How to Schedule a Passport Appointment at Your Local USPS

Book your appointment online through the USPS passport scheduling system

USPS passport appointments are scheduled through a dedicated online portal, not by calling your local post office or walking in. Go to passports.usps.org and select "Schedule an Appointment" to see available times at post offices near you. The system shows you real openings — if nothing appears for your location, that office has no slots available that week.

You will need to enter your ZIP code, the type of service you need (new passport, renewal, or correction), and your preferred dates. The system then displays available time slots. Pick one and you will receive a confirmation number by email. Save this number — you will need it when you arrive.

The online system is the only way to book. Post offices do not hold appointment slots for phone or in-person requests. If the nearest office shows no availability, check offices in neighbouring towns or try again in a few days, as slots open regularly.

Key Takeaways

• Schedule through passports.usps.org, not by phone or at the post office counter.
• You will need your ZIP code, the type of passport service, and preferred dates to search for openings.
• Save your confirmation number — bring it with you on the day of your appointment.
• If your nearest office is full, check post offices in surrounding areas, as availability changes throughout the week.
• Appointments are required; walk-ins are not accepted for passport services.

What information you need before you start

Before opening the scheduling portal, gather a few pieces of information so you do not have to leave and come back. You will need your ZIP code, the state where you want to pick up your passport, and the type of service: new passport, passport renewal, or a correction to an existing passport.

If you are renewing, know whether you are doing a standard renewal (by mail, if may be able to access) or an in-person renewal. The USPS system only handles in-person appointments, so if you are mailing in a renewal, you do not need an appointment at all.

Have a few date options in mind. The system shows availability week by week, and popular times fill quickly. If you are flexible about when you go, you will have more choices.

Understanding appointment availability and timing

Passport appointment slots at USPS locations vary by post office and season. Busy locations in cities may show openings only a few weeks out, while smaller post offices sometimes have slots available further ahead. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), availability tightens across most locations.

The system updates regularly as appointments are booked and cancelled. If you see no openings for your preferred date, check back the next day or try a different nearby post office. Many people find slots by being flexible about location or time of day.

Once you book, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment date, time, and location. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. If you need to reschedule, you can cancel your appointment through the same portal and book a new one.

Documents and items to bring to your appointment

What you bring depends on whether you are getting a new passport, renewing, or correcting an existing one. For a new passport, bring your birth certificate (original or certified copy), a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a completed passport application form (DS-11). You will also need a passport photo that meets USPS standards.

For a passport renewal done in person, bring your current passport, a completed application (DS-82 or DS-11, depending on your situation), a new passport photo, and a government ID. Some renewals can be done by mail instead, which does not require an appointment.

For a correction to an existing passport, bring the passport itself, proof of the error (such as a birth certificate if the name is wrong), a completed application, and your ID. Bring the original or certified copy of any supporting documents — photocopies are not accepted.

Bring your confirmation number from your appointment booking. Have a pen with you in case you need to update any forms on the spot.

What happens during your appointment

When you arrive, check in at the passport counter and provide your confirmation number. A passport acceptance agent will review your documents, verify that everything is complete and correct, and answer any questions about processing time or fees.

The agent will take your application and documents, collect the passport fee (which varies depending on the type of passport and your age), and give you a receipt. This receipt is proof that your application was submitted. Keep it until your passport arrives.

Processing time varies. Standard processing takes several weeks; expedited processing (available for an additional fee) is faster but still takes at least one week. The agent will tell you the expected timeline when you submit your application.

You will not receive your passport at the post office. It will be mailed to the address you provide on your application, or you can arrange to pick it up at a post office if you selected that option.

If you cannot keep your appointment

Cancel through the USPS passport portal as soon as you know you cannot make it. Log in with the same email address you used to book, find your appointment, and select the cancellation option. This frees up the slot for someone else and lets you rebook for a different time.

If you miss your appointment without cancelling, that slot is lost and you will need to book a new one. There is no penalty, but you will have to wait for the next available opening.

If you need to reschedule, cancel first and then book a new appointment. Do not try to change the time directly — the system requires you to cancel and rebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a passport appointment by phone?

No. USPS only takes passport appointment bookings through passports.usps.org. You cannot call the post office or book in person. The online system is the only way to reserve a time slot.

What if no appointments are available near me?

Check post offices in neighbouring towns or ZIP codes. Availability varies by location, and you may find an opening 20 or 30 minutes away. You can also check back daily, as cancellations create new slots throughout the week.

Do I need an appointment if I am renewing my passport by mail?

No. Mail-in renewals do not require an appointment. You only need an in-person appointment if you are getting a new passport, doing an in-person renewal, or correcting an existing passport.

What if I lose my confirmation number?

Log back into passports.usps.org with the email address you used to book. Your appointment will be listed there, and you can view or print your confirmation. You can also call the USPS passport information line, though the online portal is faster.

Can someone else go to my appointment for me?

No. You must be present at your appointment. The passport agent needs to verify your identity and collect your signature on the application. A parent or guardian may accompany a minor, but the applicant must attend.