Where to Book a Passport Appointment at the DMV

Most states do not issue passports through the DMV. The U.S. State Department handles all passport services, and you book appointments through their official system, not through your state's motor vehicle agency. However, some DMVs partner with the State Department to offer passport acceptance services — meaning they can take your process and documents, but you still cannot renew or replace a passport there.

To find out whether your state's DMV offers passport services, search your state DMV website for "passport" or call your local office directly. If your DMV does not offer passport services, you will need to visit a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office, library, or courthouse) or a passport agency office in a major city.

Key Takeaways

  • The State Department, not the DMV, issues passports, and you book through their online system at travel.state.gov.
  • Some DMVs accept passport applications but cannot issue passports themselves — check your state's website to see if yours does.
  • Passport agency offices in major cities offer same-day or expedited appointments, while acceptance facilities at post offices and libraries do not.
  • You can book an appointment online, by phone, or in person, depending on which type of facility you use.

Booking Through the State Department Online System

If you need a new passport or a replacement, go to travel.state.gov and select "Book an Appointment." You will choose between a passport agency office (for faster service) or an acceptance facility (for standard service). The online system shows available dates and times at each location near you.

You must create a login account with your email address to book and manage your appointment. The system will ask you what type of passport you need (adult, child, replacement, renewal) and whether you need expedited service. Once you select a date and time, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Bring this number, your confirmation page, and all required documents to your appointment.

Booking by Phone or In Person

If you cannot book online, you can call the State Department's passport information line at 1-877-487-2778 (toll-free, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time). A representative can book an appointment for you and answer questions about what documents to bring.

Some passport agency offices also accept walk-in appointments on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times can be several hours. Call ahead to confirm whether your nearest office takes walk-ins and what their current wait is.

What Documents to Bring to Your Appointment

The documents you need depend on whether you are getting your first passport, renewing an expired one, or replacing a lost or damaged passport. For a first-time passport, bring a completed Form DS-11 (process for a U.S. Passport), proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization papers), a government-issued photo ID, and a passport photo. For a renewal, you may be able to use Form DS-82 by mail instead of going in person.

Bring the originals of all documents, not copies. If you are explore for a child's passport, both parents or guardians must be present, or the absent parent must provide a notarized consent form. Check travel.state.gov for the full list of acceptable documents before your appointment, as requirements vary by situation.

How Long Passport Processing Takes

Processing time depends on the type of appointment and service level you choose. Routine service takes 6 to 8 weeks from the date you submit your process. Expedited service takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs an extra $60. Expedited in person at a passport agency office can sometimes be completed the same day or within a few days, though availability is limited and fees are higher.

If you book at an acceptance facility (post office or library), you will submit your process there, but processing still takes 6 to 8 weeks for routine service. Passport agency offices are faster because they process applications on-site, but they are located only in major cities and require an appointment booked in advance.

Passport Fees and Payment Methods

A new adult passport book costs $130, and a passport card costs $35. Expedited service adds $60. If you are renewing by mail, the fee is $110 for a book. Fees for children and replacement passports differ — check travel.state.gov for your specific situation.

Payment is accepted by check, money order, or credit card at passport agency offices. Acceptance facilities (post offices and libraries) may have different payment rules, so call ahead. Bring exact payment or be prepared to write a check, as some locations do not make change.

What Happens If You Miss Your Appointment

If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, cancel it through your online account on travel.state.gov as soon as possible. This frees up the slot for someone else and allows you to rebook for a different date. If you miss an appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer to get another one, especially at busy passport agency offices.

If you are running late, call the passport office or facility directly — some will hold your appointment for 15 to 30 minutes if you call ahead. Do not assume you can reschedule on the spot; always cancel online first and then book a new date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a passport appointment at my state DMV?

Most DMVs do not issue passports. Some accept passport applications, but you must book through the State Department at travel.state.gov, not through the DMV. Call your state DMV to confirm whether they offer passport services.

What if there are no appointments available near me?

Check the online system again in a few days — cancellations open up regularly. You can also travel to a passport agency office in a nearby city if one has sooner availability. Acceptance facilities (post offices, libraries) do not require appointments and accept walk-ins, though processing takes longer.

Do I need an appointment for a passport card only?

Yes, you still book through travel.state.gov. Passport cards are processed at the same facilities as passport books. If you need both a book and a card, you can order them together at your appointment.

Can someone go to my appointment for me?

No. You must appear in person at your appointment. The only exception is for children under 16, whose parent or guardian must attend on their behalf.

How do I reschedule my passport appointment?

Log into your account at travel.state.gov, find your appointment, and select "Cancel." Once canceled, book a new date and time through the same system. You will receive a new confirmation number.