Mar 1, 2022, 6:35 am
Last edit by: CKDGM
Passport Agency Appointments (same day expedited service)
Appointments for same-day expedited service often go quickly. It is best that you schedule your appointment with the passport agency exactly 14 days before your trip. You will want to call the passport number before the center opens at 8am EST as they will have just opened up one day (14 days out) of appointments at all agencies. Appointment times start at 8am. It is important that you have enough buffer in your travel schedule. For example, if you make an appointment for a new passport at 11am and your time of travel is at 2pm, there will not be enough time for you to get your passport. If you book the 8am slot you may have to wait until the end of the business day to get your new passport or it may only be a few hours.
You will want to have your date of travel, time of travel, your flight itinerary number, name of destination, full name of applicant, and applicant's birth city, and the zip code of where you live (to help them find the closest available center with open slots). Use the following steps to increase your chances of success to booking an appointment as they can go very quickly:
Credit: chgoeditor
Known office locator numbers (not complete)
Note: The office code (first two digits of your application locator number returned by Passport Status) is the office reviewing your documents and approving your application. It isn't necessarily the address you mailed the forms to (always Irving or Philadelphia for renewals) nor the facility where the book is physically printed and mailed (often Tucson or Hot Springs).
10: Boston
11: NYC
12: Honolulu
14: Stamford, CT
15: Portsmouth, NH
17: Aurora, CO
18: Chicago
19: Washington, DC
20-29: Portsmouth, NH
34-39: Charleston
40-42: New Orleans, LA
45: Portsmouth, NH
50: Los Angeles, CA
51: Miami
53: Seattle
54: Minneapolis
55: Dallas
56: Detroit
57: San Francisco
58: Philadelphia, PA
61-64: Tucson
65: Hot Springs, AR
67: San Juan, PR
68: Portsmouth, NH
69: Portsmouth, NH
71: US embassies/consulates abroad (possibly Portsmouth, NH)
74: Atlanta
75: St Albans, VT
76: San Diego, CA
77: Buffalo, NY
78: El Paso, TX
79: Houston, TX
80: Special Issuance Agency ("Issues diplomatic, official, service, and no-fee regular passports, and facilitates visa processing for those traveling on behalf of the U.S. government.")
95: Online
A list of agencies and their locator numbers is listed on this page under the heading, "List of passport agencies and centers with locator numbers."
H/T Nayef, txviking, and various individual posts both here and on Reddit. If you have a locator not in the above list, check the return address agency name or postmark/ZIP on your returned citizenship docs, or passport card if you applied for one, which may be the processing office, although the address itself is likely to be a PO Box in Sterling, VA in all cases (which appears to be a lockbox location that processes mail for all locations). The passport books are printed in fewer locations, often Hot Springs and Tucson, and may not correspond to the agency where the processing steps occurred. If it doesn’t match the list above, please add or correct.
Appointments for same-day expedited service often go quickly. It is best that you schedule your appointment with the passport agency exactly 14 days before your trip. You will want to call the passport number before the center opens at 8am EST as they will have just opened up one day (14 days out) of appointments at all agencies. Appointment times start at 8am. It is important that you have enough buffer in your travel schedule. For example, if you make an appointment for a new passport at 11am and your time of travel is at 2pm, there will not be enough time for you to get your passport. If you book the 8am slot you may have to wait until the end of the business day to get your new passport or it may only be a few hours.
You will want to have your date of travel, time of travel, your flight itinerary number, name of destination, full name of applicant, and applicant's birth city, and the zip code of where you live (to help them find the closest available center with open slots). Use the following steps to increase your chances of success to booking an appointment as they can go very quickly:
- 14 days before your trip, you need to schedule an appointment with the passport agency.
- At 7:55 am call the passport number 877-487-2778 (This have to be exactly 14 days before your plane ticket or less. If less, it will get harder to find an appointment)
- Click 1 (For English)
- Click 2 (New Passport)
- Continue to Click 7 to repeat, and keep doing this while watching your watch or using Time.gov to get the exact time down to the second.
- When your it hits exactly 8:00 am Click 2 (for traveling within 14 days option)
- There will be a delay of 3-4 second and you will wait for the next available agent. If you are very lucky, you will be put straight through to an agent. You may be waiting few minutes or maybe as long as 15-20 minutes.
- If you did not click 1 exactly at 8 am, you may have to wait for more than an hour and half
Credit: chgoeditor
Known office locator numbers (not complete)
Note: The office code (first two digits of your application locator number returned by Passport Status) is the office reviewing your documents and approving your application. It isn't necessarily the address you mailed the forms to (always Irving or Philadelphia for renewals) nor the facility where the book is physically printed and mailed (often Tucson or Hot Springs).
10: Boston
11: NYC
12: Honolulu
14: Stamford, CT
15: Portsmouth, NH
17: Aurora, CO
18: Chicago
19: Washington, DC
20-29: Portsmouth, NH
34-39: Charleston
40-42: New Orleans, LA
45: Portsmouth, NH
50: Los Angeles, CA
51: Miami
53: Seattle
54: Minneapolis
55: Dallas
56: Detroit
57: San Francisco
58: Philadelphia, PA
61-64: Tucson
65: Hot Springs, AR
67: San Juan, PR
68: Portsmouth, NH
69: Portsmouth, NH
71: US embassies/consulates abroad (possibly Portsmouth, NH)
74: Atlanta
75: St Albans, VT
76: San Diego, CA
77: Buffalo, NY
78: El Paso, TX
79: Houston, TX
80: Special Issuance Agency ("Issues diplomatic, official, service, and no-fee regular passports, and facilitates visa processing for those traveling on behalf of the U.S. government.")
95: Online
A list of agencies and their locator numbers is listed on this page under the heading, "List of passport agencies and centers with locator numbers."
H/T Nayef, txviking, and various individual posts both here and on Reddit. If you have a locator not in the above list, check the return address agency name or postmark/ZIP on your returned citizenship docs, or passport card if you applied for one, which may be the processing office, although the address itself is likely to be a PO Box in Sterling, VA in all cases (which appears to be a lockbox location that processes mail for all locations). The passport books are printed in fewer locations, often Hot Springs and Tucson, and may not correspond to the agency where the processing steps occurred. If it doesn’t match the list above, please add or correct.
Current US passport wait? (Merged Threads)
Sep 19, 2021 | 8:42 pm
#1621
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 26
I don't trave till late December, so I am going to give it another four or five weeks before I ask my senator to do some prodding. I think its the inconsistency that annoys me the most.
Sep 21, 2021 | 12:32 pm
#1622
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 5,200
So did a standard renewal for a family member. Showed up as in progress on 09/08 with a locator number with status in progress
today randomly checking again the status box doubled with in progress status on 09/14 with the same locator number. So both the 09/08 and 09/14 shows on the status page in different boxes with the same locator number.
weird.
today randomly checking again the status box doubled with in progress status on 09/14 with the same locator number. So both the 09/08 and 09/14 shows on the status page in different boxes with the same locator number.
weird.
Sep 21, 2021 | 3:59 pm
#1623
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Colorado (anywhere between DEN DMM BAH)
Programs: United MileagePlus, SkyMiles, AAdvantage, NEXUS
Posts: 3,595
Aug. 20: Online status changed to “In Process” with locator number 34 (Charleston, SC).
Aug. 23: Check cashed.
Sep. 21: Status changed to "Approved" then “Shipped” later in the day. Set to arrive on Thursday Sep. 23.
No congressional intervention necessary.
Last edited by Nayef; Sep 22, 2021 at 1:56 pm
Sep 22, 2021 | 1:44 pm
#1624
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 26
I logged into the system today to check my status, didn't work as it usually doesn't. But I did see this message. Great.
As of September 23, routine service will take up to 16 weeks and expedited service will take up to 12 weeks. These door-to-door times include both processing times and mailing times on the front and back end. You will continue to see our older processing times listed until we complete technical upgrades to our online system by September 27.
As of September 23, routine service will take up to 16 weeks and expedited service will take up to 12 weeks. These door-to-door times include both processing times and mailing times on the front and back end. You will continue to see our older processing times listed until we complete technical upgrades to our online system by September 27.
Sep 24, 2021 | 6:17 am
#1625
Join Date: Sep 2021
Posts: 2
Applied at Post office 9/10/21
Status shows in progress 9/14/21
Status shows approved 9/24/21
"You requested expedited service when you applied, which we are currently processing within 6 weeks. You should receive your passport book on or around 09/29/2021."
If it comes when they say it will be about 20 days from start to finish.
I am in Texas. Post office guy said he sends it to Irving Tx.
I was thinking I had 12 weeks. I never imagined it coming in the same month of application.
I am pretty shocked.
Status shows in progress 9/14/21
Status shows approved 9/24/21
"You requested expedited service when you applied, which we are currently processing within 6 weeks. You should receive your passport book on or around 09/29/2021."
If it comes when they say it will be about 20 days from start to finish.
I am in Texas. Post office guy said he sends it to Irving Tx.
I was thinking I had 12 weeks. I never imagined it coming in the same month of application.
I am pretty shocked.
Sep 25, 2021 | 9:01 am
#1626
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 16,212
Any recently experiences with same-day passport issuances?
My husband just got notice that he's US citizenship ceremony has been scheduled for the day before we have tickets to fly to see his family for the first time in two years, thanks to the pandemic and border closings. He gets sworn in at 9:30 am. If we're able to make an appointment with the passport office later that morning, is there any chance he'll be able to leave that afternoon with a passport, enabling us to take our trip? Postponing his oath ceremony is not an option.
My husband just got notice that he's US citizenship ceremony has been scheduled for the day before we have tickets to fly to see his family for the first time in two years, thanks to the pandemic and border closings. He gets sworn in at 9:30 am. If we're able to make an appointment with the passport office later that morning, is there any chance he'll be able to leave that afternoon with a passport, enabling us to take our trip? Postponing his oath ceremony is not an option.
Sep 25, 2021 | 10:27 am
#1627
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Colorado (anywhere between DEN DMM BAH)
Programs: United MileagePlus, SkyMiles, AAdvantage, NEXUS
Posts: 3,595
Aug. 17: Applied for US passport+book at metro Denver USPS, expedited processing, 1-2 express delivery, barcoded application from online wizard.
Aug. 20: Online status changed to “In Process” with locator number 34 (Charleston, SC).
Aug. 23: Check cashed.
Sep. 21: Status changed to "Approved" then “Shipped” later in the day. Set to arrive on Thursday Sep. 23.
No congressional intervention necessary.
Aug. 20: Online status changed to “In Process” with locator number 34 (Charleston, SC).
Aug. 23: Check cashed.
Sep. 21: Status changed to "Approved" then “Shipped” later in the day. Set to arrive on Thursday Sep. 23.
No congressional intervention necessary.
Sep 25, 2021 | 10:36 am
#1628
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Colorado (anywhere between DEN DMM BAH)
Programs: United MileagePlus, SkyMiles, AAdvantage, NEXUS
Posts: 3,595
Any recently experiences with same-day passport issuances?
My husband just got notice that he's US citizenship ceremony has been scheduled for the day before we have tickets to fly to see his family for the first time in two years, thanks to the pandemic and border closings. He gets sworn in at 9:30 am. If we're able to make an appointment with the passport office later that morning, is there any chance he'll be able to leave that afternoon with a passport, enabling us to take our trip? Postponing his oath ceremony is not an option.
My husband just got notice that he's US citizenship ceremony has been scheduled for the day before we have tickets to fly to see his family for the first time in two years, thanks to the pandemic and border closings. He gets sworn in at 9:30 am. If we're able to make an appointment with the passport office later that morning, is there any chance he'll be able to leave that afternoon with a passport, enabling us to take our trip? Postponing his oath ceremony is not an option.
- 14 days before your trip, you need to schedule an appointment in a travel agency
- Appointments are not easy to get, but there is tricks.
- Wake up at 7:45 eastern time
- @7:55 am call the passport number 877-487-2778 (This have to be exactly 14 days before your plane ticket or less. If less, it will get harder to find an appointment)
- Click 1 (For English), then 1 (New Passport), then 2 (To continue). That is 112
- Listen for the options, and notice that it say click 4 to repeat this menu
- Click 4 to repeat, and keep doing this while watching your watch
- When your watch hits exactly 8 :00 am, then hit 2 (for travelling within 14 days option)
- Now you will be waiting for an agent. If you are very lucky, you will be waiting few minutes or maybe as long as 15-20 minutes.
- If you did not hit the 2 option exactly at 8 am, you may have to wait for more than an hour and half
If it's life threatening appointment, you can do the same steps above but you have to do it 3 days before your travel date. I am not sure if it's the same as above 112 4444 2 or, if you have to use other keys. But play with the number after like 7 pm when they are closed to find the right keys.
Your other options, is reaching out to your congressman or senator only when you have a flight ticket and ask them to help you with an appointment in a passport agency.
Sep 25, 2021 | 10:41 am
#1629
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 16,212
I didn’t deal with this personally, but the current tactic I’ve seen people do is that they make a phone call for the appointment as soon as the line opens up at 8 am ET and usually they’ll call exactly 14 days before their ticketed flight. Don’t know if it’s 14 days or more for you until you have to fly, but here’s what people have been doing as per an immigration message board:
Last edited by chgoeditor; Sep 25, 2021 at 10:52 am
Sep 25, 2021 | 11:59 am
#1630
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Colorado (anywhere between DEN DMM BAH)
Programs: United MileagePlus, SkyMiles, AAdvantage, NEXUS
Posts: 3,595
Thanks! Unfortunately, the oath ceremony is in 11 days (literally just notified us today -- we thought he'd get 30 days' notice), but we will give it a shot first thing on Monday! ETA -- this is really valuable intel and truly appreciate you sharing it. We'll be on multiple phones at 7:55 AM ET tomorrow.
Sep 25, 2021 | 7:05 pm
#1631
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Colorado (anywhere between DEN DMM BAH)
Programs: United MileagePlus, SkyMiles, AAdvantage, NEXUS
Posts: 3,595
Thanks! Unfortunately, the oath ceremony is in 11 days (literally just notified us today -- we thought he'd get 30 days' notice), but we will give it a shot first thing on Monday! ETA -- this is really valuable intel and truly appreciate you sharing it. We'll be on multiple phones at 7:55 AM ET tomorrow.
https://www.visajourney.com/forums/t...-during-covid/
Sep 27, 2021 | 9:42 am
#1632
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 16,212
I didn’t deal with this personally, but the current tactic I’ve seen people do is that they make a phone call for the appointment as soon as the line opens up at 8 am ET and usually they’ll call exactly 14 days before their ticketed flight. Don’t know if it’s 14 days or more for you until you have to fly, but here’s what people have been doing as per an immigration message board:
Oh and they pinned a more comprehensive thread for it that you should check out for any new info:
https://www.visajourney.com/forums/t...-during-covid/
https://www.visajourney.com/forums/t...-during-covid/
- 14 days before your trip, you need to schedule an appointment
in a travel agencywith the passport agency. - Appointments are not easy to get, but there is tricks.
- Wake up at 7:45 eastern time
- @7:55 am call the passport number 877-487-2778 (This have to be exactly 14 days before your plane ticket or less. If less, it will get harder to find an appointment)
- Click 1 (For English), then 1 (New Passport)
, then 2 (To continue). That is 112 - Listen for the options, and notice that it say click
43 to repeat this menu - Click
43 to repeat, and keep doing this while watching your watch - When your watch hits exactly 8 :00 am, then hit
21 (for travelling within 14 days option) - Now you will be waiting for an agent. If you are very lucky, you will be waiting few minutes or maybe as long as 15-20 minutes.
- If you did not hit the
21 option exactly at 8 am, you may have to wait for more than an hour and half
Edited to add: When calling, be sure to have your complete travel info, including flight information and booking confirmation number because they will ask for it.
Last edited by chgoeditor; Sep 27, 2021 at 3:42 pm
Sep 27, 2021 | 10:30 am
#1633
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Colorado (anywhere between DEN DMM BAH)
Programs: United MileagePlus, SkyMiles, AAdvantage, NEXUS
Posts: 3,595
Thanks! We were able to make an appointment using the technique above (with corrections below) for a couple hours after his oath ceremony. Your help was invaluable. Fingers crossed this actually works.
- 14 days before your trip, you need to schedule an appointment
in a travel agencywith the passport agency. - Appointments are not easy to get, but there is tricks.
- Wake up at 7:45 eastern time
- @7:55 am call the passport number 877-487-2778 (This have to be exactly 14 days before your plane ticket or less. If less, it will get harder to find an appointment)
- Click 1 (For English), then 1 (New Passport)
, then 2 (To continue). That is 112 - Listen for the options, and notice that it say click
43 to repeat this menu - Click
43 to repeat, and keep doing this while watching your watch - When your watch hits exactly 8 :00 am, then hit
21 (for travelling within 14 days option) - Now you will be waiting for an agent. If you are very lucky, you will be waiting few minutes or maybe as long as 15-20 minutes.
- If you did not hit the
21 option exactly at 8 am, you may have to wait for more than an hour and half
Sep 27, 2021 | 3:40 pm
#1634
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 16,212
Will do -- I'll know more a week from Wednesday!
Sep 28, 2021 | 7:59 am
#1635
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: TYS
Programs: HH Diamond, AGR, DL tin-foil (FO)
Posts: 46
Just wanted to share my recent experience. Still not sure how this happened.
9/14: Mailed renewal application
9/16: Application received
9/20: "In Process" with a locator # starting with 19
9/27: New passport in my mailbox
And no, I didn't pay for expedited anything.
9/14: Mailed renewal application
9/16: Application received
9/20: "In Process" with a locator # starting with 19
9/27: New passport in my mailbox
And no, I didn't pay for expedited anything.