Applying for a U.S. passport for the first time can seem like a complicated process, but thousands of United States Postal Service (USPS) locations across the country are equipped to make it a smooth and straightforward experience.
By understanding the process and preparing properly, you can navigate your appointment with confidence.
1. Can I Get a Passport at Any Post Office?
While many Post Office locations offer passport services, not all of them do. The USPS acts as a Passport Acceptance Facility on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. This means their specially trained employees are authorized to accept your application, verify your identity, and securely send your documents for processing.
Because this is a specialized service, an appointment is almost always required for any application that must be submitted in person. Walk-in availability is extremely rare and should not be expected.
To find a participating location near you, use the official USPS Location Finder and select “Passports” from the “Location Types” filter.
2. Before You Book: Who Needs an In-Person Appointment?
The requirement to apply in person at a facility like a Post Office is not for everyone. You must schedule an appointment if you fall into one of these categories:
- [✅] You are a first-time applicant applying for your first-ever U.S. passport.
- [✅] You are under the age of 16.
- [✅] Your previous passport was issued when you were under the age of 16.
- [✅] Your previous passport was lost, stolen, or damaged.
- [✅] Your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
If you have a passport that is less than 15 years old and you were over 16 when it was issued, you are likely eligible to renew by mail and do not need an appointment.
3. How to Schedule Your USPS Passport Appointment: A Step-by-Step Guide
The easiest and most reliable way to book your appointment is online.
The Best Method: Using the Online USPS Scheduler
- Visit the Scheduler: Navigate to the official USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler.
- Choose Your Service: Select “New Passport” and enter the number of adults and minors who need an appointment.
- Search for Appointments: You can search by location (ZIP code or city) or by date. The system will show you available time slots at the 5 closest participating locations.
- Confirm Your Slot: Select a time and location that works for you.
- Provide Your Information: Enter your name, email address, and phone number. You will receive a verification code via text or email to confirm your identity.
- Confirm and Save: Review all the details on the final screen and click “Confirm Details.” You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and a list of required documents. Keep this email safe!
Alternative Methods:
- Self-Service Kiosk: Some Post Office lobbies have kiosks where you can book an appointment on the spot.
- By Phone: You can call the national USPS line at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and use the automated system by saying “passport appointment.”
4. Your Pre-Appointment Checklist: Gathering All Required Documents
Being fully prepared is the key to a successful appointment. You must bring the following original documents, plus a single-sided, black-and-white photocopy of each.
- [✅] Form DS-11: The Application for a U.S. Passport
- You can download and print the form from the U.S. Department of State website or fill it out online using their form-filler tool.
- The Golden Rule: DO NOT SIGN THE FORM. You must sign it in person, under oath, at your appointment.
- [✅] Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Original + Photocopy)
- This must be an original or certified copy. Acceptable documents include:
- A U.S. birth certificate
- A previous, undamaged U.S. passport
- A Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- This must be an original or certified copy. Acceptable documents include:
- [✅] Proof of Identity (Original + Photocopy)
- This must be a current, valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents include:
- A valid driver’s license
- A state-issued photo ID card
- A military ID card
- This must be a current, valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable documents include:
- [✅] A Compliant Passport Photo
5. Getting Your Passport Photo: Your Options
You have two choices for your passport photo.
Option 1: Get Your Photo Taken at the Post Office
Many (but not all) Post Office locations that accept passport applications also offer photo services for an additional fee. This is a convenient option that ensures your photo meets the strict government requirements. The standard fee is $15.
Option 2: Bring Your Own Photo
You can bring your own photo, but it must meet all U.S. Department of State requirements, or it will be rejected.
- Photo Checklist:
- Taken within the last 6 months
- In color, printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
- Sized 2×2 inches
- Neutral facial expression with both eyes open
- Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
- No eyeglasses, hats, or uniforms
6. Understanding the Fees: What You Need to Pay and How
You will need to make two separate payments at your appointment. This is the most common point of confusion for applicants.
Payment 1: The Application Fee (Payable to the U.S. Department of State)
- Acceptable Payment: Check or Money Order ONLY. Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are NOT accepted for this fee.
- Purpose: This fee covers the cost of the actual passport book and/or card.
Payment 2: The Execution (Acceptance) Fee (Payable to USPS)
- Acceptable Payment: Credit/debit cards, check, or money order.
- Purpose: This is a mandatory $35 fee for the service of verifying your documents and accepting your application.
Fee Chart (as of July 2025)
| Fee Type | Payable To | Amount | Acceptable Payment |
| Passport Book Application Fee (Adult) | U.S. Department of State | $130 | Check / Money Order |
| Passport Book Application Fee (Minor) | U.S. Department of State | $100 | Check / Money Order |
| Execution (Acceptance) Fee (All) | U.S. Postal Service | $35 | Credit/Debit, Check, Money Order |
| Optional: USPS Photo Fee | U.S. Postal Service | $15 | Credit/Debit, Check, Money Order |
| Optional: Expedite Fee | U.S. Department of State | $60 | Check / Money Order |
7. What to Expect on the Day of Your Appointment
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time with all your documents and forms completed (but unsigned).
- The Acceptance Agent: A trained USPS employee will review all your documents, ensuring everything is correct and complete.
- Administering the Oath: The agent will ask you to raise your right hand and swear an oath that the information on your application is true and correct.
- Signing Your Application: After the oath, you will be instructed to sign your Form DS-11.
- Submitting Everything: The agent will take your application, original documents, photos, and payment, seal them in a special envelope, and send them securely to the Department of State for processing.
8. After Your Appointment: Tracking Your Application
- Processing Times:
- Routine Service: Typically takes 4-6 weeks (not including mailing time).
- Expedited Service: Typically takes 2-3 weeks (not including mailing time).
- Always check the State Department website for the most current processing times, as they can change based on demand.
- Check Your Status Online: About two weeks after your appointment, you can begin tracking the status of your application on the official Online Passport Status System.
- Receiving Your Documents: Your new passport will arrive in one envelope. Your original supporting documents (like your birth certificate) will be mailed back to you separately and may arrive several weeks later.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I renew my passport at a USPS appointment? No. Appointments are for new applications. Most renewals can and should be done by mail directly with the Department of State.
- What happens if I’m late for my appointment? If you are more than 5 minutes late, you may forfeit your appointment and be asked to reschedule.
- What do I need for a child’s passport appointment? For minors under 16, both parents/guardians must attend the appointment with the child, or the non-attending parent must provide a signed consent form. You will also need proof of parental relationship (like the birth certificate).
- Can I pay for everything with a credit card? No. You can only use a credit/debit card for the fees paid directly to USPS (the execution fee and photo fee). The main application fee must be a check or money order.
Takeaway & Conclusion
Getting a U.S. passport at a Post Office is a straightforward process when you are well-prepared.
The keys to success are scheduling your appointment online well in advance of any planned travel and gathering all your required documents and payments before you go.
Final Checklist for a Smooth Passport Process:
- [✅] Found a participating Post Office and scheduled an appointment online.
- [✅] Filled out Form DS-11, but did not sign it.
- [✅] Have original proof of citizenship and identity, plus photocopies of each.
- [✅] Have a compliant passport photo ready.
- [✅] Have a check or money order for the U.S. Department of State application fee.
- [✅] Have a separate payment method (credit/debit, check) for the USPS execution fee.
By following these steps, you can ensure your application is submitted correctly the first time, helping you get your passport as quickly and smoothly as possible.