Where to Book Your Passport Appointment

The two places that accept passport appointments

You can make a passport appointment at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency. A passport acceptance facility is usually a post office, library, or county clerk's office near you. A passport agency is a federal office that handles passports full-time and moves faster, but there are only a few dozen in the country.

Most people use an acceptance facility because one exists in almost every town. Passport agencies are worth the trip only if you need your passport in the next few weeks or if your local acceptance facility has no openings for months.

Key Takeaways

• Passport acceptance facilities at post offices and libraries let you book appointments online through the State Department's website, usually weeks in advance.
• Passport agencies handle rush processing and same-day service, but you must call their phone line to book — they do not take online appointments.
• You can find your nearest acceptance facility and check real-time availability by entering your zip code at passports.state.gov.
• If your local facility is fully booked, you can travel to a different city or county where openings exist, or call a passport agency to ask about walk-in hours.
• Passport agencies are located only in major cities; the State Department website lists all of them with their phone numbers and hours.

How to book at a passport acceptance facility

Go to passports.state.gov and click "Book an Appointment." Enter your zip code or city. The site shows you every acceptance facility within a reasonable distance, along with their current availability — you will see actual dates and times open for booking, not a waitlist.

Click the facility you want and choose your date and time. You will need to create a State Department account or sign in if you already have one. After you book, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number, the facility's address, and a list of documents to bring. Save this confirmation — you will need it when you arrive.

Acceptance facilities typically have openings several weeks out. If your nearest location is fully booked, the site lets you search a wider radius. Many people find an opening 30 to 60 miles away rather than wait months locally.

How to book at a passport agency

Passport agencies do not use the online booking system. Instead, you must call the agency directly during business hours. The State Department website lists all passport agencies by location — search "passport agency near me" or go to passports.state.gov and look for the agency locator.

When you call, tell the staff member your situation: whether you need a passport in the next two weeks, whether you have an international flight booked, or whether you are renewing or applying for the first time. They will tell you whether they have appointments available and what dates work. Some agencies keep a small number of same-day or next-day slots for people in urgent situations.

Passport agencies are located only in major cities: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Miami, Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. If you do not live near one, an acceptance facility is your only option.

What to do if your nearest facility is fully booked

You have three choices. First, you can book at a facility farther away — the State Department's booking site shows availability across a wide area, and many people drive or take a bus to a nearby city where openings exist. Second, you can call a passport agency to ask about walk-in hours or cancellations. Third, you can wait for new appointment slots to open at your local facility, which usually happens weekly as cancellations free up time.

If you are in a genuine rush — your flight is in two weeks or less — a passport agency is faster. Agencies can process passports in as little as one business day if you pay for expedited service. Acceptance facilities cannot offer expedited processing; they send your application to a passport agency, which takes weeks even with expedited fees.

Documents you need before you book

Before you make an appointment, gather your documents. For a first-time passport, you will need a birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of citizenship. For a renewal, you need your current passport and a new photo. For a replacement (lost or stolen), you need a police report and proof of citizenship.

The State Department's website has a full checklist organized by what type of passport you need. Review it before you book so you know whether you have everything. If you show up without the right documents, the facility will not process your application and you will lose your appointment.

What happens after you book

Your confirmation email will tell you exactly what to bring and what time to arrive. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your confirmation number, all required documents, and a check or money order for the passport fee — most facilities do not accept credit cards. Bring a new photo if you are renewing or replacing.

The appointment itself usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. The staff member will review your documents, take your photo if needed, and collect your payment. They will give you a receipt with a tracking number so you can check your passport's status online. Processing time is typically two to three weeks for routine service, or one week for expedited service (which costs extra).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in without an appointment?

Most acceptance facilities require an appointment and will not serve walk-ins. Some passport agencies keep a small number of walk-in slots for emergencies — call ahead to ask. If you have a flight in the next few days, a passport agency is your only option.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

Log into your State Department account on passports.state.gov and click "Manage Appointment." You can cancel or reschedule up to one day before your appointment. If you cancel, your slot opens for someone else to book.

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must be present at your appointment. The staff member needs to verify your identity and take your photo or signature. A parent or guardian can attend with a minor, but the minor must be there.

How far in advance should I book?

Book as soon as you know you need a passport. Acceptance facilities often have openings 4 to 8 weeks out, but during summer and holiday seasons they fill up faster. If your trip is less than two weeks away, call a passport agency instead of booking an acceptance facility appointment.

What if the facility I want is too far away?

The State Department's booking site shows all facilities within your search radius with real-time availability. You can expand your search to a wider area, or call a passport agency to ask about expedited processing if distance is a barrier.