As of 2026, U.S. citizens can schedule a passport appointment online or by phone through the State Department’s system to apply in person at an acceptance facility.
How to book a passport appointment
To book a passport appointment, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official website or call the National Passport Information Center.
Start by visiting travel.state.gov and navigating to the “Make an Appointment” page. You can select an acceptance facility near you and choose an available date and time. Alternatively, call 1-877-487-2778 (TTY 1-888-874-7793) to schedule by phone. Walk-ins are rarely accepted, so booking in advance is strongly recommended to avoid delays. Processing times for passport appointments vary by location and season, with peak demand during summer months.
Where to get a passport appointment near me
Passport appointments are available at U.S. post offices, courthouses, public libraries, and other government-approved acceptance facilities nationwide.
You can find the nearest facility and check appointment availability using the U.S. Department of State’s facility search tool. Eligible locations include many post offices, county clerk’s offices, and some large retail stores like Walmart. Some facilities only offer appointments, while others accept walk-ins during limited hours. Always call ahead if you’re unsure about a location’s policies.
Passport appointment requirements
To attend a passport appointment, you must bring a completed Form DS-11, proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid photo ID, and payment for fees.
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport as proof of citizenship. Acceptable IDs include a driver’s license, military ID, or state-issued ID. You’ll need two identical passport photos (2x2 inches) and payment for the application fee ($130 for adults, $100 for minors under 16 as of 2026) and execution fee ($35). Minors must appear in person with both parents or legal guardians unless a parent cannot appear, in which case a notarized consent form is required.
How long does it take to get a passport after an appointment?
Standard processing takes 6 to 8 weeks for new passport applications submitted at an appointment, while expedited processing reduces the wait to 2 to 3 weeks for an additional fee.
Processing times are updated weekly on the State Department’s website. If you need your passport sooner, you can request expedited service by mail or visit a passport agency in person if you’re traveling within 14 calendar days. Appointment availability at agencies is limited and often booked weeks in advance, so plan accordingly. Always check current processing times before scheduling your appointment, as delays can occur during high-volume periods like holidays.
Can I get a same-day passport appointment?
Same-day passport appointments are available only at designated passport agencies for urgent travel within 14 days or 72 hours.
To qualify for a same-day appointment, you must provide proof of immediate international travel, such as a flight itinerary or proof of employment abroad. Appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling the National Passport Information Center. Walk-ins are not accepted. If you meet the criteria, you can receive a passport in as little as 24 hours at these agencies. Check the State Department’s list of passport agencies to find the nearest location.
Passport appointment for minors under 16
Children under 16 must schedule a passport appointment with both parents or legal guardians present to apply for a new passport.
Both parents must appear in person with the child and provide their IDs and proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate. If one parent cannot attend, they must provide a notarized Form DS-3053 with a copy of their ID. Minors aged 16 and 17 can apply for a passport with one parent present. The passport fee for minors is $100, and the execution fee is $35. Processing times are the same as for adults unless expedited service is requested.
Passport appointment for lost or stolen passports
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must schedule a passport appointment and file Form DS-64 to apply for a replacement.
Bring a completed Form DS-11 and Form DS-64 to your appointment, along with a recent photo ID and evidence of U.S. citizenship. You’ll also need to provide a police report if your passport was stolen. The replacement fee is $130 for adults and $100 for minors, plus the $35 execution fee. Processing times are the same as for first-time applicants unless you qualify for expedited service. Report a lost or stolen passport immediately to prevent identity theft by contacting the State Department.
How to cancel or reschedule a passport appointment
You can cancel or reschedule a passport appointment online, by phone, or by contacting the acceptance facility directly.
Log in to your account on the State Department’s passport portal to cancel or reschedule. If you booked through a post office or courthouse, contact that facility directly, as policies vary by location. Cancellations or rescheduling should be done at least 24 to 48 hours in advance to avoid penalties. Some facilities may charge a fee for late cancellations or no-shows, so check their specific rules when booking.
What to do if there are no passport appointment slots available
If no appointment slots are available, try checking back daily for cancellations, or visit a different acceptance facility with walk-in availability.
Many facilities release new slots each morning, so check frequently for openings. If you need urgent travel, contact the National Passport Information Center for assistance. Some libraries and county clerk’s offices offer more flexible scheduling than post offices. As a last resort, consider visiting a passport agency if you’re traveling within 14 days and can provide proof of immediate travel.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
