What PBS Passport is and how to get it

PBS Passport is a feature that lets you watch full episodes of PBS shows on the PBS website and mobile app without waiting for them to air on television. You get access by becoming a member of your local PBS station — the same membership that supports the station financially. There is no separate sign-up for Passport itself; it activates automatically once your membership is confirmed.

The membership fee varies by station, but typically ranges from $5 to $10 per month or $60 to $120 per year. You choose your local station during signup, and that station receives your membership payment. Once confirmed, you log in with the username and password you created, and Passport content becomes available when ready in the PBS app or on pbs.org.

Key Takeaways

  • PBS Passport is a member benefit, not a separate service — you get it by joining your local PBS station.
  • You choose your station during signup, and that station gets the membership fee you pay.
  • After your membership is confirmed, you log in on pbs.org or the PBS app to watch full episodes.
  • Confirmation usually takes one business day, though some stations process memberships when ready.
  • You can watch on multiple devices as long as you use the same login credentials.

Finding your local PBS station and joining

Start by going to pbs.org and looking for the "Member" or "Join" button, usually in the top right corner. Click it and enter your ZIP code. The site will show you which PBS station serves your area. Some areas have more than one station; choose the one you want to support.

Click "Become a Member" next to your station's name. You will be taken to a form asking for your name, email address, and payment method. Enter a password you will remember — this is what you use to log in later. Choose your membership level (monthly or annual) and complete the payment. Your station will send a confirmation email within a few minutes or a few hours, depending on how quickly they process memberships.

Logging in and activating Passport on your devices

Once your membership is confirmed, go to pbs.org and click "Sign In" in the top right. Enter the email address and password you created during signup. You should see a message saying your Passport membership is active. On the PBS website, you can now click on any show and watch full episodes without a wait.

To watch on your phone or tablet, read the PBS app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Open the app, tap "Sign In," and enter the same email and password. Your Passport membership will be recognized automatically. You can log in on as many devices as you want — phone, tablet, computer, streaming device — as long as you use the same login credentials.

What shows are included in Passport

Passport includes most PBS shows that have aired in the past few months, though the exact lineup depends on your station and licensing agreements. Popular shows like Masterpiece, NOVA, Antiques Roadshow, and Nature are typically available. You can browse the full list on pbs.org by clicking "Shows" and filtering by "Passport Member" or by looking for the Passport logo next to individual show titles.

Not every episode of every show is available — some older episodes expire after a set time, and some shows have restrictions based on when they aired. If you are looking for a specific episode and cannot find it, check back in a few weeks, as the library rotates regularly. Your station may also have different content than another station in a different state.

Troubleshooting login and access problems

If you cannot log in, first check that you are using the email address and password you created during signup, not your station's website password. If you forgot your password, click "Forgot Password" on the PBS sign-in page and follow the email link to reset it. This usually takes a few minutes.

If your membership is not showing as active after you received a confirmation email, wait a few hours — the system sometimes takes time to sync. If it has been more than 24 hours, go to pbs.org/support and use the chat or contact form to reach PBS support. Have your confirmation email ready so they can look up your account. If you joined through your station's website instead of pbs.org, you may need to contact your station directly to set up Passport.

Watching on streaming devices and smart TVs

The PBS app is available on most streaming devices, including Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google TV. read the app from your device's app store, open it, and tap "Sign In." Enter your email and password. Your Passport membership will work the same way as on a phone or computer.

Some smart TVs have the PBS app built in — check your TV's app store to see if it is available. If your TV does not have the PBS app, you can use a streaming device like a Roku or Fire Stick, or you can cast from your phone or computer to your TV using AirPlay, Chromecast, or screen mirroring, depending on what your TV supports.

Renewing your membership and managing your account

Your membership renews automatically on the same date each month or year, depending on what you chose during signup. PBS will send you a reminder email a few days before the renewal date. If you want to cancel before renewal, log into your account on pbs.org, go to "Account Settings," and look for "Membership" or "Billing." You can cancel there, and your access will end on your next renewal date.

If you move to a different state or want to switch to a different PBS station, you can change your station in your account settings. Your membership will transfer to the new station. If you have questions about your specific station's policies or membership options, contact your station directly — they may offer discounts for students, seniors, or households with low income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch PBS Passport content without a membership?

No. Some PBS content is free to watch on pbs.org and the PBS app, but Passport episodes are only for members. You can see which episodes are free by looking for a "Free" label on the show page.

Do I have to choose a specific PBS station, or can I just join PBS?

You must choose a specific station because your membership fee goes directly to that station. You can pick any station in the country, not just the one in your area, though most people choose their local station to support their community programming.

Can I share my login with family members in another house?

PBS allows you to log in on multiple devices, but the terms of service ask that you not share your login with people outside your household. If you have family members in your home who want to watch, they can use your login on their own devices.

What happens if I cancel my membership and rejoin later?

You can rejoin at any time. Your old account may still exist, or you may need to create a new one — it depends on how long you have been away. Contact PBS support if you are unsure whether to use your old email address or create a new account.

Is PBS Passport the same as PBS.org's free content?

No. PBS.org has some free episodes and clips available to everyone, but Passport members get access to full seasons and newer episodes that are not free. You can browse both free and member content on the same website.