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 doesnt 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 doesnt match the list above, please add or correct.
Current US passport wait? (Merged Threads)
Apr 20, 2023 | 6:01 pm
#2386
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,893
I got my online renewal passport book today. applied on last day of online renewal on around FEB 4th, not expedited application.
I am surprised by the new look and feel of the new passport book. but I have questions. I applied for the LARGE passport and supposed to have 52 pages?
But mine is 50 pages including front and back of each page . The actual visa page starts from page 8 so actual page is 42 pages. In the last page, there is a divider, like a very thick paper. It looks like someone tored the last page and looks like altered to be honestly and i am worried about foreign immigration agents grilling me about this. In my old passport , I had extra pages added when they allowed this and it had a large tape and I was asked about why there is a tape at two foreign countries.
I am surprised by the new look and feel of the new passport book. but I have questions. I applied for the LARGE passport and supposed to have 52 pages?
But mine is 50 pages including front and back of each page . The actual visa page starts from page 8 so actual page is 42 pages. In the last page, there is a divider, like a very thick paper. It looks like someone tored the last page and looks like altered to be honestly and i am worried about foreign immigration agents grilling me about this. In my old passport , I had extra pages added when they allowed this and it had a large tape and I was asked about why there is a tape at two foreign countries.
Apr 20, 2023 | 7:14 pm
#2387
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: DC
Programs: MPGS, 1MM
Posts: 63
I mailed my passport renewal application at the end of March (expedited treatment) and the check was cashed electronically in early April. However, the website still shows my status as "not available." Does this suggest that there's some problem and is there any way to track down whether the agency actually has my application?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Apr 20, 2023 | 7:39 pm
#2388
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 448
I mailed my passport renewal application at the end of March (expedited treatment) and the check was cashed electronically in early April. However, the website still shows my status as "not available." Does this suggest that there's some problem and is there any way to track down whether the agency actually has my application?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Apr 23, 2023 | 4:26 am
#2389
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 905
Here is my dilemma. We are full-time international Nomads. My passport expires mid 2024. I will be in the states from May 25 to Aug 31. Surely, with expedited service, I should be able to get mine renewed in that time?? I will need it for our trip back on the road ( Asia) by 2nd week of September. This is my only real window to get it renewed. Three months for expedited renewal?? Yes?
Apr 23, 2023 | 6:22 am
#2390
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Chicago
Programs: Hyatt Glob; UA 1K; BonVoyage LTT (RIP SPG); HH Dia; JX Insighter
Posts: 1,660
Here is my dilemma. We are full-time international Nomads. My passport expires mid 2024. I will be in the states from May 25 to Aug 31. Surely, with expedited service, I should be able to get mine renewed in that time?? I will need it for our trip back on the road ( Asia) by 2nd week of September. This is my only real window to get it renewed. Three months for expedited renewal?? Yes?
Apr 23, 2023 | 10:54 am
#2391
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 291
Here is my dilemma. We are full-time international Nomads. My passport expires mid 2024. I will be in the states from May 25 to Aug 31. Surely, with expedited service, I should be able to get mine renewed in that time?? I will need it for our trip back on the road ( Asia) by 2nd week of September. This is my only real window to get it renewed. Three months for expedited renewal?? Yes?
Apr 23, 2023 | 10:59 am
#2392
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 291
Considering the shorter 5 year validity period, long and uncertain renewal times... if multiplied by several children, the slowness' consequences are also multiplied and start to unpleasantly affect travel plans.
Apr 23, 2023 | 6:19 pm
#2393
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,077
Has anyone around here already used the long waiting times (compared to other similar countries) and the fact that the old passport must be surrendered during the renewal (also unusual in other countries) as an argument to get a second, parallel USA passport? I can't see how certain professionals can be expected not to travel for so long, or pop into some inconvenient and far-away issuance agency after some telephone acrobatics...
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/35146999-post2367.html
See the last sentence in the first paragraph of that post: “It’s also possible for the embassy/consulate to allow the applicant to keep the current passport (used for the application) for use (to stay and/or travel) until picking up the new full duration passport after it gets back to the station.” Upon being informed via email that the passport is back at the station, someone just needs to show up with the email and the old passport (and their own passport/ID) and then the station will collect the old passport, invalidate it, and return the invalidated passport and the new passport.
In other words, this allowance for applicants outside of the US reduces the strength of a case for wanting a second/limited duration US passport as a secondary US passport.
Has anyone done the consulate trick as a tourist with his children's passports? I presume the rules are the same - two parents present and that's it?
Considering the shorter 5 year validity period, long and uncertain renewal times... if multiplied by several children, the slowness' consequences are also multiplied and start to unpleasantly affect travel plans.
Considering the shorter 5 year validity period, long and uncertain renewal times... if multiplied by several children, the slowness' consequences are also multiplied and start to unpleasantly affect travel plans.
Last edited by GUWonder; Apr 23, 2023 at 6:34 pm
Apr 23, 2023 | 7:09 pm
#2394
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: CA
Posts: 1,590
I initially applied for routine service w travel date in July. Giving it about 15 weeks. Then I sought upgrade to expedited service but declined on expedited shipping. One of the passports came days after they charged my cc. They charged me for expedited shipping despite clear no to the question on whether to upgrade shipping. Who do I contact to get the 20 bucks back as this was not authorized.
Apr 24, 2023 | 7:03 am
#2395
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: EWR/JFK
Programs: AA GLD 1.xMM, MAR SLV, HH DMND, IHG PLT
Posts: 900
I initially applied for routine service w travel date in July. Giving it about 15 weeks. Then I sought upgrade to expedited service but declined on expedited shipping. One of the passports came days after they charged my cc. They charged me for expedited shipping despite clear no to the question on whether to upgrade shipping. Who do I contact to get the 20 bucks back as this was not authorized.
Does it reset the clock if you move to expedited or does the previous wait time count?
Apr 24, 2023 | 7:59 am
#2396
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 171
Congrats on getting the approval.
I submitted apps for two minor kids at USPS 3/6 (expedited)
"Received" by State Department 3/13
Checks cashed on the same day - 3/13
The status has been "In Process" ever since
My locator # starts 62.
Since I submitted the app, the processing time on travel.state.gov changed from 5-7 weeks to 7-9 weeks.
You mentioned your locator is 69. I suppose different locators have different processing times? Is 62 bad?
I submitted apps for two minor kids at USPS 3/6 (expedited)
"Received" by State Department 3/13
Checks cashed on the same day - 3/13
The status has been "In Process" ever since
My locator # starts 62.
Since I submitted the app, the processing time on travel.state.gov changed from 5-7 weeks to 7-9 weeks.
You mentioned your locator is 69. I suppose different locators have different processing times? Is 62 bad?
Apr 24, 2023 | 11:56 am
#2397
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1MM, Marriott LTP, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,029
Apr 25, 2023 | 9:45 am
#2398
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,960
I'm beginning to panic.
Submitted my renewal application early March with expedited service in both directions.
Application received 03/09/2023
Check cashed 03/10/2023
In Process since that date with application locator 62 (ack!)
I am traveling to Denmark in two weeks, so tried to call the 877 number this morning, was given a voicemail that due to high call volume I should try later, then it hung up (no option to hold or get a call back).
I live in central Florida and don't understand why my renewal was sent to Tucson to be processed.
The closest agency is in Miami (4 hours drive) and it's impossible to get through via phone to make an appointment. It's unclear, but sounds like if I've already submitted my application, that I have to wait until I'm within 5 days of my trip, not 14, to go get a passport at an agency. Is this correct? I've sent a query to my congressman's office this morning.
I had to renew because my passport was expiring in September, so my trip would have been less than six months before expiration. I never expected this would be a problem. I was spoiled living abroad for 30 years when I would mail my renewal to the embassy and have a new passport back in about 3-5 days in the post, easy peasy. I thought paying for expedited service with two months advance would be no problem.
Any tips, other than to try to take a deep breath? Do I really have to wait until my trip is within 5 days to try to get to a passport agency in person?
Submitted my renewal application early March with expedited service in both directions.
Application received 03/09/2023
Check cashed 03/10/2023
In Process since that date with application locator 62 (ack!)
I am traveling to Denmark in two weeks, so tried to call the 877 number this morning, was given a voicemail that due to high call volume I should try later, then it hung up (no option to hold or get a call back).
The closest agency is in Miami (4 hours drive) and it's impossible to get through via phone to make an appointment. It's unclear, but sounds like if I've already submitted my application, that I have to wait until I'm within 5 days of my trip, not 14, to go get a passport at an agency. Is this correct? I've sent a query to my congressman's office this morning.
I had to renew because my passport was expiring in September, so my trip would have been less than six months before expiration. I never expected this would be a problem. I was spoiled living abroad for 30 years when I would mail my renewal to the embassy and have a new passport back in about 3-5 days in the post, easy peasy. I thought paying for expedited service with two months advance would be no problem.
Any tips, other than to try to take a deep breath? Do I really have to wait until my trip is within 5 days to try to get to a passport agency in person?
Apr 25, 2023 | 2:47 pm
#2399
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 4,696
Unfortunately, this part of our govt is operating in the "ignore unless someone is in crisis" mode.
Apr 25, 2023 | 3:31 pm
#2400
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,960
5 business days. Nick at Frequent Miler wrote a detailed report of his experience that may provide some ideas and backup options: https://frequentmiler.com/success-ex...t-application/
Unfortunately, this part of our govt is operating in the "ignore unless someone is in crisis" mode.
Unfortunately, this part of our govt is operating in the "ignore unless someone is in crisis" mode.
It sounds like this is the route thousands of people are going, and I'm now finding tons of threads on multiple sites about people in similar situations. So I guess it's a wait and see if the reach out from my representative will do any good.
We have prepaid accommodations for a month, and an expensive round trip - I think the flight can be changed for $200, but new flights are more than double as expensive as those we have with many dates sold out. I guess I'd have to send my husband on his own and me try to get there as soon as I can. We are going for his father's 90th birthday (his mom is 93) and it's important for us to get over to see them at least once a year given their age and inability to travel to see us.
I never imagined I'd be stuck without a passport for several months since the need to travel internationally could arise at any time.