How to Book a Passport Appointment at Your Local Post Office

Book your passport appointment online through the USPS website or by calling your local post office directly

You can schedule a passport appointment at a participating post office in two ways: through the USPS Passport Appointment Scheduler on usps.com, or by calling the post office location you want to visit. The online scheduler shows available time slots for the next several weeks and lets you pick the date and time that works for you. If you prefer to call, have your zip code ready and ask which post offices near you handle passport services — not all locations do.

The USPS website will ask you to enter your zip code, select a post office, and choose from available appointment times. You'll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. If you call instead, the staff member will tell you what documents to bring and confirm your appointment over the phone. Either way, you'll get a specific date and time — do not show up without one, as walk-ins are not accepted for passport services.

Appointment slots fill up quickly in spring and summer, especially in urban areas. If you don't see times available online, check back the next day or try calling the post office directly, as cancellations open up slots throughout the day.

Key Takeaways

• You must book an appointment before visiting — post offices do not accept walk-ins for passport services.
• The USPS Passport Appointment Scheduler on usps.com shows real-time availability and lets you choose your preferred date and time.
• Not all post offices offer passport services, so the scheduler will show you which locations near you do.
• Calling your local post office directly is an option if you cannot find online availability or prefer to speak with someone.
• Bring your completed passport application form, proof of citizenship, photo ID, and a passport photo to your appointment.

What documents you need to bring to your appointment

Bring your completed Form DS-11 (for a new passport or replacement) or Form DS-82 (for renewal), along with proof of U.S. citizenship. Acceptable citizenship documents include a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. You'll also need a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or military ID.

You must bring a passport photo that meets USPS standards: 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background, and showing your full face looking straight at the camera. You can have photos taken at the post office itself for a small fee if you don't have one ready.

If you're applying for a minor's passport, bring the child's birth certificate, both parents' IDs, and a signed consent form from any parent not present. The post office staff will review all documents at your appointment and tell you if anything is missing before you leave.

How long the appointment takes and what happens during it

Plan for 15 to 30 minutes at the post office. The staff member will verify your documents, check that your application is filled out correctly, take your passport photo if you didn't bring one, and collect your fees. They will not issue your passport on the spot — that happens at a federal facility after the post office sends your application.

Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date you submit your application at the post office. Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs extra. Routine service is the default unless you select expedited when you book your appointment or tell the staff member at your appointment that you need it faster.

The post office will give you a receipt showing your application number and expected delivery date. Keep this receipt. You can track your passport status online using your application number once processing begins.

Fees you'll pay at your appointment

Passport fees vary depending on what you're getting. A new adult passport book costs $130, plus a $35 execution fee charged by the post office. A passport card (the wallet-sized version) costs $30 plus the $35 execution fee. If you want both a book and a card, the total is $160 plus the $35 execution fee.

Minors' passports cost less: a child's book is $100 plus the $35 execution fee, and a child's card is $15 plus the $35 execution fee. Passport renewals by mail (not at the post office) cost $130 for a book and $35 for a card, with no execution fee.

The post office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card. Ask about payment options when you call to confirm your appointment, in case the location has restrictions.

What to do if you can't find an available appointment

If the online scheduler shows no openings near you, try searching post offices in neighboring cities or towns — you can travel to any participating location. Check back on the scheduler daily, as cancellations create new slots. Call the post office directly and ask if they have cancellations or if they know when new slots will open.

If you need a passport urgently and cannot get a nearby appointment, some post offices in larger cities have higher volume and may have sooner availability. You can also contact your state's passport agency directly to ask about expedited in-person services, though this is less common and varies by state.

Do not miss your appointment without canceling — no-shows can delay your application or result in fees. If you need to reschedule, cancel through the online scheduler or call the post office as soon as you know.

Preparing your application form before your appointment

Download and print Form DS-11 from the State Department website (state.gov) if you're applying for a new passport or replacing a lost or damaged one. Download Form DS-82 if you're renewing an expiring passport and it's still in your possession. Fill out the form completely in black or blue ink — do not use pencil. Sign and date the form, but do not sign it before your appointment; the post office staff will witness your signature.

Print the form on white, unfolded 8.5 by 11 inch paper. Do not write outside the boxes or cross out mistakes — if you make an error, print a fresh copy. Bring the original signed form to your appointment; the post office will not accept photocopies.

If you're unsure which form you need or have questions about your specific situation, call the post office where you have your appointment scheduled. They can tell you exactly what to bring and answer questions about your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person applying for the passport must book their own appointment or have a parent or legal guardian book it for them if they're a minor. You cannot schedule an appointment for an adult family member or friend.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can use a naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate, or a previous passport as proof of citizenship instead. If you don't have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to request a birth certificate before your appointment. The post office cannot issue a passport without proof of citizenship.

Do I have to get my passport photo taken at the post office?

No. You can bring a photo taken anywhere, as long as it meets USPS standards: 2 by 2 inches, white or off-white background, taken within six months, and showing your full face straight on. The post office offers photo services for a fee if you don't have one ready.

Can I change my appointment time after I book it?

Yes. Log into the USPS Passport Appointment Scheduler with your confirmation details and select a new time, or call the post office to reschedule. Cancel your original appointment to free up the slot for someone else.

What happens if I arrive late to my appointment?

Call the post office immediately if you're running late. They may be able to see you if the delay is short, but arriving significantly late may result in your appointment being canceled. Rescheduling is usually possible, but do not assume you can be taken in without calling first.