Where to Find a Passport Agency in Your City and What to Bring

How to locate the passport agency nearest you

The U.S. State Department runs passport agencies in major cities across the country, and the one you visit depends on where you live and how quickly you need your passport. You do not have to use the agency closest to your home — you can travel to any agency that has appointments available. The official list is on the State Department's website under "Passport Agencies," organized by state and city.

Each agency handles routine and expedited passports during regular business hours, but only certain locations offer emergency same-day service. If you need a passport within days, you will need to find an agency that specifically lists emergency appointments. The State Department website shows which agencies offer this service and how to book a slot.

Passport agencies are located in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Miami, San Francisco, Denver, Boston, Philadelphia, Seattle, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C. Some states have only one agency; others have multiple locations. The website lets you search by your state or by the city where you can travel.

Key Takeaways

• Passport agencies are in major cities only, and you can visit any location with available appointments — you are not limited to your home state.
• Emergency same-day service is available only at certain agencies, so check the State Department website to confirm your chosen location offers it.
• You must book an appointment in advance; walk-ins are not accepted at any passport agency.
• Bring your completed passport form, proof of citizenship, government-issued photo ID, and a new passport photo, plus any documents related to your travel emergency.
• Processing fees for emergency passports are higher than routine service and vary depending on whether you need a book or card.

What documents you need before you arrive

Bring your completed Form DS-11 (Application for a U.S. Passport) or Form DS-82 (U.S. Passport Renewal Application), depending on whether you are applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one. You can fill this out at home and bring it with you, or fill it out at the agency. The form itself is free on the State Department website.

You will also need proof of U.S. citizenship — an original birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport. A photocopy is not acceptable; bring the original document. If your birth certificate is from overseas, bring the original plus a certified English translation if it is in another language.

Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, military ID, or state ID card. You will also need a new passport photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Many pharmacies and photo shops can take passport photos on the spot if you do not have one ready.

If you are traveling due to a death, illness, or other emergency, bring documentation of that emergency — a death certificate, hospital discharge papers, airline ticket showing your departure date, or a letter from your employer stating the business need. The agency uses this to confirm you may have access to for emergency processing.

Booking an appointment at your chosen agency

All passport agencies require an appointment; you cannot walk in. Go to the State Department's appointment booking system on its website and select the agency location, the type of service you need (routine, expedited, or emergency), and the date and time that work for you. The system shows available slots for the next several weeks.

If the agency you want is fully booked, you have two options: check back daily for cancellations, or look at other agencies in nearby cities. Many people find slots faster by traveling to a less-busy location. The booking system updates throughout the day as cancellations open up.

Write down your appointment confirmation number and bring it with you. You will also receive an email confirmation. Arrive 15 minutes early and bring all required documents. If you miss your appointment, you will need to book a new one.

Processing times and fees for emergency service

Emergency same-day service means you walk out with your passport the same day you apply, but only if you arrive early in the morning and the agency has same-day slots available. Not all agencies offer this; check the State Department website to confirm. Same-day service is available only Monday through Friday and only at select locations.

The fee for an emergency passport book is higher than routine service. Fees vary by passport type (book versus card) and change periodically, so check the State Department website for current amounts. You will pay the application fee plus an execution fee plus the expedite fee. Payment is by check, money order, or credit card — cash is not accepted at most agencies.

If the agency you visit does not offer same-day service but you still need your passport quickly, you can pay for expedited processing, which typically takes one to two weeks. This is faster than routine service but slower than emergency same-day service.

Agencies that offer emergency same-day passports

Emergency same-day passport service is available at a limited number of locations. The agencies that currently offer it include those in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, Denver, and Seattle. However, this list changes, and not every location offers it every day. The State Department website shows which agencies have same-day appointments available for your travel date.

To book a same-day appointment, use the State Department's appointment system and filter for "Emergency" service. Slots fill quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. If your nearest agency does not have same-day availability, consider traveling to one that does, or explore whether expedited service (one to two weeks) will meet your timeline.

Same-day appointments are typically available only in the early morning hours, often 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., so plan to arrive very early. Bring all required documents and be prepared to wait several hours while your passport is printed and processed.

What happens if your nearest agency is closed or fully booked

If the passport agency in your state has no available appointments, you can book at any other agency in the country. The State Department system shows availability across all locations, so you can see which agencies have open slots and plan travel accordingly. Some people drive or fly to a less-busy city to get an appointment sooner.

If you cannot travel to another agency and your timeline is urgent, contact the agency directly by phone to ask about cancellations or emergency situations. The phone number for each agency is on the State Department website. Explain your travel emergency and ask whether they can fit you in or recommend another location.

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling abroad and need an emergency passport, you cannot use a domestic passport agency. Instead, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you are located. They handle emergency passports for citizens overseas and can often process them within one to two business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone else to my appointment to help me?

Yes, you can bring a companion, but only you can enter the interview room. If you are under 16, a parent or guardian must be present. Bring your companion to the agency, but they will wait in the lobby while you complete your application.

What if I do not have my original birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born and request an official certified copy. This can take one to four weeks depending on the location. If your travel date is sooner, ask the passport agency whether you can bring a delayed birth certificate or other proof of citizenship while you wait for the original.

Do I need to renew my passport in person or can I mail it in?

Routine passport renewals can be done by mail if your passport is still valid and was issued when you were 16 or older. Emergency and expedited renewals must be done in person at a passport agency. If you need your passport quickly, you must visit an agency.

What if my appointment time does not work anymore?

Log back into the State Department's appointment system and cancel your current slot, then book a new one. Cancellations open up frequently, so check back daily if your preferred time is full. You can also call the agency directly to ask about rescheduling.

Can I get a passport card instead of a book for emergency service?

Yes, passport cards are smaller and can be issued at the same agencies. However, passport cards cannot be used for international air travel — only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. If you are flying internationally, you need a passport book. The State Department website explains the differences and which form to use for each type.