How to Schedule and Attend a Passport Appointment in Person

What happens at an in-person passport appointment

An in-person passport appointment is where you go to a passport acceptance facility or passport agency office to submit your documents and have your photo taken and identity verified by a government official. You do not complete the entire passport process in one visit — the appointment is the submission step. After you leave, the State Department processes your application and mails the passport to you, which takes several weeks.

The appointment itself usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. A clerk will check that your documents are complete, ask you questions to confirm your identity and citizenship, take your photo if you did not bring one, and collect your payment. They will give you a receipt with a tracking number so you can check on your passport's status later.

You cannot walk in without an appointment. The State Department requires you to book a time slot in advance, even at acceptance facilities run by post offices or libraries.

Key Takeaways

• Book your appointment through the State Department's online scheduling system at passports.state.gov or by calling 1-877-487-2778; walk-ins are not accepted.
• Bring your completed application form (DS-11 for a new passport or DS-82 for renewal), proof of citizenship, a government-issued photo ID, and payment in the form specified by your location.
• Passport acceptance facilities at post offices and libraries handle routine applications, while passport agency offices handle expedited processing and special cases.
• Processing time after your appointment ranges from several weeks for standard service to as little as one week if you pay for expedited processing.

How to book your appointment online

Go to passports.state.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" from the homepage. You will enter your zip code to see which facilities near you have openings. The system shows you available dates and times for the next several weeks.

When you select a time slot, you will create an account or log in if you already have one. You will answer questions about whether this is a new passport, a renewal, or a replacement, and whether you need expedited processing. The system will tell you what documents to bring and what the fee will be.

After you book, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and a barcode. Print this confirmation or save it on your phone — you will need to show it when you arrive.

What documents to bring to your appointment

The exact documents depend on whether you are applying for a new passport, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged one. The State Department's website will show you the specific list when you book, but here are the items most people need.

For a new passport, bring your completed DS-11 form (application for a U.S. passport), an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, and proof of citizenship such as a naturalization certificate if you were not born in the United States. You will also need a photo — either bring one that meets State Department standards (2x2 inches, taken within the last six months) or have the facility take one for you for a small fee.

For a renewal, bring your completed DS-82 form, your current passport, and a government-issued photo ID. You do not need a new birth certificate for a renewal unless your name has changed.

Bring payment in the form your location accepts. Most facilities take cash, check, or credit card, but some accept only certain methods — the confirmation email will specify.

Passport acceptance facilities versus passport agency offices

A passport acceptance facility is usually a post office, library, or county courthouse. These locations handle routine new passport applications and renewals. They take your documents, verify your identity, and send everything to a processing center. Standard processing takes three to five weeks after your appointment; expedited processing (which costs extra) takes one to two weeks.

A passport agency office is a dedicated State Department location in major cities. These offices handle expedited processing, same-day or next-day service for travel emergencies, passport replacements for lost or stolen documents, and cases where there are questions about your citizenship or identity. If you need your passport urgently, you may be able to get an appointment at an agency office instead of a local acceptance facility.

When you search for appointments online, the system shows you both types of locations. If you need your passport quickly, filter for passport agency offices in your state or nearby states — they often have faster processing options available.

What to expect when you arrive

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your confirmation email or printed barcode, all required documents, and your payment. Leave extra time if you are traveling to an unfamiliar location or if parking is difficult.

When you check in, a staff member will scan your barcode and verify your appointment. You will wait in a queue until a clerk calls you. The clerk will review your documents to make sure everything is there and filled out correctly. If something is missing or wrong, they may ask you to correct it on the spot, or they may reject the application and ask you to reschedule after you gather the missing item.

The clerk will ask you questions about your identity, citizenship, and the purpose of your passport. Answer honestly and directly. If you brought a photo, they will check that it meets standards. If you did not, they will take one at the facility for a fee (usually $15 to $20).

You will sign your application in front of the clerk. They will collect your payment, give you a receipt with a tracking number, and tell you when to expect your passport in the mail. Keep the receipt — you will need the tracking number if you want to check on your application status.

Processing time and tracking your passport

After your appointment, the State Department processes applications in batches. Standard processing takes three to five weeks from the date of your appointment. Expedited processing takes one to two weeks and costs an additional fee (currently $60, though this may change).

You can track your passport using the tracking number on your receipt. Go to passports.state.gov, select "Check Application Status," and enter your tracking number and date of birth. The system will tell you whether your passport is in process, ready to ship, or has been mailed.

Passports are mailed via standard mail, not overnight shipping. If you need your passport by a specific date and standard processing will not get it to you in time, ask about expedited processing or same-day service when you book your appointment.

If you need to reschedule or cancel

Log back into your account on passports.state.gov and select "Manage Appointment." You can cancel or reschedule up to one business day before your appointment. If you cancel, your appointment slot opens up for other people to book.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will lose your slot and have to book a new one. There is no penalty fee, but you will have to wait for the next available opening, which may be weeks away depending on demand in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else go to the appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person. The clerk needs to verify your identity and take your photo. If you are a minor, a parent or legal guardian must accompany you, but you still have to be present.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You will need to get one before your appointment. Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This can take several weeks, so start early. The State Department's website has links to vital records offices by state.

Can I get a passport the same day as my appointment?

Only at a passport agency office, and only if you pay for emergency same-day or next-day service and have a travel emergency (such as a flight leaving within 72 hours). Acceptance facilities at post offices and libraries cannot issue passports on the spot.

What if my documents are rejected at my appointment?

The clerk will tell you what is missing or incorrect and ask you to reschedule after you fix it. There is no fee to reschedule. Bring the corrected documents to your new appointment.

Do I need to bring my Social Security number to my appointment?

You do not need to bring a card, but you should know your number. The application form asks for it. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the clerk — there are alternative ways to verify your identity.