There are over 7,000 passport application acceptance facilities in the United States, and the vast majority of them are located inside local post offices. If you need a new passport because your last one expired over 15 years ago, or if you are applying for the first time, getting it done at the post office is the most common route.
This guide explains exactly how to apply for a U.S. passport at a post office, what you need to bring, and how to avoid the common mistakes that cause processing delays.
Urgent Travel Alert: Traveling within the next 2 weeks? Standard post office processing will not be fast enough. To avoid missing your trip, start your application with our most trusted, registered passport expediting service to secure your passport in as little as a few days.
Table of Contents
Step-By-Step Guide: Applying at the Post Office
Step 1: Make an Appointment
You can no longer just show up at most post offices and expect to submit a passport application. Post offices frequently change their hours of operation or close their passport services entirely due to staffing. Your first step is to schedule a USPS passport appointment online or by calling your local branch.
- Book early: Appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially before summer travel.
- Choose your time wisely: Post offices are less busy mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Avoid going on Mondays or the day after a holiday.
- Walk-ins: Some locations still allow walk-ins, but you should always call ahead to confirm their policy.
- Renewals: If you just need to renew your passport, skip the appointment. You must mail your renewal application (Form DS-82) directly via USPS.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents
Arriving at the post office missing a document means you will be turned away and forced to schedule a new appointment. Review the required supporting documents before you go. You need:
- Form DS-11: Filled out completely, but do not sign it until the postal agent tells you to at your appointment. (Download DS-11 here).
- Proof of Citizenship: A certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport.
- Photo ID: A valid driver's license, military ID, or state ID. If your ID is from out of state, bring a second form of identification.
- Photocopy of ID: A clear, single-sided copy of the front and back of your ID.
Important Note: The U.S. Department of State requires an original or certified copy for your proof of citizenship. Scans or standard photocopies will be rejected. Your original document will be mailed back to you separately from your new passport.
Step 3: Get Your Passport Photo
Many post offices offer on-site passport photo services for about $15. If you plan to have your photo taken there, confirm the location offers the service when you book your appointment.
If you prefer to bring your own photos, they must meet strict Department of State requirements. You must have a neutral facial expression, no glasses, and a plain white or off-white background. Bad photos are a leading cause of application delays.
Step 4: Visit the Post Office & Pay Fees
Arrive on time with your paperwork organized. The postal agent will review your DS-11 form, check your photo ID, and verify your citizenship evidence.
You will need to pay two separate fees. See our U.S. Passport Fees Schedule for current rates.
- The Application Fee: This goes to the Department of State. It usually must be paid by check or money order.
- The Execution Fee: This goes directly to the post office. Most locations accept credit or debit cards for this specific fee.
Always verify accepted payment methods with your specific post office beforehand.
Step 5: Choose Your Processing Speed
| Processing Type | Estimated Speed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Processing | 4-6 weeks | Base passport fee |
| Expedited Processing | 2-3 weeks | Base fee + $60 |
Processing Times & Faster Alternatives
Standard passport processing through a post office can take months. Routine processing currently takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Expedited processing currently takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Keep in mind that these are estimates. During peak travel seasons, total turnaround times easily stretch past these windows. You can track your application status online using the State Department's tool.
How to Get Your Passport Faster (Using a Courier)
If you are traveling abroad within the next 4 to 6 weeks, applying at the post office is a significant risk. Postal processing times are simply too slow for urgent travel.
The most reliable way to secure your travel documents quickly is to use a registered passport expediting service. These private couriers are authorized by the U.S. government to submit applications directly to regional passport agencies on your behalf. They secure limited appointment slots, bypass postal delays, and can have your new passport processed and returned to you in just a few days. For over 20 years, we have consistently recommended expediters as the safest option for travelers with impending deadlines.
If you are traveling within the next two weeks, check out our directory of vetted, registered passport expediting services.
Helpful Tips and Forms
Passport Application Forms
You can download the correct application form online or pick up a blank copy at the post office. When printing forms at home, print each page single-sided on separate sheets of paper. Use black ink and write legibly. Illegible handwriting can result in spelling errors on your final passport or cause processing delays.
U.S. Passport Renewals
Do not make a post office appointment to renew an adult passport. You can renew by mail using Form DS-82 if your current passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current legal name.
If you do not meet all of these criteria, you must apply in person at the post office using Form DS-11.
Post Office Passport FAQs
Yes, many post offices in the United States offer facilities for applying for a new passport. Check with your local branch for their specific hours and services.
You can schedule a passport appointment online through the USPS website or by calling your local post office directly.
Some post offices accept walk-ins, but appointments are highly recommended to ensure you are seen. Always check with your local post office for their specific walk-in policy.
Yes, post offices typically keep blank passport forms on hand. However, you can save time by downloading and filling out the forms online before you arrive.
You will need a completed DS-11 passport application, proof of U.S. citizenship (like a certified birth certificate), a valid form of photo identification, a photocopy of that ID, and a passport photo.
Most post offices offer passport photo services on-site. Contact the location ahead of time to confirm their camera is operational.
The standard cost for passport photos taken at a post office is typically $15. Prices are subject to change, so inquire when booking your appointment.
At this time, fees for an adult passport book are $130, plus a $35 execution fee paid to the post office. A passport card is $30 for adults.
Yes, the postal agent must send your original citizenship documents to the Department of State with your application. They will be returned to you by mail, separate from your new passport.
Yes, you can pay an additional $60 fee for expedited processing at the post office, which currently reduces the government processing time to 2-3 weeks.
Standard routine processing times currently take between 4-6 weeks.
You do not need to apply in person to renew. You can mail your renewal application directly from the post office if you meet the renewal criteria.
Not all post offices accept applications. Use the USPS online locator tool to find a designated acceptance facility near you.
Yes, both parents or guardians must be present when applying for a passport for children under 16 unless one parent provides a notarized statement of consent.
The post office requires a check or money order for the Department of State application fee. They generally accept credit or debit cards for their separate $35 execution fee.
Yes, you can apply for a passport book, a passport card, or both at the same time using Form DS-11.
Yes. Once your application is in the system, you can track it online through the Department of State's tracking tool.
Passport acceptance hours usually end earlier than regular retail business hours. Check with your specific post office branch for their exact passport processing schedule.
No, the post office has no part in the approval process. The Department of State will mail your passport directly to the address listed on your application.
Yes, under certain conditions, you can apply for a duplicate second passport at an acceptance facility, but you must provide documentation justifying the need.
Top 5 Questions About Expedited Passport Couriers
2. What exactly does a passport expediter do?
3. Are passport expediting services legitimate?
4. How can I identify a reliable passport expeditor?
5. Is expedited passport service worth it?
Get answers to these questions and more in our Ultimate U.S. Traveler's Guide to Passport Expediters.
You can also visit our library of articles about passport expediting.
