How to book a passport appointment
Last reviewed:
Short answer
For a first-time or in-person application you book with the acceptance facility itself — many post offices, clerks of court and libraries use their own scheduler or take walk-ins; regional passport agencies are separate and require a government-issued urgent-travel appointment.
Key takeaways
- Acceptance facilities set their own hours and appointment rules; always confirm before going.
- Regional agencies are appointment-only and reserved for qualifying urgent travel.
- Bring your unsigned form, citizenship evidence, ID, photocopies, photo and payment.
- Two payments are usually required: the application fee and the execution fee.
Acceptance facility appointments
Most in-person applications are accepted at post offices, county clerk offices, libraries and city halls. Some require an appointment, some accept walk-ins during limited windows, and some serve only local residents.
Use our directory to find nearby facilities and their published contact details, then confirm the current appointment policy with the facility directly.
Regional passport agency appointments
There are 26 regional passport agencies and centers. They serve travelers with qualifying urgent international travel or an immediate foreign-visa need, by appointment only.
Appointments are requested through the government's scheduling channels; availability changes throughout the day.
What to bring to any appointment
Your completed but unsigned application, original citizenship evidence plus a photocopy, a valid photo ID plus a photocopy, one compliant passport photo, and separate payments for the application and execution fees.
Missing photocopies are one of the most common reasons applicants are turned away.