First Time US Passport Applicant

[rodeo 11]

Just want to ask, If you Guys find it so difficult to book an appointment to accept your application from the Acceptance Agencies, such as USPS and Public Libraries?  I am living in Las Vegas and I am not expediting my new passport.  USPS around my place shows that the available schedule to book an appointment is about a month from now.  I am watching YouTube from previous US Passport applicants and it was so easy for them to book an appointment, in any day of the month.  I called the Las Vegas Windmill Library this morning, because they told me a week ago that new appointment schedules for the month of June 2021 opens in the morning of the first day of the month(June 1, 2021), the Lady who answered the phone told me that the appointment slots for the whole month of June was filled out 4 minutes after they released the schedule in their website.  Though I already booked an appointment for June 26, I am just curious if this is happening in other Cities or States of the country.

[Scandi 4,220]

Happens in most areas of the country. Because of the pandemic they have only allowed a certain amount of appointments per day at each USPS office, while before the pandemic most offices offered walk-in without appointments. So that makes it a lot harder now as they're taking a lot less applicants each day.

That, but also the fact that most people haven't been able to travel in at least a year, so now when the country opens up again EVERYONE wants to renew or apply for a new passport, that too makes it hard harder to find available appointments.

Here in Los Angeles you need to check all over the county, can't expect to get an appointment fast at your local office. Some areas are more busy than others. I'm guessing you don't have as many USPS passport offices to choose from in Vegas.

[Mrs.Williams 34]

I think it depends on the state. Here in Maryland, I set my appointment for May 1st in April. They called the day before (April 30) stating the camera was broken and I need to come with my own photos. Of course, it was after I just got off of work and didn't have time to take a photo. Cancelled that appointment and was able to schedule the next one for May 15th with the USPS. Getting the new passport is what is taking so long. He stated I will not receive until August, unless I expedited for an additional $60.

[JeanneAdil 6,727]

7 minutes ago, Mrs.Williams said:

I think it depends on the state. Here in Maryland, I set my appointment for May 1st in April. They called the day before (April 30) stating the camera was broken and I need to come with my own photos. Of course, it was after I just got off of work and didn't have time to take a photo. Cancelled that appointment and was able to schedule the next one for May 15th with the USPS. Getting the new passport is what is taking so long. He stated I will not receive until August, unless I expedited for an additional $60.

To any of you doing this in the future

Many Wallgreens , CVS and other stores are open 24 hours (in large cities ) and do passport photos

[Paul Hanaki 72]

I just checked in Lexington, KY and they have appointments tomorrow so it just depends on region.

[rodeo 11]

4 hours ago, Paul Hanaki said:

I just checked in Lexington, KY and they have appointments tomorrow so it just depends on region.

Thank you, just checked your place with area code 40512, plenty of slots for the month of June appointments are available, unlike here in Vegas where all the dates in June are already filled out.  I think some people are doing business here...

[ORCoast 13]

Can you take a trip down to Laughlin? They have all sorts of appointments available, starting on Monday.

[rodeo 11]

9 hours ago, ORCoast said:

Can you take a trip down to Laughlin? They have all sorts of appointments available, starting on Monday.

Thank you for your response, I already got a Saturday slot, June 5, a USPS just about 3 miles from my home. Just be patient to check the available  schedule every morning, some people cancel their appointments...  Thank you Guys...

[jingo 38]

On 6/1/2021 at 10:57 AM, Scandi said:

Happens in most areas of the country. Because of the pandemic they have only allowed a certain amount of appointments per day at each USPS office, while before the pandemic most offices offered walk-in without appointments. So that makes it a lot harder now as they're taking a lot less applicants each day.

That, but also the fact that most people haven't been able to travel in at least a year, so now when the country opens up again EVERYONE wants to renew or apply for a new passport, that too makes it hard harder to find available appointments.

Here in Los Angeles you need to check all over the county, can't expect to get an appointment fast at your local office. Some areas are more busy than others. I'm guessing you don't have as many USPS passport offices to choose from in Vegas.

 

I'm in LA also! Question, how long after your interview did you receive all the documents you need to file for the passport?

[Scandi 4,220]

9 minutes ago, jingo said:

 

I'm in LA also! Question, how long after your interview did you receive all the documents you need to file for the passport?

You get your naturalization certificate at the oath ceremony. I had my interview on a Thursday and my oath ceremony the following Tuesday.

[jingo 38]

20 minutes ago, Scandi said:

You get your naturalization certificate at the oath ceremony. I had my interview on a Thursday and my oath ceremony the following Tuesday.

Thank you so much! Glad to hear it's such a fast turnaround.

[ameise 25]

In northern VA, the USPS also has very few appointment slots available immediately. However, they have started taking walk-ins on weekdays - even though I don’t think they advertise that fact. I saw many walk-ins when I went for my appointment. They do gibe people with appointments priority though.