Passport Acceptance Facility — What It Is & What to Bring
First-time passport? You must apply in person at an authorized facility. Here is everything you need to know before your appointment.
A passport acceptance facility is an authorized location — usually a post office, court, or library — where a trained agent verifies your identity documents and witnesses your signature on Form DS-11. First-time passport applicants and those who don't qualify for mail-in renewal must go in person.
How to Find a Passport Acceptance Facility Near You
The easiest method. Enter your zip code, select a date range, and book an appointment at any nearby post office. Shows real-time appointment availability.
Official State Department tool. Shows all authorized acceptance facilities — not just USPS. Includes courts, libraries, and municipal offices.
A local search often surfaces less-known facilities with shorter wait times than major post offices during peak season.
Tip
Types of Passport Acceptance Facilities
Most common, easy to find, online scheduling at usps.com/passport
Appointment required at most locations; limited slots during peak season
The largest network of passport acceptance facilities in the US. Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance during spring and summer.
Often faster appointments available; experienced with complex applications
May have limited hours; parking can be difficult in urban courthouses
County clerk offices within courthouses frequently accept passport applications. Search 'county clerk passport' + your city.
Convenient locations, community-friendly environment
Fewer locations than USPS; not all libraries are authorized
Call your local library to ask if they have a certified passport acceptance agent on staff.
Some offer same-day walk-in service
Hours vary widely; may require in-person scheduling
Some city clerk and municipal offices are authorized acceptance facilities. Check your city government website.
What to Bring — Complete Checklist
Bring every item on this list. Missing a single document means your appointment cannot be completed.
Completed but NOT signed — you must sign in front of the acceptance agent
Certified birth certificate with raised seal, US naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad
Driver's license, state ID, military ID, or previous US passport
Black and white or color copy; 8.5×11 paper
Taken within the last 6 months, white background, no glasses
Check or money order payable to 'U.S. Department of State' — no cash
Check, money order, or debit/credit card paid to the facility directly
Certified marriage certificate or court order — original only
If your birth certificate is in a foreign language, bring a certified translation
Warning
What Happens at Your Appointment
The acceptance agent reviews all your documents. They verify your citizenship proof, check your photo ID, and confirm your two passport photos meet requirements. They photocopy your ID and citizenship document on-site — you get your originals back immediately.
The agent witnesses your signature on Form DS-11. This is why you must not sign it in advance. The agent may also administer an oath affirming the information in your application is accurate.
You pay the $35 acceptance fee to the facility and submit your $130 passport fee (check or money order payable to 'U.S. Department of State') with your application packet.
The acceptance facility mails your complete application packet to the National Passport Processing Center. You will receive a receipt. Processing begins from the date the State Department receives it — not the date of your appointment.
Note
Passport Photos for Your Appointment
You need two 2×2 inch passport photos taken within the last 6 months. Your photos are checked before other documents — if they don't comply, the appointment cannot proceed.
Get Your 2 Passport Photos Before Your Appointment
2×2 inch · White background · Print at any pharmacy for $0.35 — don't let your photos delay your appointment
Free to try • Pay only for HD download
Passport Acceptance Facility FAQ
What is a passport acceptance facility?
A passport acceptance facility is an authorized location where you submit a first-time passport application (Form DS-11) in person before a trained acceptance agent. These are typically USPS post offices, federal or state courts, county clerk offices, and public libraries that have been authorized by the US State Department. The agent verifies your identity and citizenship documents, witnesses your signature, and submits your application.
Do I need to go to a passport acceptance facility?
You must go in person to a passport acceptance facility if any of the following apply: it is your first US passport, your previous passport was issued before you turned 16, your previous passport is more than 15 years old, your previous passport was lost or stolen, or your previous passport was significantly damaged. If you are simply renewing a valid adult passport, you may qualify to renew by mail (DS-82) or online instead.
How do I find a passport acceptance facility near me?
Use the official USPS passport appointment scheduler at usps.com/passport to find nearby post offices that accept passport applications. You can also search for acceptance facilities on the State Department website at iafdb.travel.state.gov. Enter your zip code, desired radius, and appointment type to see all authorized locations near you.
Do I need an appointment at a passport acceptance facility?
Many passport acceptance facilities, especially USPS post offices, require appointments. Some accept walk-ins, but availability is limited. Book an appointment online at usps.com/passport or by calling your local post office. Courts and libraries may have different scheduling systems — contact them directly.
What documents do I need at a passport acceptance facility?
Bring: (1) completed Form DS-11 — unsigned, sign in front of the agent, (2) proof of US citizenship (original birth certificate or naturalization certificate — not a photocopy), (3) a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or military ID), (4) a photocopy of the front and back of your photo ID, (5) two 2×2 inch passport photos, and (6) payment for the $130 passport book fee plus $35 acceptance fee. Bring originals and photocopies of all documents.
How much does a passport acceptance facility appointment cost?
The acceptance facility fee is $35, paid directly to the facility (usually by check or money order). This is separate from the $130 passport book fee paid to the State Department. Total minimum cost for a first-time passport at an acceptance facility: $165 plus two passport photos ($7–$17 extra, or $0.35 if you print your own).
Can I bring a photocopy of my birth certificate to a passport acceptance facility?
No — you must bring an original certified birth certificate, not a photocopy or a hospital birth record. A certified birth certificate has a raised seal or colored background from the issuing government authority. The acceptance agent will make a photocopy on-site and return your original to you at the appointment.
How long does an appointment at a passport acceptance facility take?
The in-person appointment at the acceptance facility typically takes 15–30 minutes. The bulk of the time is document review and verification. After you leave, the facility mails your application packet to the State Department — from that point, processing takes 6–8 weeks (routine) or 2–3 weeks (expedited, add $60).