-487-2778 and explain your situation. The representative may be able to find an earlier slot or direct you to an agency location that has availability sooner. Some passport agencies hold a small number of same-day or next-day appointments for people with urgent travel plans, though these are limited and require proof of travel.

If you are traveling internationally within days and do not have an appointment, contact your nearest passport agency directly. Some agencies have emergency or expedited walk-in services for people with imminent travel. You will need to bring proof of your travel (airline ticket, hotel reservation, or cruise confirmation) and pay an additional fee.

Common reasons appointments are delayed or cancelled

Passport agencies sometimes close or reduce hours due to staffing shortages, building maintenance, or federal holidays. If your appointment is cancelled by the agency, you will receive an email notification and the system will offer you alternative dates. Check your email regularly in the weeks before your appointment.

If you miss your appointment, you lose your time slot and may have to pay a rescheduling fee or book a new appointment from scratch. Some locations charge a no-show fee of $25 to $50. If you are running late, call the location directly — they may hold your slot for a short time, but do not count on it.

Weather, natural disasters, or other emergencies can affect passport services. Check passports.state.gov or call 1-877-487-2778 if you hear about disruptions in your area. The State Department posts updates about closures and service changes on its website.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if your passport is not damaged, was not lost or stolen, and you are over 16. Mail renewal is slower (6 to 8 weeks standard, 2 to 3 weeks expedited) but does not require an appointment. You send your passport, completed Form DS-82, a new photo, and payment to the address on state.gov. Mail renewal costs $130 for a book and $35 for a card.

What if my appointment is at a passport acceptance facility, not a passport agency?

Acceptance facilities are usually post offices, libraries, or county clerk offices that process passport applications. They follow the same appointment system and require the same documents. The main difference is that acceptance facilities cannot issue passports on-site — they send your application to a passport agency for processing. Your processing time is the same whether you renew at an agency or acceptance facility.

Do I need to bring my children to their passport renewal appointments?

Yes, minors must be present at their appointment. Both parents or guardians must attend if the passport was issued when the child was under 16, or if there is a custody dispute. Bring the child's birth certificate and both parents' IDs. If one parent cannot attend, bring a notarized consent form from that parent.

What happens if I lose my passport before my appointment?

Report the loss to the State Department immediately by calling 1-877-487-2778 or visiting passports.state.gov. You will need to file a report and then apply for a replacement passport using Form DS-11 (in person) or Form DS-64 (by mail). You cannot renew a lost passport by mail — you must apply in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility.

Can I change my name on my passport at my renewal appointment?

Yes, if you have a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your new name. Bring the original or certified copy of the document along with your other renewal documents. The staff will process the name change as part of your renewal. There is no additional fee for a name change during renewal.