Thousands of Post Offices™ accept first-time passport applications for the U.S. Department of State and offer products and services for both first-time and renewal passport applications. Some locations can take your passport photo.
Alert: As a temporary measure due to COVID-19, please use our online scheduler or a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk to make an appointment for passport services to ensure the safety of our employees and customers.
First-Time Passports
First-time applicants and people who may not get a new passport by mail.
Apply at a Post Office
Renewing Passports
Most people renewing a passport may mail their application directly to the State Department.
Renew by Mail
Passports for Minors
Passports for children under 16 have special requirements. Make sure you are prepared.
Learn More
First-Time Passports
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Step 1: Gather Documents Early
Apply for your passport several months before your trip. First-time applicants, minors, and applicants who need a new passport but may not renew by mail may submit their passport application at the Post Office. The U.S. State Department website explains what you'll need to bring with you.
- Application forms (unsigned)
- Proof of identity document and a photocopy of the front and back
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship document and a photocopy of the front and back
- Passport fees
Step 2: Prepare Your Application Package
Visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn how to apply for a passport and what documents you need.
- Complete your Form DS-11 Application for U.S. Passport on the State Department website.
- Print your completed application.
DO NOT SIGN YOUR APPLICATION. A Postal employee must witness your signature. - Have a passport photo taken.
- Photocopy your proof of identity and U.S. Citizenship documents.
- Calculate your fees.
- Post Offices accept credit cards, checks, and money orders for Post Office acceptance fees.
- State Department fees are mailed with your application. You can pay with a personal, certified, cashier's, traveler's check, or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of State."
Step 3: Schedule an Appointment
Post Offices that offer passport services have set hours, and you'll need to schedule an appointment using the online Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler or a Post Office lobby self-service kiosk.
Scheduling Online
- Go to Schedule an Appointment.
- Choose the passport service you need, along with the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
- You can search for appointment by location or date first. If you search by location first, you'll then be asked to choose a date and time; if you search by date first, you'll then need to choose a location and time.
- After you choose your appointment location and time, provide your contact information, and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Click Review Appointment, then confirm your appointment.
If you need to modify or cancel your appointment, click the Manage Appointments tab and enter your confirmation number and email address or phone number.
Using a Self-Service Kiosk
- Go to a Post Office location with lobby self-service kiosks. Find USPS Locations
- At the self-service kiosk, touch the screen to begin, then select "Other Services," then "Passport Scheduler."
- Choose the passport service you need, then enter the number of adults and minors who need appointments.
- Search for Post Office locations by ZIP Code™ or City/State and choose a location.
- Select an available appointment date and time, then agree to the Terms and Conditions.
- Enter your contact information and decide if you'd like to receive SMS text notifications.
- Review and confirm your information, then select “Schedule Appointment” to finalize.
- Take your printed receipt listing your confirmation number and appointment details.
First-time passport applications have two types of basic fees, the application acceptance fee and the application processing fee. Passport photos and fees for faster processing are extra.
Application Acceptance Fees – Postal Service
Pay acceptance fees in person at the Post Office. You may pay by check or money order, payable to "Postmaster," debit card, or credit card.
- $35.00 - Post Office acceptance fee
- $15.00 - Post Office photo fee (if needed)
Application Processing Fees – Department of State
State Department payment is sent with your application package. State Department fees are paid separately from USPS fees.
- State Department Fees
State Department passport fees vary. Calculate passport fees online. - State Department Payment Methods
NOTE: You may not pay State Department fees with credit or debit cards. You may pay with:- Personal, certified, cashier's, or traveler's check, payable to "U.S. Department of State."
- Money order payable to "U.S. Department of State." You may purchase a money order at the Post Office with a debit card.
Application Status Updates
Applicants can request a status update 7-10 business days after they have applied for a passport. Check the U.S. Department of State’s website (passportstatus.state.gov) or call them at 1-877-487-2778. See more information about current procesing times on the Department of State page "Passport Operations in Response to COVID-19."
Renew a Passport by Mail
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Step 1: Apply Early
If you are renewing your passport using Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82, Post Offices do not need to review or process your application. You can mail your renewal application directly to the State Department yourself.
Please note the following:
- Adult passports are valid for 10 years and may be renewed by mail.
- Minors' passports may not be renewed by mail.
- Many countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months after you enter their country. Renew your passport in plenty of time for those trips.
Step 2: Check Your Renewal Eligibility
You may renew your passport by mail if you still have your most recent passport. Certain conditions apply.
The passport must be:
- In your current name (name changes are explained on Change a Passport)
- Issued within the last 15 years
- Issued when you were age 16 or older
- Undamaged other than normal "wear and tear"
- Submitted with your renewal application
If your passport does not meet all these requirements, do not mail your renewal application. You must prepare the same application package as a first-time passport applicant.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Package
Learn how to properly prepare your application package and include all of the necessary documents so your passport is processed on time.
- Complete your Passport Renewal Application Form DS-82 on the State Department website.
- Print and sign your DS-82 form.
- Have a passport photo taken.
- Calculate your passport renewal fees.
- Collect your most recent passport, completed and signed application, renewal fees, and name change documents, if needed.
- Choose your envelope.
- Use an envelope large enough to fit the application without folding it.
- Priority Mail Express® and Priority Mail® service both provide free envelopes large enough to hold your application.
- Address the envelope to the location for your state. See page 2 of your DS-82 form.
Step 4: Mail Your Renewal Application
Department of State recommends using a USPS delivery tracking service to mail your renewal application.
Choose one of the following services:
- USPS Priority Mail® Service with Delivery Confirmation
- USPS Priority Mail® Service with Signature Confirmation
- USPS Priority Mail Express® Service (for overnight delivery requests)
Compare Delivery Tracking Services
Step 5: Follow Your Application Progress
If you use a USPS delivery tracking service, go to USPS Tracking® to see when your package is delivered.
- With a USPS tracking service, you can see when your application arrived using the tracking number on your receipt.
- Applicants can request a status update 7-10 business days after they have applied for a passport renewal by checking the U.S. Department of State’s website (passportstatus.state.gov) or calling them at 1-877-487-2778. See more information about current processing times on the Department of State page "Passport Operations in Response to COVID-19."
Passports for Minors Under 16
Passport applications for children under 16 have special requirements.
- Both parents/guardians must authorize the issuance of a child's passport. The best way to give consent is for both parents/guardians to go with the child when applying.
- Children need evidence of citizenship.
- Parents/guardians need proof of parental relationship.
- NOTE: Children's passports are only valid for 5 years.
State Department Travel Resources
U.S. State Department Website- Department of State Passport Website English | Español
- Ask Questions at the National Passport Information Center
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Plan Your Trip with the Traveler's Checklist
- Get Help in an Emergency Overseas
Lost or Stolen Passports
If your passport has been lost or stolen, you should report it immediately to the U.S. Department of State.
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