How to Book a Passport Appointment at Your Local Post Office

Book your passport appointment online through the USPS website or by phone — you cannot walk in without one

The United States Postal Service handles passport applications and renewals at about 7,000 post offices nationwide. To get an appointment, you must reserve a time slot in advance through the USPS Passport Services website or by calling 1-877-487-2778. Walk-ins are not accepted, and showing up without a scheduled time will turn you away.

The online booking system lets you search by ZIP code, see available dates and times at nearby locations, and confirm your appointment immediately. The phone line has the same information but requires speaking with someone. Either way, you will receive a confirmation number and should write it down — you will need it when you arrive.

Appointment slots fill fastest in spring and early summer, when people plan summer travel. If you cannot find an open time near you, check again in a few days, as cancellations open up regularly. Some post offices have more availability than others, so if your nearest location is booked solid, try the next one over.

Key Takeaways

• You must book an appointment online at usps.com/passports or by calling 1-877-487-2778 before visiting any post office for passport services.
• Bring your confirmation number, a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a completed passport form DS-11 or DS-82 depending on whether you are renewing or applying new.
• Processing times vary: routine service takes four to six weeks, expedited service takes two to three weeks, and you can pay extra for both options at the post office.
• Post offices accept passport photos taken on-site or bring your own if it meets USPS standards — a passport photo booth is often available at the location.
• Fees are set by the State Department and do not vary by post office; you pay at your appointment, and the post office does not accept all payment methods, so bring cash or a debit card.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your confirmation number first — without it, the post office staff cannot find your appointment. You will also need a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport card. If you do not have one, the post office cannot process your application that day.

For a new passport, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy, your Social Security card, and a completed Form DS-11. For a renewal, bring your current passport and a completed Form DS-82 if you are renewing by mail, or Form DS-11 if you are renewing in person. The form you need depends on your situation — the USPS website tells you which one applies to you.

You will also need a passport photo. You can bring one you had taken elsewhere if it meets State Department standards (2x2 inches, taken within six months, plain background, head straight on, eyes open and looking at the camera). Many post offices have a photo service on-site and can take one for you during your appointment for a small fee, usually around $15.

How long the process takes from appointment to receiving your passport

The post office appointment itself takes 15 to 30 minutes. The staff will review your documents, take your photo if needed, collect your fee, and submit your application to the State Department. You do not receive your passport at the post office — it arrives by mail weeks later.

The State Department offers two processing speeds. Routine service takes four to six weeks from the day you submit your application. Expedited service takes two to three weeks and costs extra — currently $60 more than routine service, though this amount can change. You choose which speed you want and pay for it at your post office appointment.

If you need your passport faster than expedited service allows, you can request a rush appointment at a passport acceptance facility or apply in person at a passport agency in a major city, but those are separate from the post office system. The post office cannot rush a passport beyond the expedited timeline.

What to expect when you arrive at your appointment

Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early with all your documents organized. Have your confirmation number ready and your photo ID accessible. The post office will call you when the staff member is ready, and you will go to the passport window.

The staff will ask you questions to verify the information on your form — your full name, date of birth, where you were born, and whether you have ever had a passport before. Answer honestly and completely. They will examine your birth certificate or citizenship document, check your photo ID, and take a new photo if you did not bring one.

You will then pay the fee. Post offices accept cash, debit cards, and some accept checks, but not all locations take credit cards — call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods at your specific post office. The staff will give you a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt; you can use the number to check your passport status online at the State Department website.

Fees and what they cover

Passport fees are set by the State Department and are the same at every post office. For a new adult passport book (ages 16 and up), the fee is currently $130 for routine service or $190 for expedited service. For a child passport (under 16), the fee is $100 for routine or $160 for expedited. These amounts do not include the execution fee that some post offices charge for taking your application — that is usually $35 and is paid separately at the window.

If you need a passport card instead of a book, the card costs less but has a shorter validity period and cannot be used for international air travel. A new card costs $30 for routine or $90 for expedited, plus the execution fee.

The post office does not refund fees if you change your mind after submitting your application. If your application is denied by the State Department (which is rare), you can reapply, but you will pay the full fee again.

If your appointment time does not work or you need to cancel

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment through the USPS website or by calling 1-877-487-2778. Cancellations free up slots for other people, so if your plans change, cancel as soon as you know. There is no penalty for canceling.

If you cancel and need a new appointment, you will have to book again through the same system. If you are close to your appointment date and cannot find another slot nearby, try searching at post offices in neighboring towns or cities — some have more availability than others.

What happens if you miss your appointment

If you do not show up for your appointment, the post office will not hold your slot. You will need to book a new appointment. There is no fee for missing an appointment, but you lose your time slot, and you may have to wait longer to get another one, especially during busy seasons.

If you are running late, call the post office directly (not the main passport line) and let them know. Some locations will hold your appointment for a short delay, but this is not may provide. It is better to reschedule if you know you cannot make it on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person applying for the passport must book their own appointment and be present at the appointment. A parent or guardian can book for a minor child, but the child must attend. The post office will not process an application if the applicant is not there in person.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or an equivalent document proving citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or consular report of birth abroad. If you do not have your birth certificate, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy before your appointment.

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

No. The post office submits your application to the State Department, and you receive your passport by mail four to six weeks later (or two to three weeks with expedited service). The post office does not issue passports on-site.

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

No. If your passport is still valid and meets the renewal requirements, you can mail your application directly to the State Department without visiting a post office. The USPS website explains which renewals can be done by mail and which require an in-person appointment.

What if the post office loses my application?

This is extremely rare. The post office gives you a receipt with a tracking number when you submit your application. You can use that number to check your passport status on the State Department website at any time. If there is a problem, contact the State Department directly using the number on your receipt.