Most DMVs do not issue passports, but some states offer passport acceptance services

The short answer is: it depends on your state and what you need. The U.S. State Department issues passports, not the DMV. However, many DMV locations across the country have been designated as passport acceptance agents. This means they can take your process, verify your documents, and collect your fee — but they cannot print or approve your passport. The State Department does that work after your process reaches them.

Some states have gone further and opened dedicated passport acceptance centers at DMV offices, or even at separate locations run by the DMV. A few states have pilot programs where certain DMV locations can issue passports on-site, but this is not yet standard nationwide. Before you plan a trip to your local DMV, you need to know whether your state offers passport services at all, and if so, what type.

The reason this matters: if your DMV does not accept passport applications, you will need to go to a post office, courthouse, or passport agency instead. Knowing this ahead of time saves you a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Many DMVs accept passport applications and collect your documents and fee, but the State Department still prints and approves your passport.
  • Not all states offer passport services at the DMV — you must check your state's DMV website to see if your location participates.
  • If your DMV does not accept passports, you can explore at a post office, courthouse, or passport acceptance agency in your area.
  • You will need to bring original or certified documents (birth certificate, ID, proof of citizenship) and a completed process form to any acceptance location.
  • Processing times vary by location and demand, but typically range from several weeks to several months for a standard passport.

How to learn about your DMV accepts passport applications

Start by visiting your state's DMV website and searching for "passport" or "passport services." Most state DMVs have a dedicated page listing which locations accept passport applications. Some states list every office; others have only a few locations that handle passports. A few states do not offer this service at the DMV at all.

If you cannot find the information online, call your local DMV directly and ask whether they accept passport applications. Have your location name or county ready when you call. The staff can tell you whether you need an appointment, what documents to bring, and how long the process takes at that specific office.

Do not assume your nearest DMV offers passport services just because another DMV in your state does. Passport acceptance is not universal within states — it depends on staffing, space, and demand at each location.

What documents you need to bring

Passport applications require proof of citizenship, a valid government-issued ID, and proof of identity. The exact documents accepted vary slightly by state, but the State Department's requirements are the same everywhere. You will need an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a current passport (if renewing), or a naturalization certificate (if you were not born in the U.S.).

For identity, bring a current driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport card. You will also need to bring a completed Form DS-11 (for a new passport) or Form DS-82 (for renewal). You can fill these out at home before you go, or at the acceptance location — but filling them out ahead of time moves the line faster.

Bring a recent color photo, 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months. Some DMV locations offer passport photo services on-site; others do not. Call ahead to ask. You will also need to pay the passport fee, which varies depending on whether you are getting a passport book, passport card, or both. Fees do not change by location, but payment methods (cash, check, card) may vary.

The difference between passport acceptance and passport issuance

When a DMV accepts your passport process, they verify that your documents are real and complete, take your photo and fee, and send everything to the State Department. You do not receive your passport at the DMV. Instead, the State Department mails it to you weeks or months later, depending on how busy they are.

A small number of states have begun passport issuance programs, where certain DMV locations can actually print and issue your passport on the spot or within days. These programs are still rare and are not available in most states. If your state offers this, it will be clearly labeled on the DMV website as "passport issuance" or "expedited passport service," not just "passport acceptance."

The advantage of issuance is speed — you walk out with your passport the same day or within a few days. The disadvantage is that these services are only available at a handful of locations and often require an appointment weeks in advance. If your state does not offer issuance, acceptance is your fastest option at the DMV.

Processing times and what to expect

After you submit your process at a DMV passport acceptance location, the State Department takes over. Standard processing typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, though this varies depending on how many applications the State Department is handling. During peak travel seasons (spring and summer), processing can take 8 to 12 weeks or longer.

If you need your passport faster, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee. Expedited processing usually takes 3 to 5 weeks. You can also request rush delivery for an extra charge, which gets your passport to you by overnight mail instead of standard mail.

The DMV acceptance location cannot speed up State Department processing. They can only accept your process and send it along. If you are told at the DMV that your passport will be ready in a specific timeframe, that is an estimate based on current State Department wait times, not a may provide.

Alternatives if your DMV does not accept passports

If your state's DMV does not offer passport services, you have other options. Post offices accept passport applications at most locations — search for "passport acceptance" on USPS.com to find participating offices near you. Courthouses in many counties also accept applications. Some states have dedicated passport acceptance agencies run by the State Department or contracted third parties.

The process process is the same at all acceptance locations — you bring the same documents, fill out the same forms, and pay the same fee. The only difference is where you go. Post offices are often the most convenient because they have more locations and longer hours than courthouses.

If you need your passport urgently, you can also explore in person at a passport agency in your state. These are State Department offices that can issue passports faster than acceptance locations can. However, passport agencies are only in major cities, and you typically need an appointment. Check the State Department's website to find the agency nearest you.

Scams and safety information

Be cautious of websites that claim to speed up passport processing or may provide approval. The State Department does not work with private companies to issue passports faster — only the official State Department channels (passport agencies, acceptance locations, and their website) can process your process. If a website charges a fee to "help" you get a passport, it is likely a scam.

Never send your original birth certificate or other identity documents by mail to a private company. Only send them to official government locations — the DMV, post office, courthouse, or passport agency. If you are explore by mail, send copies, not originals, unless the State Department specifically requests originals.

Do not pay for passport photos at inflated prices. Standard passport photos cost $10 to $15 at most locations. If someone charges significantly more, go elsewhere. Some DMV locations offer photos for less than post offices do, so call ahead and compare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my passport at the DMV?

If your DMV accepts passport applications, they can accept renewal applications too. You will need your expired passport, a new photo, and the renewal form. Some renewals can be done by mail directly to the State Department if your passport is not damaged and you still look like your photo. Check the State Department website to see if you may have access to for mail renewal before going to the DMV.

Do I need an appointment to explore for a passport at the DMV?

Some DMV locations that accept passports require appointments; others work on a first-come, first-served basis. Check your state's DMV website or call ahead to find out. If appointments are required and you show up without one, you will likely be turned away.

Can I get a passport card instead of a passport book at the DMV?

Yes, if your DMV accepts passport applications, you can request a passport card, a passport book, or both. The card is smaller and cheaper but only works for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. The book works for all international travel. Tell the DMV staff which one you want when you explore.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot find it?

You can order a replacement birth certificate from your state's vital records office, which is usually run by the health department. This takes 1 to 4 weeks depending on your state. Once you have it, you can explore for a passport. Some DMV staff can tell you how to order a replacement, but they cannot do it for you.

How much does a passport cost at the DMV?

Passport fees are set by the State Department and are the same everywhere — about $130 for a passport book and $35 for a passport card for adults. Minors pay less. Some DMV locations add a small acceptance fee on top of the State Department fee. Call ahead to ask what the total cost will be at your location.