How to Book Your Passport Appointment at a Local Acceptance Facility

Where to make your appointment

You cannot book a passport appointment directly with the State Department. Instead, you schedule with a local acceptance facility — usually a post office, library, or county clerk's office in your area. These facilities collect your documents and photos, then send everything to the State Department for processing.

The facility you choose depends on what is available near you. Post offices accept passports in most towns. Libraries and government offices do so in many areas but not all. Your first step is to find which facilities near you take passport appointments, then call or go online to book a time slot.

You can search for acceptance facilities on the State Department's website by entering your city or ZIP code. The search shows you the address, phone number, and whether each location takes appointments or walk-ins only. Some facilities book weeks in advance; others have slots available within days.

Key Takeaways

• You book with a local acceptance facility (post office, library, or county office), not directly with the State Department.
• Find facilities near you on the State Department website, then call the one you choose to see if they have appointment slots available.
• Bring your completed application form, proof of citizenship, photo ID, and a new passport photo to your appointment.
• Processing time varies from weeks to months depending on whether you pay for expedited service, so book as soon as you know you need a passport.

How to find and contact a facility near you

Go to the State Department's acceptance facility search tool online. Enter your city name or ZIP code, and the tool will show you every location that accepts passport applications within a reasonable distance. Each listing includes the street address, phone number, hours, and whether the facility takes appointments.

Call the facility directly to ask about appointment availability. Do not rely on the website alone — availability changes daily, and some facilities have long waits. When you call, tell them you need a passport appointment and ask what dates and times they have open. They will also tell you whether you need to bring anything beyond the standard documents.

Some facilities, particularly larger post offices and government offices, let you book online through their own scheduling system. If the facility has an online booking link, the search result will show it. Online booking is faster than calling, but not all locations offer it yet.

What documents and items to bring

Bring your completed Form DS-11 (for a new passport) or Form DS-82 (for a renewal). You can fill these out at home before your appointment or at the facility itself, though filling them out ahead saves time. Do not sign the form until you are at the appointment — the acceptance agent must watch you sign.

Bring proof of U.S. citizenship. This means an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. A copy is not enough; it must be the original document. If your birth certificate is old or damaged, order a new one from your state's vital records office before your appointment.

Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID. Bring your Social Security number or card. Bring a new passport photo — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background. You can have a photo taken at the acceptance facility for a fee if you do not have one already.

If you are renewing a passport, bring the passport itself. If you are applying for a passport for a child under 16, both parents or guardians must be present, and you will need the child's birth certificate and both parents' IDs.

What happens during your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. The acceptance agent will review your application form and documents to make sure everything is filled out correctly and nothing is missing. They will check that your photo meets the requirements. They will take your fingerprints and have you sign the application in front of them.

The agent will collect your documents and photo and give you a receipt. This receipt shows your application number and expected delivery date. Keep this receipt — you will need it if you want to check on your application status later or if there is a problem.

The agent will tell you the total cost and payment method. Standard processing takes several weeks to months depending on current demand. Expedited processing (available for an extra fee) cuts the time roughly in half but does not may provide a specific date. You cannot pick up your passport at the acceptance facility; it will be mailed to the address you provided on your application.

Timing and processing speed

Standard passport processing currently takes 6 to 8 weeks from the time the State Department receives your application. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. These times are estimates and can be longer during peak travel seasons (spring and summer) or if there are staffing delays. Check the State Department website for current processing times before you book your appointment.

The appointment itself is just the first step. After your appointment, the acceptance facility sends your documents to the State Department, where they are processed in order. You do not get your passport back at the facility — it arrives by mail at the address you listed on your application.

If you need a passport urgently and standard processing is too slow, expedited service is available. Expedited processing costs extra (currently around $60 more than standard) and cuts processing time roughly in half. You can request expedited service at your appointment, or you can pay for it when you submit your application.

What to do if you cannot find an appointment slot

If the facilities near you are fully booked, you have a few options. First, check facilities in nearby towns or cities — you do not have to use the one closest to you. A facility 20 or 30 miles away might have slots available sooner.

Second, ask the facility when they expect new appointment slots to open. Many facilities release new slots on specific days or times. If you call back at the right moment, you may find availability.

Third, consider whether you can use a passport acceptance facility in a different state if you will be traveling there soon. Some people schedule appointments while visiting family or on a work trip to get faster service.

If you need a passport very urgently and cannot find an appointment, the State Department has a limited number of emergency same-day or next-day appointments at passport agencies in major cities. These are reserved for travel within 72 hours and require proof of your travel plans. Call the nearest passport agency directly to ask about emergency appointments.

Common mistakes to avoid at your appointment

Do not sign your application form before you arrive. The acceptance agent must watch you sign. If you sign it at home, the agent will reject it and you will have to fill out a new form.

Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate or citizenship document. The agent needs the original. If you bring only a copy, your appointment will be delayed or cancelled.

Do not wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup in your passport photo. The photo must show your face clearly and match your appearance on the day you apply. If your photo does not meet requirements, you will have to get a new one taken at the facility.

Do not assume the facility will accept walk-ins even if they normally do. Call ahead to confirm they have time for you. Showing up without an appointment can mean a long wait or being turned away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment online or do I have to call?

Some facilities let you book online through their own system, but most require a phone call. Check the State Department's facility search tool — if online booking is available at your location, there will be a link. Otherwise, call the facility directly during their business hours.

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

Standard and expedited processing will not meet that timeline. Contact the nearest passport agency (not an acceptance facility) to ask about emergency same-day or next-day appointments. You will need proof of travel within 72 hours, such as a plane ticket or hotel reservation. Emergency appointments are limited and not always available.

Do I have to go to the appointment in person or can someone go for me?

You must go in person. The acceptance agent needs to watch you sign your application and verify your identity with your photo ID. The only exception is for children under 16, where both parents or guardians must be present.

What if I do not have my original birth certificate?

Order a new certified copy from your state's vital records office before your appointment. This usually takes one to two weeks. You cannot use a photocopy or a hospital birth certificate. If you cannot get an original birth certificate in time, contact the passport agency about alternative proof of citizenship.

Can I change my appointment time after I book it?

Call the facility where you booked and ask if they can move you to a different time slot. Availability varies, so they may or may not have another slot open. If you cannot reach them by phone, visit the facility in person and ask to reschedule.