Struggling to Get a Passport Appointment? Here’s the Reason and What You Can Do.

If you have international travel planned (or are just considering a trip abroad) and need a new passport or a renewal, it's wise to apply as soon as possible. Current wait times for U.S. passports are around eight to 11 weeks. This backlog is due to the fact that, as of November 1, 2023, the U.S. government has issued over 24 million passports this year alone. In 2022, which was previously the highest year since the agency began tracking in 1996, that number was under 22 million. It's clear that the Department of State is inundated with applications.

In some instances, you may need to handle your passport application in person, so here’s what you should know about securing an appointment.

First, verify if you need an in-person appointment

Individuals renewing an existing passport (or updating information such as a name change) don’t need to go in person—they can apply via mail. However, those who are applying for the first time must present their documents at an acceptance facility, which requires an appointment. Additionally, if you're traveling in less than 14 days and haven’t received your new or renewed passport, you may need to visit a passport agency for emergency processing. After submitting your application, you can check the status of your application online or by phone.

Visit a passport acceptance facility

Individuals applying for passports for the first time can submit their applications at numerous passport acceptance facilities, which include over 7,400 post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and various local government offices nationwide. You can find the nearest location on the Department of State website by entering your zip code.

While some locations (typically in smaller towns) allow walk-in appointments, most facilities, including post offices, require an advance reservation. Unfortunately, many slots at certain locations are booked weeks in advance due to staffing shortages and high demand. If there aren’t any suitable appointment times at your nearest location, consider searching for others in the area. Once you secure your appointment, remember to bring your passport application, a passport photo, and proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate).

Participate in a passport acceptance fair

You may also want to attend a Passport Acceptance Fair. The Department of State began hosting these events in the summer of 2023 to expedite applications, and they are expected to continue through the end of the year.

Contact a passport agency for urgent applications

If your flight is just days away and you haven't applied for a passport yet (or haven't received one you applied for), your best bet is to secure an appointment at one of the 26 passport agencies across the U.S. Keep in mind that these agencies differ from the previously mentioned passport acceptance facilities; they are managed by the Department of State and exclusively handle emergency processing.

Each passport agency offers two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service. To qualify for the Life-or-Death Emergency Service, you must have a real emergency requiring international travel within the next three days. According to the Department of State, this applies if an immediate family member (such as a parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling, or grandparent) has passed away, is dying, or has a serious illness or injury. You'll need to provide proof, such as a death certificate, mortuary statement, or hospital letter, which must be in English or translated into English. Conversely, the Urgent Travel Service is for individuals who have already applied for a passport but haven't received it, and are traveling within five days.

To make an appointment for either service, call 1-877-487-2778. Unfortunately, appointments are limited, and availability is not guaranteed. If you do secure an appointment, be prepared to travel to that agency, which may not be conveniently located, as they are typically found in or near major cities (refer to the FAQ list and map on the DOS page). If you're fortunate enough to be seen, your passport is usually processed on the same day.

Explore expedited service options as an alternative

If you require a passport or renewal urgently but your situation doesn't meet the criteria for an emergency, you still have options: you can navigate the process yourself using the State Department's expedited service or enlist a third-party company.

Regardless of your circumstances, don't delay. Begin the process as soon as possible.