How to Book a Passport Appointment at Your Local Post Office

How to book a passport appointment through USPS.com

You can schedule a passport appointment at a participating Post Office by going to usps.com/passport and using their online appointment system. The site shows you Post Offices near you that offer passport services, their available dates and times, and lets you reserve a specific slot. You will need to enter your zip code, choose a location, pick your appointment date and time, and provide your name and phone number to complete the booking.

Not every Post Office offers passport services — the system only shows locations that do. If no nearby offices have openings, the calendar will show dates as unavailable. You can check back later, as new slots open as appointments are completed or cancelled. Some offices fill up weeks in advance, especially in urban areas, so booking early gives you more options.

Once you book, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details. Save this email or take a screenshot — you will need to bring proof of your appointment to the Post Office on the day you go. The confirmation includes the date, time, location address, and a reference number.

Key Takeaways

• Go to usps.com/passport to see which Post Offices near you offer passport services and have open appointment slots.
• You will need your zip code, a phone number, and your name to complete the online booking.
• Bring your appointment confirmation email or a printed copy to the Post Office on your scheduled date.
• If nearby offices are full, check back in a few days — cancellations and new slots open regularly.
• Passport services are only available at certain Post Offices, so the system will only show you locations that actually offer them.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your appointment confirmation, a valid photo ID, and proof of citizenship. Proof of citizenship can be a birth certificate, naturalized citizenship certificate, or passport card. If you are renewing a passport, bring your most recent passport book. You will also need one passport photo — 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white background and your face clearly visible.

Bring the completed passport application form. For a new adult passport, that is Form DS-11. For a minor, it is Form DS-11 as well, but a parent or guardian must be present. You can fill out the form at home before your appointment or at the Post Office, though filling it out ahead saves time. The form is available on the State Department website or at the Post Office itself.

Bring payment for the passport fee. Post Offices accept cash, check, or card. The fee for a new adult passport book is currently $130 (execution fee $35, book fee $95), but fees change and vary by passport type. Ask the Post Office or check the State Department website for the exact amount before you go. Bring a few dollars extra in case the fee has increased.

What happens during your appointment

The Post Office clerk will review your documents, check that your form is complete, verify your identity, and take your photo if you did not bring one. They will collect your payment and submit your application to the State Department. The whole appointment usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order.

The clerk will give you a receipt with a tracking number. Keep this receipt — it shows your application was submitted and gives you a way to track your passport's status. You can use this number on the State Department website to check whether your passport has been approved and shipped.

After your appointment, the Post Office sends your application to a State Department processing center. Standard processing takes about 6 to 8 weeks from the date your application is received. Expedited processing takes about 2 to 3 weeks but costs extra. You cannot choose expedited processing at the Post Office appointment — you have to request it when you submit your application, and the clerk will tell you the additional fee.

If your appointment time does not work anymore

You can cancel or reschedule your appointment through usps.com/passport using your confirmation number and phone number. Go back to the appointment booking page, enter your details, and you will see options to change your time or cancel. If you cancel, your slot opens up for someone else to book.

If you cannot find your confirmation number, call the Post Office location directly — they can look up your appointment by your name and phone number and help you reschedule. The phone number for your local Post Office is on the USPS website or in your confirmation email.

Why some Post Offices do not offer passport services

Passport services require staff training and specific equipment, so only certain Post Offices are set up to provide them. Smaller offices, rural locations, and some urban branches do not offer the service. The USPS website only shows you offices that do, so if your nearest Post Office does not appear in the search results, it means they do not handle passports.

If the closest participating office is far away, you have other options. You can go to a county courthouse, a library that offers passport services, or a State Department passport acceptance facility. These locations also require appointments in many cases, and you can find them through the State Department's office locator at travel.state.gov.

Preparing your application before your appointment

Download Form DS-11 from the State Department website and fill it out completely before you go. Use black or blue ink and print clearly. Do not sign the form yet — you must sign it in front of the Post Office clerk. If you sign it early, the application will be rejected and you will have to start over.

Have your photo ready. If you do not have one, the Post Office can take it for you during your appointment for a small fee, usually around $15. However, bringing your own photo speeds up the process. Make sure it meets the requirements: 2x2 inches, white background, taken within six months, and your face clearly visible and centered.

Check the State Department website for any recent changes to passport requirements or fees. Rules and fees can change, and the website is the official source. Having this information before your appointment means you will not be surprised by a fee increase or a new document requirement.

What to do if you lose your confirmation or cannot remember your appointment time

Call the Post Office location where you booked your appointment. They can look up your appointment using your name and phone number. The phone number is on your confirmation email or on the USPS website — search for your local Post Office and call the main number.

If you booked through usps.com/passport, you can also log back in using your phone number and the email address you provided. The system will show your upcoming appointments and let you view or change them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No, the person getting the passport must be present at the appointment. For minors under 16, a parent or legal guardian must also be there. You cannot book an appointment and send someone else in your place.

What if I need my passport faster than standard processing?

You can request expedited processing at your appointment, which takes about 2 to 3 weeks instead of 6 to 8. There is an additional fee for expedited service. Tell the clerk you want expedited processing when you arrive, and they will add it to your application and collect the extra fee.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Most Post Offices that offer passport services require an appointment. Walk-ins are not usually accepted. Book your appointment through usps.com/passport before you go.

What if the Post Office loses my application after my appointment?

The Post Office gives you a receipt with a tracking number when you submit your application. Use this number on the State Department website to track your passport's status. If there is a problem, the State Department can investigate using this number.

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

No. The Post Office submits your application to the State Department, which then processes it and mails it to you. Even with expedited processing, you will wait at least 2 to 3 weeks. If you need a passport immediately, you will have to go to a State Department office in person and request emergency service, which is a different process.