Key Highlights
Getting a passport can feel complicated, but this guide simplifies the process. Here is a quick overview of what you need to know about navigating your local passport office.
- Find your nearest passport office or acceptance facility using the Department of State’s online tools.
- Most locations require a passport appointment for first-time applicants and minors.
- You must prepare your passport application and documents before your visit.
- Passport services include processing new applications, but renewals are often done by mail.
- Expedited services are available for urgent travel needs for an additional fee.
Finding Your Nearest Passport Office
Are you ready for international travel but need to find a passport office first? Locating the right place to submit your application is the first step. The U.S. Department of State provides resources to help you find authorized locations, including passport agency offices for urgent needs and numerous acceptance facilities for routine service.
Many local government offices, libraries, and USPS locations serve as acceptance points. Using online search tools is the most efficient way to pinpoint the one closest to you. Let’s explore how to use these tools and understand the different types of facilities available.
Online Tools to Locate Passport Offices
The most reliable way to find an approved passport office is by using the official search tool on the Department of State website. This ensures you are going to an authorized location that can handle your application correctly. The USPS website also features a helpful locator for post offices that offer passport services.
When using these online tools, you can typically search by your ZIP code or city and state. This allows you to see a list of every available appointment location near you, along with their hours and contact information. The State Department’s portal is your go-to resource for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
To find your nearest facility, simply:
- Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page.
- Enter your location details.
- Review the list of nearby offices to choose the best one for you.
Understanding Different Types of Passport Facilities
Not all passport locations offer the same services. It’s important to know the difference so you can choose the right one for your needs. The two main types are acceptance facilities and passport agency offices.
Most people will visit a local passport acceptance office. These are places like a post office, public library, or county clerk’s office where a passport acceptance agent can witness your signature and review your documents for a new passport. These locations handle routine applications. A passport agency, on the other hand, is operated directly by the Department of State and is intended for travelers with urgent needs, such as international travel within three weeks.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Acceptance Facilities: For first-time applicants with no urgent travel plans.
- Passport Agencies: For customers with confirmed international travel in less than 3 weeks.
Making an Appointment at a Passport Office
Once you’ve found a convenient location, your next step is to schedule a passport appointment. Most facilities require you to book a time slot in advance, especially for first-time passport services. This ensures that an agent is available to help you and reduces your wait time.
Booking ahead helps the office manage its workflow and provides a smoother experience for you. You will need to select your desired passport services and provide your contact information to confirm the appointment details. Now, let’s go over how to book your appointment and what to know about walk-in availability.
Step-by-Step Appointment Booking Process
Booking your appointment is a straightforward process that can usually be done online. If you are using a USPS location, you can use their online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or a self-service kiosk in the lobby. For other facilities, you may need to call them directly.
Start by visiting the website of your chosen facility or the USPS scheduler. You will be prompted to choose the type of service you need, such as a “New Passport” or “New Passport with Photo Services.” Then, you’ll select a date and time that works for you and provide your contact information to finalize the booking.
The general process looks like this:
- Choose the passport service you need.
- Search for an appointment by location or date.
- Select an available time slot.
- Provide your contact information and confirm your appointment details. You will receive a confirmation number that you should save in case you need to modify or cancel your appointment.
Walk-In Options and Limitations
Wondering if you can just show up without a passport appointment? While most facilities require a scheduled visit, some do offer limited walk-in hours. However, these are often rare and come with significant limitations. Relying on a walk-in spot can be risky, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
If a passport office does accept walk-ins, be prepared for a potentially long wait. Service is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, and there’s no guarantee you’ll be seen. It’s always best to check the facility’s policy online or call ahead to ask about their walk-in availability for that specific day.
Keep these points in mind for walk-ins:
- Availability is extremely limited and not guaranteed.
- Appointments are always the recommended and most reliable option.
- Wait times can be very long, so plan your day accordingly.
Preparing for Your Visit to the Passport Office
Being well-prepared is key to a successful and stress-free passport appointment. Before you head to the passport office, you’ll need to gather several important documents and complete your passport application form. Having everything in order ensures your application can be processed without delays.
You should complete Form DS-11 online and print it out, but do not sign it until the acceptance agent instructs you to do so. You’ll also need a valid photo ID, proof of citizenship, and a passport photo. Let’s cover the essential documents you must bring and some tips to help speed up the process.
Essential Documents to Bring
When you arrive for your appointment, you must have all the correct paperwork with you. Missing even one document can result in your application being delayed or rejected, forcing you to schedule another appointment. The acceptance agent will review each item carefully.
You will need to present original documents as well as photocopies. For proof of identity, a valid driver’s license is most common. For citizenship evidence, an original or certified birth certificate is required. Make sure your photocopies are single-sided and on standard 8.5×11 inch paper. Although your Social Security number is required on the application form, you typically do not need to bring your card.
Here is a checklist of what to bring:
- Completed (but unsigned) Form DS-11.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, like a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization.
- An original proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or state-issued photo ID.
- A photocopy of the front and back of your citizenship evidence and photo ID.
- One passport photo that meets all requirements.
Tips to Expedite Your Application
If you need your passport sooner than the routine service time, there are options to speed things up. The Department of State offers an urgent travel service for an additional $60 fee. This significantly reduces the processing time, but you should also factor in mailing times.
To further accelerate the process, you can pay for an express mail service to have your application sent to the processing center and for 1-2 day delivery to have the completed passport returned to you. These fees are paid separately from the main passport fees. When you mail your application, be sure to clearly write “EXPEDITE” on the outside of the envelope.
For faster service, consider these steps:
- Pay the $60 fee for expedited processing.
- Use a trackable express mail service to send your application package.
- Pay the $22.05 fee for 1-2 day return shipping of your new passport.
- Get your passport photo taken ahead of time at a location with photo services.
Services Offered at Local Passport Offices
Passport offices provide a range of essential passport services, but they are primarily set up to handle first-time applications. This is where you go to have your identity verified and documents reviewed in person by an authorized agent. You can also apply for a passport for a minor at these locations.
However, many people ask if they can process a renewal application at a local passport office. In most cases, the answer is no. Standard renewals for adults are handled by mail directly with the Department of State. Let’s look at the specifics for applying for new, renewal, and child passports.
Applying for New Passports
Applying for a new passport in person is required if you’ve never had one before, your previous passport was issued when you were under 16, or it was issued more than 15 years ago. At your appointment, an agent will verify your documents, witness your signature, and accept your application package.
You’ll need to pay two separate fees: a passport application fee and an acceptance fee. The application fee must be paid by check or money order made out to the “U.S. Department of State.” The acceptance fee, paid to the facility, can often be paid by credit card, check, or money order. Be sure to bring a compliant passport photo or check if the facility offers photo services.
You can apply for a passport book for international air travel, a passport card for land and sea travel to certain areas, or both. The agent will collect all your materials and send them to the State Department for processing.
Renewing Existing Passports
Can you renew your passport at a local office? Generally, if you are eligible to renew your adult passport, you must do so by mail or online, not in person. You cannot book a separate appointment at an acceptance facility for a standard renewal.
You can renew by mail if your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued within the last 15 years, and was issued when you were 16 or older. To do this, you’ll complete the renewal form DS-82, mail it with your old passport, a new photo, and the renewal fees directly to the specified Department of State address.
If your passport does not meet all the renewal requirements, you must apply in person as if you were a first-time applicant. This means you will need to schedule an appointment and submit your application at a passport acceptance facility.
Applying for Child and Minor Passports
Applying for minor passports for children under 16 years of age has special requirements to ensure parental consent. You must apply in person with your child at a passport acceptance facility. You cannot renew a child’s passport by mail; you must submit a new application each time it expires.
Both parents or legal guardians must appear with the child or provide a signed consent form. You will also need to provide proof of your parental relationship, such as a birth certificate or consular report of birth, along with the child’s evidence of U.S. citizenship. The application fees for children are slightly different from those for adults, and the passport is only valid for five years.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Form | You must use Form DS-11, the same as a first-time adult applicant. |
| In-Person Appearance | The child must be present at the appointment. |
| Parental Consent | Both parents/guardians must attend or the non-attending parent must provide a signed consent form. |
| Proof of Parental Relationship | An original or certified birth certificate or adoption decree is required. |
| Passport Validity | A child’s passport is valid for 5 years. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does passport processing usually take?
Current processing times can vary, so it’s best to check the Department of State website. As of now, routine service takes 4-6 weeks and expedited service takes 2-3 weeks. These time frames do not include mailing times, which can add up to two weeks on each end of the process.
Can I track my passport application status?
Yes, you can check your passport application status online through the Department of State’s website. You may not be able to get a status update for up to two weeks after you apply, as your application needs to be mailed and entered into the system. You can register your email for automatic updates.
What should I do for urgent travel needs?
For urgent travel within three weeks, you must schedule an appointment at a passport agency. For a life-or-death emergency requiring travel in less than 72 hours, call the National Passport Information Center immediately to request an appointment. Proof of the emergency and your travel plans will be required.