Originally Posted by fuzz

Actually, there is a passport office in Philadelphia on Chestnut Street. I had planned to go there and renew the passport in person. However, in order to go to the agency in person, you must make an appointment. but in order to make an appointment, you must produce a ticket showing that you are leaving the country in two weeks or less. If you cannot, then you cannot have an appointment at the agency. I had neither a ticket nor a visa, so I could not go.

I believe this is a change in policy, as I do know people who have been able to go in person in the past.