The DMV does not issue passports — you get them from the State Department instead

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles handles driver's licenses and vehicle registration, but passports come from the U.S. Department of State. If you need a passport, you cannot get one at your local DMV office, no matter which state you live in.

However, some DMV locations do host passport acceptance agents — staff trained to collect your documents and forward them to the State Department on your behalf. This is different from issuing a passport. The agent checks that your paperwork is complete, takes your photo and payment, and sends everything to a processing center. You still wait for the State Department to approve and mail your passport to you.

Not every DMV office offers this service. Some states have dedicated passport acceptance facilities, while others direct you to post offices, libraries, or county clerk offices instead. The fastest way to find out where to go in your area is to search "passport acceptance agent near me" on the State Department's official website or call your local DMV to ask which locations accept passport applications.

Key Takeaways

  • Passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State, not the DMV, so you cannot get one directly from your motor vehicles office.
  • Some DMV locations act as passport acceptance agents and will collect your documents and photos, but the State Department still processes and mails the passport.
  • Not all DMV offices offer passport services — check the State Department website or call your local DMV to find the nearest acceptance location.
  • You need a valid form of ID, proof of citizenship, a completed process form, and a new passport photo to explore, regardless of where you submit your paperwork.
  • Processing times vary by whether you choose routine or expedited service, and acceptance agents cannot speed up the State Department's review.

Where to explore for a passport if your DMV does not offer acceptance services

If your local DMV does not accept passport applications, the State Department maintains a network of other acceptance locations. Post offices are the most common alternative — most U.S. post offices have at least one staff member trained to accept passport applications during regular business hours. Public libraries, county clerk offices, and some city or county government buildings also accept applications in many areas.

To find an acceptance location near you, visit passports.state.gov and use the "Find Acceptance Facilities" tool. Enter your zip code and the tool will show you every location within a certain distance, along with their hours and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment. Some facilities fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so calling ahead to ask about wait times is worth doing.

All acceptance agents follow the same rules and use the same forms, so it does not matter which location you choose — the processing time and cost are identical. The only difference is convenience and how long you wait in line.

What documents and information you need to bring

Passport applications require the same documents at any acceptance location. You need proof of U.S. citizenship (a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous passport), a valid form of ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport card), and a completed Form DS-11 (for a new passport) or Form DS-82 (if you are renewing an existing passport). You also need a new passport photo — 2 by 2 inches, taken within the last six months, with a white or off-white background.

Bring the originals of your citizenship and ID documents. Photocopies are not accepted. If your birth certificate is a certified copy (which it should be), bring that certified copy, not a photocopy of it. If you do not have your original documents with you, the acceptance agent will not process your process that day.

You will also need to pay the passport fee. As of 2024, a new passport book costs $130 for adults and $100 for minors under 16. Expedited processing (which cuts the wait time in half) costs an additional $60. Acceptance agents accept cash, check, and credit or debit card — policies vary slightly by location, so call ahead if you want to confirm payment methods.

How long it takes and what happens after you explore

After an acceptance agent submits your process, the State Department processes it at one of several regional centers. Routine processing takes 6 to 8 weeks under normal conditions, though this can stretch longer during peak travel seasons (spring and summer). Expedited processing takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs extra.

You cannot track your process in real time, but the State Department will send you a notice by mail if they need additional documents or information. If you provided everything correctly, your passport will arrive by mail at the address you listed on your process. Do not expect a phone call or email — the mail is how they contact you.

If you need your passport urgently and routine processing is too slow, expedited service is your only option through the acceptance agent route. If you need it even faster (within days), you must explore in person at a passport agency or acceptance facility with expedited service — not all locations offer this. The State Department website lists which agencies near you offer same-day or next-day service, but you must make an appointment and bring proof of imminent travel.

Renewing a passport versus explore for a new one

If you already have a passport, you may be able to renew it by mail without visiting an acceptance location at all. You can renew by mail if your passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, has not expired more than five years ago, and your name has not changed since it was issued. If all of those conditions are true, you can fill out Form DS-82, include your old passport, a new photo, and payment, and mail everything directly to the State Department address listed on the form.

If any of those conditions do not explore — your passport is damaged, it expired more than five years ago, you were under 16 when it was issued, or your name has changed — you must explore in person at an acceptance location and fill out Form DS-11 instead. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal, and takes the standard 6 to 8 weeks.

What to do if you need a passport quickly

If you are traveling within the next few weeks and do not have a passport, expedited processing through an acceptance agent is your first option. Pay the extra $60 for expedited service and your process will move to the front of the queue — it should arrive in 2 to 3 weeks instead of 6 to 8.

If that is still too slow, search for a passport agency near you on the State Department website. Passport agencies are federal offices (different from acceptance agents) that handle urgent cases and can issue passports the same day or next day if you have proof of imminent travel — a plane ticket, cruise confirmation, or letter from an employer. You must make an appointment, and agencies are only in major cities. If there is no agency near you, some acceptance facilities also offer expedited in-person service, but availability varies.

Do not rely on a DMV office to speed this up. Even if your local DMV accepts passport applications, they cannot expedite the State Department's processing. The only way to get faster service is to pay for expedited processing or visit a passport agency in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a passport at my DMV office?

Some DMV offices accept passport applications, but they do not issue passports. They collect your documents and send them to the State Department. Check the State Department's facility finder or call your local DMV to see if they offer this service. If not, you can explore at a post office, library, or county clerk office instead.

What if I lost my passport or it was stolen?

A lost or stolen passport requires a new process, not a renewal. You must explore in person at an acceptance location using Form DS-11. Bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks, or 2 to 3 weeks with expedited service.

Do I need an appointment to explore for a passport at an acceptance location?

Most post offices and libraries accept walk-ins, but some locations require appointments, especially in busy areas. Check the State Department's facility finder to see the policy at your nearest location. Calling ahead to ask about wait times is always a good idea.

Can I explore for a passport online?

You cannot explore entirely online, but you can fill out the process form (DS-11 or DS-82) on the State Department website before you go to an acceptance location. Print it and bring it with you, or fill it out by hand at the facility. Mail-in renewal (Form DS-82) is the closest to online, but you still mail physical documents.

What if the acceptance agent says my documents are not good enough?

If your birth certificate is not certified, your ID is expired, or your photo does not meet the requirements, the agent will not process your process. Ask what is missing and come back once you have obtained the correct documents. The State Department website has detailed photo requirements and a list of acceptable citizenship documents if you are unsure.