Where you apply depends on a few things:
1. Are you traveling within 2 weeks or do you need to obtain a foreign visa within 4 weeks?
Apply in person at a Department of State Passport Agency
- You may apply for any service (first-time application, renewal, passport card, etc.) at a passport agency.
- You must pay the Expedite Fee when applying at a passport agency.
- Appointments and proof of immediate international travel are required. See detailed instructions for the agency where you wish to apply on their agency page.
2. Can you wait a little longer? (3 weeks for Expedite, 6 weeks for Routine)
You can submit an application by mail in order to:
- Renew a passport (must be eligible)*
- Change or Correct a passport
- Replace a limited passport (must be eligible)
You must apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility (post office, clerk of court, etc.) in order to:
- Apply for a first-time passport
- Renew a passport that is not eligible to renew by mail (same process as applying for a first-time passport – see previous bullet)
- Apply for a passport for a child under the age of 16
- Apply for a passport for an adolescent 16-17 years old
*If you qualify to mail in your application (renewal, correction, etc.), do not go to a passport acceptance facility.
3. Are you applying from outside the United States?
Applying for a U.S. passport while outside the United States* is a different process from applying for a U.S. passport while inside the United States.
- For information on how to submit an application for a U.S. passport overseas, please visit Applying from Outside the United States.*Exception: If you reside in Canada, you may renew your passport by mail if you meet all eligibility requirements. Please visit our Renew a Passport page for more details.
