How to Book a Passport Agency Appointment
Book directly through the State Department website or call the National Passport Information Center
You can schedule an in-person appointment at a passport agency or acceptance facility through two channels: the State Department's online appointment system at passports.state.gov, or by phone at 1-877-487-2778. The online system is usually faster — you can see available dates and times immediately and confirm your slot in minutes. The phone line has wait times that vary by time of day and season, but staff can answer questions about what documents to bring before you book.
When you go online, you will need to select your location first. The State Department operates 26 passport agencies nationwide, plus hundreds of acceptance facilities (usually post offices and libraries). Acceptance facilities handle routine renewals and new passports with standard processing. Passport agencies handle expedited services and emergency situations. If you need your passport within days, search for the agency nearest you rather than an acceptance facility.
Have your Social Security number, driver's license number, and a sense of your schedule ready before you call or log in. The system will ask you to pick a date and time slot, then confirm your appointment details via email. Write down your confirmation number — you will need it when you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- The State Department's website at passports.state.gov has the fastest appointment booking with real-time availability, or call 1-877-487-2778 to book by phone.
- Passport agencies handle expedited and emergency services; acceptance facilities handle routine renewals, so choose your location type based on how quickly you need your passport.
- You will need your Social Security number, driver's license number, and a confirmation email sent to the address you provide during booking.
- Bring your confirmation number and the documents listed in your appointment confirmation when you arrive; missing documents will delay or cancel your appointment.
What documents the State Department requires you to bring
The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing an existing passport or applying for a new one. For a renewal, bring your current passport, a completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (depending on your situation), a new photo, and a government-issued ID. For a new passport, bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth), proof of identity, proof of residence, a new photo, and a completed DS-11 form.
Your appointment confirmation email will list the exact documents required for your specific situation. Read that list carefully before you arrive — passport agencies will turn you away if you are missing required paperwork, and you will lose your appointment slot. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call the National Passport Information Center before your appointment to confirm.
Passport photos must meet State Department standards: 2x2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a plain white or off-white background, and your face taking up 50 to 69 percent of the frame. Many CVS, Walgreens, and UPS locations offer passport photos for around $15 to $20. Do not use photos from your phone or home printer — they will be rejected.
How to prepare for your appointment day
Arrive 15 minutes early with all documents organized in the order listed on your confirmation. Bring your confirmation number, your ID, and the original documents — not copies, unless the confirmation specifically says copies are acceptable. If you are applying for a minor's passport, both parents or guardians must be present with proof of custody or guardianship.
Passport agencies operate on a strict appointment schedule. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may be cancelled and you will need to book a new one. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online or by phone as soon as you know — this frees the slot for someone else and prevents a no-show on your record.
Bring payment in the form they accept at your location. Most agencies accept cash, check, or card, but confirm with your confirmation email or by calling ahead. Passport fees vary: a new adult passport book costs $130, expedited processing adds $60, and a same-day emergency appointment adds $35 on top of expedited fees. Minors' passports and passport cards have different fees.
Understanding appointment types and processing times
The State Department offers three appointment types, each with different processing times and costs. Routine service takes 6 to 8 weeks and is the standard option. Expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs an extra $60; you can book this at most passport agencies and some acceptance facilities. Same-day emergency service is available only at passport agencies and requires proof of imminent travel (a flight ticket or cruise confirmation dated within 14 days). Same-day emergency appointments are limited and book up quickly.
When you book online or by phone, the system will show you which appointment types are available at your chosen location. If same-day or expedited slots are full, you can join a waitlist or try booking at a different agency location. Some readers find that agencies in smaller cities have more availability than those in major metropolitan areas.
What to do if your preferred appointment time is not available
If the dates and times you need are booked, you have several options. First, check other nearby passport agencies or acceptance facilities — availability varies by location. Second, check back online frequently; cancellations happen regularly as people reschedule, and new slots open throughout the day. Third, call the National Passport Information Center to ask about waitlist options or to confirm whether other locations have sooner availability.
If you are traveling within two weeks and cannot find an appointment, ask about same-day emergency service when you call. You will need proof of imminent travel (airline ticket, cruise confirmation, or travel itinerary with dates), and you must apply in person at a passport agency, not an acceptance facility. Same-day emergency appointments are limited and not always available, but it is worth asking.
Do not book a flight or travel without confirming your passport appointment first. Passport processing times are estimates, not guarantees, and delays do happen. Once you have your appointment confirmed and your documents ready, then book your travel.
Rescheduling or cancelling an appointment
You can reschedule or cancel your appointment through the State Department website using your confirmation number and the email address you provided. Log into passports.state.gov, find the "Manage Your Appointment" section, and follow the prompts. You can also call 1-877-487-2778 to reschedule by phone.
If you cancel, your appointment slot becomes available for other people to book. If you need to reschedule, do it as soon as you know your plans have changed — waiting until the last minute may leave you without an available slot nearby. If you miss an appointment without cancelling, you will need to book a new one from scratch.
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 are a minor. You will need the applicant's Social Security number and date of birth to complete the booking.
What if I do not have internet access to book online?
Call 1-877-487-2778 to book by phone. The wait time varies, but staff can book your appointment and email you a confirmation. Have your Social Security number, driver's license number, and preferred dates ready before you call.
Do I need an appointment to renew my passport by mail?
No. Mail-in renewal does not require an appointment. You submit your application by mail with your current passport, a new photo, and the renewal form. Mail-in renewal takes 6 to 8 weeks for routine service or 2 to 3 weeks for expedited service.
Can I change my appointment to an earlier date if one opens up?
Yes. Check the website frequently or call to see if sooner slots have opened at your location. You can reschedule to an earlier date if availability changes. Some people check daily in the week before their appointment to catch cancellations.
What happens if I arrive without all my documents?
The passport agency will not process your application. You will lose your appointment slot and need to book a new one. Review your confirmation email carefully before you arrive to make sure you have everything listed.