USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler

What is the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler?

The USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler is a web-based application (www.usps.com/scheduler) that allows customers to schedule an appointment at their local Post Office™ facility [or “location”] offering included services. Passport appointment scheduling will be the first service offered through the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™. (First time passport applications only. For renewals visit the Department of State’s passport renewal page.)

General Questions

• Will I be able to schedule an appointment online at all Post Office™ locations?
  

  No. Online scheduling is currently only available at participating Post Office locations. Use the USPS Postal Locator on usps.com to determine if your local Post Office™ facility offers passports by appointment.

• How long will a passport appointment take?
  

  An appointment should take approximately 10 to 15 minutes depending if you need a passport photo taken. For family appointments, add 15 minutes for each additional family member.

• Are passport photo services available?
  

  Yes. Photo services will be available at select Post Office locations. Use the USPS Postal Locator to determine if photos can be taken at your local Post Office™ facility.

Searching for and Booking an Appointment

• How do I schedule a passport appointment online?
  

  The USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™ will schedule a passport application appointment every 15 minutes during passport hours of operation. To schedule a passport appointment online:

  1. Please visit the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™ (www.usps.com/scheduler) and click “Schedule an Appointment”.
  2. Complete all required fields in the form with an asterisks.
  3. Click “Review Appointment”.
  4. Click “Schedule Appointment”.

   

• How many appointments are available on the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™?
  

  The USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™ will schedule a passport application appointment every 15 minutes during passport hours of operation. You can find your local Post Office™ facility’s passport hours of operation through the Postal Locator.

• What time do Post Office facilities offer passport appointments?
  

  Every location has different hours for passport services. Use the USPS Postal Locator to find out the times at your local Post Office™ facility and if an appointment is required.

• What age is considered a minor?
  

  All individuals 15 years of age or younger must apply for passports in person and be accompanied by both guardians. Single parents must present legal proof they are solely responsible for the child. Passports issued to minors are valid for only five years.

• What age is considered an adult?
  

  All individuals 16 years of age or older are considered adults. Individuals 16 and 17 years old must apply for a passport in person accompanied by a guardian or parent. Adults aged 18 or older may apply for a passport without being accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• How far in advance can I book my appointment?
  

  Customers are able to make appointments up to 4 weeks in advance through the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™.

• Is there a cut-off time for scheduling a same-day appointment?
  

  Customers are able to schedule appointments until 2 a.m. Central Time the day of their requested appointment.

• Will I receive appointment reminders?
  

  Yes. You will receive a confirmation email immediately after you book your appointment and a notification email 24 hours before the appointment.

• Will I be briefed on necessary documents to bring for the appointment?
  

  Yes. A list of necessary documents will be listed both on the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™ website and within the confirmation email. All necessary forms are viewable on the Department of State website.

• Is the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™ available in another language?
  

  No. Currently, the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™ is only available in English.

• Can I schedule an appointment if I don’t have internet/computer access?
  

  Currently, customers unable to book their appointments online are referred to a walk-in site. You can find your nearest Post Office accepting walk-ins through the usps Postal Locator on usps.com®.

• How can I book a family appointment?
  

  The number of appointments will depend on the family size. There is a 6-person limit. Customers booking family appointments will choose the number of family members in need of appointments and the USPS Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler™ will provide a block of multiple 15-minute appointments to adequately service all family members. For example, a family of four will need a 60-minute appointment block.

• Can I schedule an appointment for someone who is not a family member?
  

  No. Customers are not allowed to make reservations for non-family members.

Arriving for your Appointment

• What if I am late to my appointment?
  

  If a customer is more than 5 minutes late to a scheduled appointment, the appointment may be forfeited or given to another customer requesting passport services. Customers should make an effort to be 10 minutes early for their scheduled appointments.

• How will I know where to check-in for my passport appointment?
  

  Post Office facilities should have clear signage directing customers to the appropriate counter or space for passport services. Please alert the retail associate at the passport area that you are here for your scheduled appointment or wait to have your name called.

• For a family appointment, what if not all family members have all required documentation? Will the family members with documentation still be processed?
  

  It is up to the customer whether he/she wishes to process only family members who have full documentation. A passport application will not be processed if full documentation is not present.

• What if the name of the customer does not match the name of the appointment?
  

  The name of the appointment should match the name of the customer requesting a passport. However, if the appointment is for a minor and was scheduled by a parent or guardian, the customer should specify when they approach the window. If the appointment was made by a family member, the customer should specify at the window so that the clerk is aware.

Documents and Fees

• What should I bring with me to the appointment?

  • Complete and print Form DS-11: Application for a U.S. Passport which can be found here. (Document needs to be in black ink only. Do not sign the form)
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship, definition found on Form DS-11.
  • Proof of identity, definition found on Form DS-11.
  • Bring photocopies of the front and back of your U.S. Citizenship and Identification Document(s) (Refer to Form DS-11 for acceptable forms of U.S Citizenship and identification)
  • Appropriate form of payment. Prices and forms of payment for fees can be found at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html
    • Note: Credit Cards are not an appropriate form of payment for the Department of State fees. An ATM/Debit card can be used to purchase a Postal Money Order at locations where the customer’s Personal Identification Number (PIN) must be entered on a keypad connected to a credit/debit terminal.
  • Appropriate passport photo. Note: Passport photos can be taken at select Post Office locations for an additional $15 fee.

• How much is the passport application fee?
  

  Visit the Department of State’s website for the most current application fees.

Passport Renewal Instructions

• How do I renew my passport?
  

  The U.S. Department of State encourages those renewing a Passport Application to use a “traceable delivery method.” The Postal Service recommends using one of these options, which include USPS Tracking usa and the following services:

  • USPS Priority Mail Express® (for overnight delivery requests to most U.S. locations
  • USPS Priority Mail®

• How do I expedite my passport renewal?
  

  To get a renewal application processed sooner, you can request expedited service from the Department of State for an additional fee of $60. In addition, you can purchase USPS Priority Mail Express® service to help speed your application to the U.S. Department of State.

• How do I track the status of my passport renewal?
  

  If you mail your application with USPS Priority Mail Express® or Priority Mail® services, USPS Tracking® service.

• How can I check my Passport renewal application status with Department of State?
  

  To check your Passport renewal application status, you can call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 or you can access the Online Passport System to check your application.