Philadelphia Passport Agency — Emergency Passport Services for Pennsylvania

Agency Location and Hours

The Philadelphia Passport Agency is Pennsylvania's federal office for emergency and expedited passport processing. It is located in the historic U.S. Custom House at 200 Chestnut St, Room 103, Philadelphia, PA 19106 — in the heart of Old City Philadelphia, steps from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, closed on federal holidays.

The U.S. Custom House is a stunning 1930s Beaux-Arts federal building with heavy marble interiors. The passport agency is on the first floor in Room 103 — no elevator required. Federal security at the entrance is mandatory; bring your appointment confirmation and a photo ID to get through. Leave extra time — the area around Old City can have congestion on weekday mornings.

Who Qualifies

In-person agency appointments are strictly limited to travelers with documented urgency:

• Departing internationally within 14 calendar days — confirmed itinerary required, showing your name and departure date.
• Needing a foreign visa within 28 days — bring consulate documentation proving the visa appointment date.

Emergency exceptions for family medical crises abroad can be accommodated. Explain the circumstances fully when calling NPIC — representatives can flag such cases for priority handling even without a booked flight.

Booking Your Appointment

Walk-ins are not accepted. Book exclusively through the National Passport Information Center:

• Phone: 1-877-487-2778 (Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–10:00 PM ET; Sat 10:00 AM–3:00 PM ET)
• Online: travel.state.gov — phone preferred for departures within 72 hours

Philadelphia serves Pennsylvania, Delaware, and parts of New Jersey, making it relatively accessible for a large regional population. It often has more appointment availability than the New York agency. If Philadelphia is full, ask NPIC to check the New York or Washington DC agencies for earlier slots.

Required Documents

Originals only — the agency makes photocopies on-site. For first-time applicants:

• Completed DS-11 form — do not sign until instructed by the agent
• Proof of U.S. citizenship — certified birth certificate with raised seal, previous U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate
• Government-issued photo ID — Pennsylvania driver's license, state ID, or military ID (valid or expired within 5 years)
• Photocopy of both sides of your ID
• One 2×2-inch passport photo — white background, taken within the past 6 months, no glasses
• Proof of urgent travel — itinerary showing your name and international departure within 14 days
• Payment — see fees below

Renewals use DS-82. Bring your most recent passport (issued after age 16, within past 15 years, undamaged). No birth certificate required for renewals.

Passport Fees

Government fees are paid by check or money order to "U.S. Department of State." Return shipping is a separate credit or debit card payment. Cash is not accepted for government fees.

Getting to the Philadelphia Passport Agency

The U.S. Custom House is in Old City Philadelphia, one of the most transit-accessible parts of the city:

• SEPTA Market-Frankford Line (Blue Line): 2nd Street station is one block east of the Custom House. Walk one block west on Chestnut St.
• SEPTA Route 17 bus: Stops on Chestnut St directly in front of the building.
• PATCO Speedline (from NJ): 8th-Market St station is a short walk or rideshare to Chestnut St.
• Driving: The Old City Parking Garage on 2nd St and the Independence Mall parking lots are the closest options. Budget $15–$25 for a morning visit. Traffic on I-95 and Vine Street Expressway can be heavy before 9 AM.

Philadelphia's Old City is compact and walkable once you arrive. Allow 45–90 minutes of wait time inside — bring a book or offline work. Room 103 has seating but gets busy during peak travel season (spring and early summer).

No Appointment Available?

If Philadelphia has no slots before your departure:

1. Ask NPIC to check New York or Washington DC — Both are reachable by Amtrak within 1–2 hours and occasionally have earlier availability.
2. Expedited mail service — For departures 3+ weeks out, submit via USPS Priority Mail Express with the $60 expedite fee. Check travel.state.gov for current processing times before deciding.
3. Licensed courier service — A registered expediting company can hand-carry your application to whichever agency has the earliest opening. Budget $150–$300 above government fees. Verify the company's registration before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delaware or New Jersey residents use the Philadelphia agency?

Yes. There are no residency restrictions for federal passport agencies. Philadelphia is the logical choice for Delaware residents and is accessible for many in southern New Jersey via the PATCO line.

Is parking available near the Custom House?

There is no dedicated free parking. Old City Parking Garage on 2nd St is the closest paid option ($15–$25 for a few hours). Street parking in Old City is metered and fills early on weekdays.

Can I get a passport photo taken in the building?

There is no photo service inside the Custom House. Walgreens on Market St (two blocks away) and several Old City pharmacies offer passport photos. Arrive with your photo already in hand.

What if I need a passport for travel to Canada by car?

A passport card (not book) is sufficient for land and sea crossings to Canada and Mexico. Cards cost $30 and can be issued the same day at the agency as an add-on if you're already getting a book, or as a standalone if that's all you need. However, the same 14-day urgency requirement applies.

My name changed after marriage — what do I need?

Bring your marriage certificate (or court order for other name changes) as proof. The passport will be issued in your legal current name. Alert your airline after receiving the new passport to update your reservation if needed.