Where to Apply for a Passport: Complete Guide to U.S. Passport Office Locations

When applying for a new or renewal passport there are four different types of U.S. passport locations you can use while applying. Here are the four types of locations:

• Acceptance facilities, like post offices, libraries, and other government offices.
• Mail processing centers, 3 centers based on location and urgency of application.
• Online, submitted via the Department of State online portal when meeting eligibility requirements. (Learn more about the new online renewal system)
• Passport agency or center, 26 locations around the country with 5 more coming soon.

First-time applicants must apply in person at designated acceptance facilities.

The choice of where to apply depends on your specific needs, such as the urgency of your travel and the type of application you need to submit. Let’s look at all you need to know about where to apply for a passport.

Applying at an Acceptance Facility or Post Office

What is a Passport Acceptance Facility?

Passport acceptance facilities are locations such as post offices, clerks of court, public libraries, and other local government offices that accept passport applications on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. A passport acceptance agent at these locations helps applicants submit their passport forms, review citizenship documents, and verify their parental relationships if applicable.

These facilities are designated for first-time passport applicants and all children using Form DS-11.There are over 7,000 different facilities across the country.

Who Should Apply for a Passport at an Acceptance Facility?

You should apply at an acceptance facility if you are:

• A first-time applicant.
• A child under 16 renewing a passport.
• Anyone whose previous passport is not eligible for mail-in or online renewal (e.g., lost, stolen, or damaged passports, or those issued more than 15 years ago).
• A first-time applicant or minor who must bring a citizenship document like a birth certificate.

How to Find a Passport Acceptance Facility Near Me

To find a nearby acceptance facility:

• Search the U.S. Department of State’s website by city, state, or ZIP code.
• Check for available appointments, as many locations require them.
• Be prepared to pay a $35 execution fee in addition to the standard application fee.

The processing time after applying at an acceptance facility is either 6–8 weeks with standard processing or 2–3 weeks with expedited processing. If you need your passport sooner, you can’t apply at an acceptance facility. Learn more about applying for a passport quickly in our guide, how to get a U.S. passport in two weeks or less.

Many facilities provide on-site passport photos for an additional fee, simplifying the application process. Learn more about how to take the perfect passport photo at home for the most convenience.

Applying by Mail

Mail applications are suitable for adult passport renewals, provided all criteria are met.

Who is eligible to apply for a passport renewal by mail?

You can renew your passport by mail if you meet ALL the following conditions:

• Your existing passport is undamaged and can be submitted with your application.
• You were at least 16 years old when your current passport was issued.
• Your current passport was issued within the last 15 years and not reported lost or stolen.
• Your name has not changed since the previous passport was issued, or you can legally document the name change.
• Your passport was not limited to under 10 years of validity

How to Apply by Mail

To apply by mail:

• Use Form DS-82 if you meet the mail-in renewal criteria.
• Include your most recent passport, name change documents (if applicable), a recent passport photo, and the appropriate fee.
• The fee must be paid by a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State.
• Mail your application to the correct address based on your service needs and location
• Do not use UPS, FedEx, or DHL
• Post offices do not need to review your documents like they do for a first time passport with form DS-11.

Mailing Addresses for Passport Application

Note: Using Priority Mail Express can expedite the delivery of your application to the processing center, ensuring faster processing for urgent situations.

Applying Online

Online applications provide a convenient way to renew your passport without the need to mail physical documents or visit a facility. As of June 2024, the U.S. Department of State has launched an online renewal process for eligible applicants. This system simplifies the process by allowing digital submissions, reducing the overall effort required for routine renewals.

Who is Eligible to Renew a Passport Online?

You can renew your passport online if you meet ALL the following conditions:

• Your current passport was valid for 10 years and you are 25 years or older.
• Your passport was issued between 2009 and 2015, or 9 to 15 years before your application date.
• There are no changes to your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
• You are not traveling internationally within 8 weeks of your application date, as only routine processing is available.
• You are renewing a regular (tourist) passport; special issuance passports (e.g., diplomatic, official) cannot be renewed online.
• You live in the United States (state or territory); online renewals are not available for those living abroad.
• Your passport is undamaged and has not been reported lost or stolen.
• You can pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.
• You can provide a digital passport photo that meets the requirements.

Note: Your current passport will be canceled immediately after submitting your online application, and it cannot be used for travel during processing.

How to Apply Online

To renew your passport online, follow these steps:

• Create a MyTravelGov Account
  • Visit the MyTravelGov website and click “Create Account.”
  • Enter your personal information, create a secure password, and verify your email to activate your account.
• Log In and Start Your Application
  • Access your MyTravelGov account and select “Renew Passport Online.”
  • Fill in the requested details, ensuring accuracy.
  • Save your progress periodically.
• Upload a Digital Photo
  • Ensure the photo meets all digital requirements (e.g., size, clarity, and background specifications).
  • Upload the photo in the specified format, typically JPEG.
• Pay the Renewal Fee
  • Review your application and electronically sign it.
  • Submit payment using a credit or debit card.
  • Fees include $130 for a Passport Book and $30 for a Passport Card.
• Submit Your Application
  • Confirm all information is correct before submitting your application.
  • After submission, you will receive a confirmation email with an application tracking number.

Additional Information

• The current processing time for online applications is 6–8 weeks.
• Expedited processing is not available for online renewals.

Learn more about the online renewal process and detailed step-by-step instructions in our article: How to Renew a U.S. Passport Online.

Applying at a Passport Agency or Center

When to Use a Passport Agency or Center for Expedited Processing

There are three situations that allow you to make an appointment at Passport Agency or Center:

• You have urgent travel to a foreign country in the next 14 calendar days. Individuals who need a passport immediately due to urgent travel should make an appointment at a passport agency.
• You need a foreign visa within 28 calendar days. These facilities offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
• You need to travel to a foreign country in 3 business days because of a life-or-death situation of an immediate family member

Learn more: How Can I Get an Emergency Passport?

List of All Available Passport Agencies in the U.S.

Here is a list of all of the 26 passport agencies across the United States where you can apply in person for urgent processing needs:

West | South | Midwest | Northeast | Territories and Islands

In addition to the existing 26 passport agencies, the U.S. Department of State is opening five more locations in Salt Lake City, Kansas City, San Antonio, Orlando and Cincinnati. The National Passport Center handles the processing of applications sent to these agencies.

Passport Agencies in the West

Passport Agencies in the South

Passport Agencies in the Midwest

Passport Agencies in the Northeast

Passport Agencies in Territories and Islands

How to Make an Appointment at a Passport Agency

A passport appointment is always required to visit a passport agency. They can be scheduled by an online portal or by phone depending on your specific situation.

Appointments can be scheduled up to 2 weeks in advance, but the appointment date must be within 3 days of traveling internationally.

Additional Tips for Applying

Using Priority Mail Express for Applications

When mailing your passport application:

• Opt for USPS Priority Mail to ensure faster delivery to the processing center, reducing the total time to receive your passport.

Priority Mail can be used for various passport services, including renewals and new applications.

What to Know About Courier Services

• While courier services offer convenience, they do not shorten the processing time provided at passport agencies.
• Courier services charge additional fees. Be wary of any company asking for payment to book an appointment, as these might be fraudulent.
• When applying for a first time passport or for a minor, even if you use a courier service, you will still need to visit a passport acceptance facility to verify your documents.

» Additional Resources:

U.S. Passport Application Steps
Passport Fee Guide
Processing Times for U.S. Passports
U.S. Passport Visa Free Countries
Passport Book VS Passport Card
How Many Americans Have a Passport?