What an appointment passport is and when you need one

An appointment passport is a U.S. passport you obtain by scheduling a time slot at a passport acceptance facility or passport agency office, rather than walking in without an appointment. Most passport work now requires you to book ahead — you cannot straightforward show up at a post office or courthouse and expect to be seen the same day.

You need an appointment passport if you are explore for your first passport, renewing one that has expired or will expire within six months, or replacing a lost or stolen passport. The State Department's official passport website lets you check whether your situation requires an in-person appointment or whether you can renew by mail.

Appointment slots fill quickly in busy seasons (spring and summer), so booking early matters. Some locations have wait times of several weeks, while others may have openings within days. The time you book determines when you can submit your documents and photos — not when you receive the finished passport.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your appointment through the State Department's official passport scheduling system at travel.state.gov, not through a third-party website or service.
  • You will need your Social Security number, a valid ID, and proof of citizenship to schedule and attend your appointment.
  • Bring original documents to your appointment — photocopies and digital files are not accepted, and you cannot mail documents in advance.
  • Passport processing times vary by location and season, ranging from several weeks to several months, and your appointment date does not determine when you receive your passport.
  • If you need a passport urgently, some passport agencies offer expedited in-person service on the same day or within a few days, but this requires a separate appointment type and proof of travel.

How to schedule your appointment online

Go to travel.state.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" under the passport services section. You will be asked to enter your zip code or city to see which facilities near you have openings. The system shows you available dates and times at each location.

During scheduling, you will provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, email address, and phone number. The system will ask what type of service you need — new passport, renewal, replacement, or name change. Be honest about your situation, because selecting the wrong category may invalidate your appointment or cause delays.

After you book, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number, date, time, and the address of your facility. Save this email or print the confirmation. You will need the appointment number when you arrive. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it through the same website so someone else can use that slot.

What documents to bring to your appointment

Bring your original proof of citizenship — a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad. Certified copies are acceptable, but photocopies are not. If your birth certificate is from a U.S. state or territory, it must be an official copy with a raised seal or embossed stamp.

Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or federal employee ID. If you do not have one, you may bring two documents that together prove your identity, such as a school ID and a credit card, though policies vary by location.

Bring a new passport photo taken within the last six months. The photo must be 2 by 2 inches, in color, with a white or off-white background, and showing your face straight-on with a neutral expression. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup. Many CVS, Walgreens, and post offices offer passport photo services for $10 to $20.

If you are renewing a passport that is not damaged, bring the old passport itself. If you are replacing a lost or stolen passport, bring a police report or a signed statement explaining the loss. If someone else is explore on your behalf, bring a notarized power of attorney.

Fees and payment methods at your appointment

Passport fees vary by type and age. A new adult passport book costs $130, plus a $35 execution fee, for a total of $165. A new passport card (the wallet-sized version) costs $30 plus $35, for $65. A child's passport has different pricing. Renewals by mail are cheaper than in-person renewals, so check whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail before booking an appointment.

Bring a check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of State," or bring cash. Most passport facilities do not accept credit cards or debit cards, though some post offices may have different policies — call ahead to confirm. If you pay by check and it bounces, your process may be rejected and you will lose your fee.

Some passport agencies offer a same-day or expedited service for an additional fee if you can prove you are traveling within two weeks. This is not the same as a regular appointment and requires a separate booking process. Ask the facility staff whether expedited service is available at your location.

Processing times and when you receive your passport

After your appointment, the State Department processes your process. Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks for a passport book, though times vary by location and season. During peak travel months (April through August), processing can take 10 to 12 weeks or longer. Passport cards typically take longer than books.

You can track your process status on travel.state.gov using your process number and date of birth. The website shows whether your passport is in process, ready for pickup, or has been mailed. You cannot pick up a passport in person at most locations — it will be mailed to the address you provided.

If you need your passport sooner, some passport agencies in major cities offer expedited in-person service. You must have proof of travel (a ticket or itinerary) and book a separate expedited appointment. Expedited appointments can sometimes be completed within hours or a few days, but availability is limited and fees are higher.

Common mistakes to avoid at your appointment

Do not bring photocopies of your documents. The staff must see and verify your original birth certificate, ID, and other papers. Photocopies will be rejected and you will have to reschedule.

Do not bring a passport photo that does not meet the requirements. Photos taken at home, edited photos, or photos in colored clothing or with a patterned background will be rejected. If your photo is rejected, you may have to leave and return with a new one, delaying your process.

Do not assume your appointment time is when you will receive your passport. Your appointment is when you submit your documents. Processing happens afterward and takes weeks. If you need your passport by a specific date, book your appointment much earlier than you think you need to.

Do not book an appointment for someone else without their knowledge or consent. The person named on the appointment must be present at the appointment. If you are explore on behalf of a minor, you must be their parent or legal guardian and bring proof of guardianship.

What to do if you cannot keep your appointment

Cancel your appointment through travel.state.gov as soon as you know you cannot attend. This frees up the slot for someone else and prevents you from losing your fee. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will forfeit your fee and may have to wait longer to book another slot.

If you need to reschedule, cancel your current appointment and book a new one. You do not need to call anyone or send an email — the online system handles everything. If you have already paid a fee and need to reschedule, you will not be charged again.

If your appointment is at a passport agency (not a post office or courthouse), and you miss it, you may be able to walk in the next day without a new appointment, though wait times can be several hours. Post offices and courthouses do not accept walk-ins and require a scheduled appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No. The person explore for the passport must schedule their own appointment using their own information. If you are explore on behalf of a minor child, you must be their parent or legal guardian, and the child must be present at the appointment with you.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born. This usually takes one to three weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some passport facilities accept a notarized affidavit of birth if you cannot obtain a birth certificate, but policies vary — call your local facility first.

Can I mail my documents to the passport office before my appointment?

No. You must bring all original documents to your appointment in person. The staff will verify them on the spot. Mailing documents in advance will not speed up your process and may result in lost paperwork.

What happens if I book the wrong appointment type?

Contact the passport facility by phone as soon as possible and explain the error. Some facilities will let you reschedule to the correct appointment type without losing your fee. If you show up with the wrong documents for your appointment type, you will be turned away and asked to reschedule.

Is there a way to get a passport faster than the standard processing time?

Yes, if you can prove you are traveling within two weeks. Some passport agencies offer expedited in-person service that can be completed the same day or within a few days. You must bring proof of travel (a ticket or itinerary) and book a separate expedited appointment. Not all locations offer this service, and fees are higher than standard processing.