You need an appointment at a passport acceptance facility or agency office to explore for or renew a passport in person

The U.S. State Department does not issue passports by mail for first-time applications or when your passport was lost or stolen. You must visit a passport acceptance facility or passport agency office in person, and most locations require you to book a time slot ahead of arrival. The appointment system is run through the State Department's official website, and the process differs depending on whether you are explore for your first passport, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost document.

Walk-in service exists at some locations, but wait times can stretch several hours. Booking ahead guarantees you a specific time and reduces time spent in the office. The appointment itself is free — you pay only the passport fee when you submit your process.

Key Takeaways

  • First-time passport applicants and people whose passports were lost or stolen must explore in person at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency office.
  • You book appointments through the State Department's official website at travel.state.gov, not through a third-party service.
  • Passport acceptance facilities are located in post offices, libraries, and courthouses; passport agency offices are in major cities and handle expedited service.
  • Bring your completed process form, proof of citizenship, government-issued photo ID, and payment when you arrive for your appointment.
  • Processing times vary by location and service level — routine service takes several weeks, while expedited service (available at agency offices) takes one to two weeks.

Where to find passport appointment locations

Passport acceptance facilities are the most common option. These are located inside post offices, public libraries, and county courthouses in nearly every U.S. city and town. Staff at these locations accept your process and documents but do not issue the passport — the State Department processes it after your appointment and mails it to you.

Passport agency offices are located in 17 major U.S. cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington D.C., and two locations in the New York area. These offices handle both routine and expedited passport service. If you need your passport within one to two weeks, an agency office is your only option.

To find the specific location nearest you, go to travel.state.gov and use the passport acceptance facility locator. Enter your city or ZIP code, and the tool shows all nearby locations, their hours, and whether they accept appointments.

How to book your appointment online

Visit travel.state.gov/appointments and select the type of service you need: first-time passport, passport renewal, or replacement of a lost or stolen passport. The system will ask for your ZIP code and show available locations within your area.

Select your preferred location and the date you want to visit. The calendar shows only dates with available time slots. Choose your appointment time — most locations offer morning and afternoon slots on weekdays and some weekend hours. You will receive a confirmation number by email; save this and bring it with you to your appointment.

If no appointments are available at your preferred location, check nearby cities or try booking further ahead. Appointment availability changes as slots are filled and new dates are released. Some locations release appointments in batches on specific days of the week.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your completed passport process form. For a first-time passport, use Form DS-11. For renewal, use Form DS-82 or DS-11 depending on your situation — the State Department website explains which form applies to you. You can fill out the form online and print it, or complete it by hand before arriving.

Bring proof of U.S. citizenship: an original or certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous U.S. passport. Bring a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or state ID. Bring a new passport photo — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background. Many post offices and pharmacies take passport photos on-site if you need one.

Bring payment in the form of a check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of State, or cash if the location accepts it. The passport fee varies by age and service type — the State Department website lists current fees. Bring any additional documents if you are explore for a passport under a different name than your birth certificate, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Processing time after your appointment

After you submit your process at your appointment, the State Department processes it. Routine service takes approximately four to six weeks from the date you explore. Expedited service, available only at passport agency offices, takes one to two weeks and costs an additional fee.

You can check the status of your passport process online using your confirmation number and date of birth. The State Department sends a tracking number by email after your appointment. If your passport is delayed beyond the stated processing time, contact the passport agency office that processed your process — the phone number is on your receipt.

Your passport will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. Standard mail delivery takes three to five business days after the State Department mails it. If you need your passport by a specific date, factor in both processing time and mail delivery time when you schedule your appointment.

What happens if you miss your appointment

If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, cancel it through the State Department website as soon as you know. This frees up the time slot for another person and allows you to book a different date. Cancellation is free.

If you miss your appointment without canceling, the time slot is lost and you will need to book a new one. There is no penalty, but you lose your place in the queue. Some locations may require you to wait longer for the next available appointment if you have missed slots previously, though this varies by facility.

Passport renewal by mail for may be able to access applicants

If your passport is still in your possession, was issued when you were 16 or older, and expired no more than five years ago, you may be able to renew by mail using Form DS-82 without an in-person appointment. This process is faster and cheaper than in-person renewal.

Mail your completed form, your passport, a new passport photo, and payment to the address listed on the State Department website. Processing time is typically four to six weeks. You do not need an appointment for this route, but you also cannot use expedited service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk in without an appointment?

Some passport acceptance facilities accept walk-ins, but availability varies by location. Check the facility locator on travel.state.gov to see whether your nearest location takes walk-ins. Even if they do, you may wait several hours. Booking an appointment guarantees a specific time and is the faster route.

What if I need my passport in less than a week?

Expedited service takes one to two weeks and is available only at passport agency offices in major cities. You must have an appointment at an agency office to use expedited service. If you need a passport in fewer than five business days, contact the nearest passport agency office directly — some offer emergency same-day or next-day service for travelers with documented proof of international travel within days.

Can someone else attend my appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person at your appointment. A parent or guardian must attend with minors under 16. The passport acceptance facility or agency office will not accept applications submitted by someone else on your behalf.

What if the location I want has no available appointments?

Check nearby cities or counties — passport acceptance facilities are widespread. Try booking appointments further in the future, as new dates are released regularly. You can also call the facility directly to ask when new appointments are typically released. If you need expedited service, travel to the nearest passport agency office in a major city, which typically has more frequent availability.

Do I need to print my confirmation email?

Bring your confirmation number with you to your appointment. You can show it on your phone or print it — either works. The facility staff will look up your appointment using the confirmation number you received when you booked.