Passport Appointment

PASSPORT-APPOINTMENTS

Applying for a Passport - New or Renew?

You should first decide if you need a new passport or a renewal. If you do not currently have a passport then you will need to apply for a new passport. If you currently have a passport then you will need to confirm you meet the requirements to renew. If you do not meet the requirements to renew, then it is considered a "new" passport.

Renewal requirements

You can renew by mail if your most recent passport:

Can be submitted with your application*
Is not damaged (other than normal wear and tear)
Has never been reported lost or stolen
Was issued within the last 15 years
Was issued when you were age 16 or older
Was issued in your current name (or you can provide a document like a marriage certificate or divorce decree to show you have changed your name)

*If you have a passport book and want to get your first passport card, submit your book. If you have a passport card and want to get your first passport book, submit your card.

See a full list of instructions on the US Department of State website. If you meet all these requirements, you also may be eligible to renew online.

What's the real difference between "new" and "renew"?

New passport: use form DS-11, apply in person, longer wait times, longer processing times, more costly, requires extra documents or evidence.
Renewal passport: use form DS-82, apply online or by mail, shorter processing times, less costly.
Both: proof of citizenship, new photograph, fees.
If you are eligible to renew then that is the preferred method.

Applying for a new passport

Prepare for your appointment by following the instructions on the US Department of State website.

To request an appointment for a passport, please fill out the request form.

Can I get an in-person appointment to renew?

The official short answer is no. There is a $35 acceptance fee for new passport appointments that does not apply to renewals. Agents do not process renewal applications.

If you are eligible to renew then you can still apply as if for a new passport, ignoring your renewability, by following all the requirements using form DS-11. It will take longer and cost more, but you can get an in-person appointment.

But also...
Even for renewals you will still need a new photograph. You can make an appointment for a photograph ($15 photo fee). If you have all your paperwork prepared beforehand, then the agent can staple the photo to your form DS-82 (renewal). Any further questions or assistance is up to the discretion of the agent working. They may help review your documents to confirm they meet requirements, verify the payment amount, mailing address, etc, but they are not required to. They generally will not assist in sealing and mailing the final package, but you can easily do that at the facility. This approach will save you time and money, while still giving a small amount of in-person assistance. Passport-appointments.net does not assist scheduling this type of appointment. Please see the USPS website and select "Photo services only".