Where to book your passport renewal appointment

You can schedule a passport renewal appointment at a passport acceptance facility or a passport agency. Passport acceptance facilities are usually located in post offices, libraries, and some county clerk offices. Passport agencies are federal offices in major cities that handle renewals faster but require an appointment booked through their system.

To find the nearest facility or agency, go to the State Department's passport locator at passports.state.gov. Enter your zip code to see which locations near you accept renewals and whether they take walk-ins or require appointments. Some facilities book appointments online through their own websites; others use the State Department's appointment system.

If you need your passport quickly — within two weeks — you must book at a passport agency, not a local acceptance facility. Passport agencies offer expedited service but only by appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • Passport acceptance facilities at post offices and libraries take appointments online or by phone, while passport agencies use the State Department's online booking system.
  • You will need your current passport, a completed form (DS-11 for in-person renewal or DS-82 for by-mail renewal), a new photo, and proof of citizenship or identity.
  • Appointment wait times vary by location and season; booking several weeks ahead gives you more options than waiting until the last minute.
  • If you need your passport within two weeks, you must book at a passport agency, which offers expedited processing but charges an additional fee.

How to book online through the State Department system

The State Department runs an online appointment system for passport agencies at passports.state.gov/appointments. Click "Schedule an Appointment" and select your state and the city where you want to renew. The system shows available dates and times for each location.

You do not need to enter personal details to see availability. Once you choose a date and time, you will create an account or sign in with an existing one, then provide your name, phone number, and email. The system sends you a confirmation email with your appointment number and instructions on what documents to bring.

Save your confirmation email or print it. Bring it with you to your appointment, along with your current passport, the renewal form, a new photo, and proof of identity or citizenship.

Booking at a local acceptance facility by phone or online

Post offices and libraries that accept passport renewals often use their own booking systems separate from the State Department website. Call the facility directly to ask whether they take appointments and how to book one. Some let you reserve a time slot online through their website; others schedule by phone only.

When you call, have your current passport number ready. The staff will ask when you need your passport renewed and whether you need expedited service. They will give you an appointment date and time and tell you which documents to bring.

Many local facilities do not offer expedited service and process renewals in the standard timeframe — usually four to six weeks for by-mail renewal or one to two weeks for in-person renewal. If you need your passport faster, you must go to a passport agency instead.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your current passport, a completed renewal form, a new passport photo, and proof of identity or citizenship. The form you need depends on how you are renewing. For in-person renewal at a passport agency, use Form DS-11. For by-mail renewal through a local facility, use Form DS-82. You can read both forms from passports.state.gov or pick one up at the facility.

Your new passport photo must be 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, and meet State Department rules: a plain white or off-white background, your full face visible, and no sunglasses or filters. Many drugstores and photo studios can take passport photos for a small fee.

For proof of identity, bring a driver's license, state ID, or military ID. If you do not have one of those, bring a birth certificate, Social Security card, or naturalization certificate. The facility staff will tell you which documents they accept when you book.

Expedited service and rush appointments

If you need your passport within two weeks, you must book at a passport agency and request expedited service. Expedited processing costs an additional fee beyond the standard renewal fee. The State Department charges this fee at the time of your appointment, so bring a credit card or check.

Passport agencies are located in major cities and handle renewals faster than local facilities. You can book an appointment through passports.state.gov/appointments. The system shows which agencies have expedited appointments available and when.

Some passport agencies also offer same-day or next-day service for customers with travel emergencies, but this requires calling the agency directly and explaining your situation. Not all agencies offer this option, and availability is limited.

What to expect at your appointment

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. The staff will review your form, check your identity, and take a new photo if the one you brought does not meet requirements. They will collect your old passport and give you a receipt showing your process number and expected delivery date.

The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will not receive your new passport at the appointment — it is mailed to you after processing. Standard processing takes four to six weeks; expedited processing takes two to three weeks.

Keep your receipt and process number. You can track your passport's status online at passports.state.gov using your process number and date of birth.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

If you booked through the State Department's online system at passports.state.gov/appointments, you can cancel or reschedule by signing into your account and selecting your appointment. You can change the date and time as long as the new appointment is at least one business day away.

If you booked at a local facility, call them directly to reschedule. Most facilities allow you to move your appointment to a different date without penalty, but policies vary by location.

If you cancel a passport agency appointment and do not reschedule within 30 days, you may lose your spot and have to wait longer for the next available time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my passport by mail instead of going to an appointment?

Yes, if your passport is not damaged and was issued when you were 16 or older, you can renew by mail using Form DS-82. Mail your process, current passport, new photo, and fee to the address on the form. By-mail renewal takes four to six weeks and does not require an appointment.

What if I cannot make my appointment?

Cancel or reschedule through the State Department website if you booked online, or call the facility directly. Rescheduling is usually free, but canceling without rebooking may mean waiting weeks for the next available slot, especially during busy travel seasons.

Do I need an appointment if I just want to pick up my renewed passport?

No. Once your passport is ready, the facility will notify you by email or mail. You can pick it up during regular business hours without an appointment, though you may need to show ID and your receipt.

How far in advance should I book my appointment?

Book at least four to six weeks before you need your passport if you are using standard processing. During summer and around holidays, facilities book up faster, so booking two to three months ahead gives you better availability. If you need expedited service, book as soon as you know your travel dates.

What happens if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you lose that time slot and must book a new one. Depending on how busy the facility is, the next available appointment could be weeks away. Call as soon as you realize you will miss it to reschedule.