Same-Day Passports in Atlanta: What’s Really Possible?

If you suddenly need to travel abroad, it’s natural to wonder: “Can I get a passport the same day in Atlanta?”

In many cases, yes — but only under specific emergency or urgent-travel conditions, and you’ll need to use the Atlanta Passport Agency, not just your local post office.

Below is a clear breakdown of how same-day and rush passport service works in Atlanta, who qualifies, where to go, and what to bring.

Can You Get a Passport the Same Day in Atlanta?

You may be able to get a passport the same day in Atlanta if:

• You have a life-or-death emergency that requires immediate international travel, or
• You have urgent travel within a short window (typically within a few days), and
• You can get an appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency.

For routine or non-urgent travel, you cannot simply walk in and walk out with a same-day passport in Atlanta. You’ll need to use standard processing or regular expedited service through a passport acceptance facility (such as a post office or courthouse), which still takes days or weeks.

Key Places in Atlanta for Passport Services

1. Atlanta Passport Agency (for urgent or emergency travel)

This is the only location in Atlanta where same-day or very short-notice passport issuance is possible.

Atlanta Passport Agency
One CNN Center, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30303

• Type of service: Emergency and urgent-travel processing
• Requires an appointment: Yes, no walk-ins
• Typical use: Travel in the next 14 days, or need a foreign visa in the next 28 days
• What they do: Review your documents, take your payment, and in qualifying situations may issue a passport same day or within a couple of days, depending on urgency and capacity

You usually book an appointment by phone through the National Passport Information Center. Same- or next-day appointments are often limited, so calling as soon as you know you need to travel is critical.

2. Local Acceptance Facilities (for routine and non-emergency)

Many Atlanta-area locations accept passport applications but do not issue passports on-site. These include:

• United States Postal Service (USPS) locations in Atlanta and surrounding suburbs
• Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court and other county clerks
• Some city offices and libraries

These places:

• Accept your application (Form DS-11),
• Check your documents and identity,
• Collect your payment,
• And send everything to a processing center.

Even with paid expedited service, you are not getting a same-day passport at these locations. Processing still takes time.

Same-Day & Emergency Passport Options in Atlanta

To understand what you can realistically do, it helps to break it into three main scenarios.

Scenario 1: Life-or-Death Emergency Travel

You may qualify for very rapid, sometimes same-day processing if:

• A close family member (such as a parent, child, or sibling) outside the United States has died, is dying, or has a life-threatening illness or injury, and
• You must travel within 3 days (72 hours) or similarly urgent timeframe.

In this case:

1. Call the National Passport Information Center to request an emergency appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency.
2. Be prepared to show:
   • Proof of the emergency (e.g., death certificate, statement from a hospital, or letter from a medical professional abroad).
   • Proof of your travel (such as a flight itinerary).
3. If approved and if you arrive with complete documents and payment, the agency may be able to issue a passport the same day or extremely quickly.

This is the most likely situation for true same-day service in Atlanta.

Scenario 2: Urgent Travel Soon (Non-Emergency)

If you:

• Live in or near Atlanta,
• Need to travel very soon (often defined as within about 14 calendar days), or
• Need a foreign visa within a slightly longer window,

you can try to get an urgent-travel appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency.

In these non–life-or-death cases:

• Same-day passports may be possible, but are not guaranteed.
• Many travelers receive their passports within a few days of their appointment, but timing depends on:
  • How soon your trip is
  • Appointment availability
  • How complete your paperwork is

If your flight is within a day or two, and you have a confirmed appointment and all documents ready, staff may prioritize your case and issue your passport the same day or by the next business day, depending on operational capacity.

Scenario 3: No Immediate Travel – You Just Need It Fast

If your trip is weeks away and you’re not in an emergency situation:

• You typically won’t qualify for a same-day appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency.
• Instead, you use:
  • Routine service (slower), or
  • Expedited service by mail (faster, but not same day).

You can apply from Atlanta at:

• USPS locations that accept passport applications
• County clerk’s offices and other designated facilities

Even “expedited” in this path still means days to weeks, not hours.

At-a-Glance: Passport Options in Atlanta

How to Get a Same-Day or Rush Appointment in Atlanta

1. Make an Appointment (No Walk-Ins)

You must book an appointment before going to the Atlanta Passport Agency. The main way is to call the National Passport Information Center and request:

• A life-or-death emergency appointment, or
• An urgent-travel appointment.

You’ll provide:

• Your location (Atlanta or nearby)
• Your departure date and time
• Basic personal details

If they can accommodate you, they’ll schedule a time for the Atlanta Passport Agency.

2. Bring the Right Documents

For the appointment, plan to arrive with everything you need. Missing documents can delay or prevent same-day issuance.

Typical requirements include:

• Completed application form
  • Form DS-11 for first-time applicants, children, or those who cannot use renewal-by-mail
  • Form DS-82 for eligible renewals
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as:
  • Certified U.S. birth certificate
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • Previous U.S. passport (if applicable)
• Proof of identity, such as:
  • Valid driver’s license (Georgia or other state)
  • Government or military ID
• Passport photo that meets U.S. passport requirements
• Proof of travel, such as:
  • Printed flight itinerary or e-ticket confirmation
  • Travel reservation showing your departure date
• Payment for:
  • Passport application fees
  • Any expedited or agency fees
• For children under 16:
  • Both parents/guardians and additional documentation of parental relationship and consent

For life-or-death emergencies, you must also bring proof of the emergency, such as hospital or funeral documents.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents & Visitors

Plan Around Downtown Traffic and Parking

The Atlanta Passport Agency is in downtown, near major venues and attractions. When scheduling your visit:

• Allow extra time for I-75/I-85 or I-20 congestion.
• Plan for parking availability and cost in the CNN Center or nearby garages.
• Arrive early for your appointment to clear security and check in.

Consider Public Transit

If you don’t want to deal with downtown driving:

• Check MARTA rail and bus routes that stop near CNN Center and Centennial Olympic Park.
• Walking from nearby MARTA stations can sometimes be faster than sitting in traffic.

Prepare Copies and Backups

To avoid last-minute issues:

• Bring photocopies of your ID and citizenship documents, in addition to the originals.
• Carry printed versions of your flight itinerary and hotel confirmations.
• If you use a digital boarding pass, still bring printed proof of your travel date and time.

Can Visitors to Atlanta Use the Atlanta Passport Agency?

Yes. If you are visiting Atlanta from another state and discover you need an urgent passport:

• You can still seek an appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency, as long as you can demonstrate your urgent or emergency need.
• You’ll follow the same process:
  • Call the National Passport Information Center
  • Request an urgent appointment at the Atlanta location
  • Bring all required documents and proof of travel

This can be helpful if you’re in Atlanta for business or a layover and suddenly need to adjust international plans.

What If You Can’t Get a Same-Day Appointment?

If appointment slots at the Atlanta Passport Agency are full, you still have options:

• Check for cancellations by calling again; same-day or next-day openings sometimes appear.
• Use expedited service at a local acceptance facility:
  • Many USPS branches in Atlanta offer appointments for expedited passport applications.
  • You’ll pay an additional fee for faster processing, though it still won’t be same-day.
• Adjust your travel dates if possible to match the fastest realistic processing time.

Key Takeaways for Getting a Passport Quickly in Atlanta

• Same-day passports in Atlanta are possible, but usually only for:
  • Life-or-death emergencies, or
  • Very urgent upcoming travel, with an appointment.
• The Atlanta Passport Agency is your only option for true same-day or “in a few days” issuance.
• Routine and expedited applications through post offices and county offices in Atlanta do not issue passports on the spot.
• Always:
  • Book an appointment before going to the Atlanta Passport Agency
  • Bring complete documentation and proof of travel
  • Allow for traffic, parking, and security at the downtown location

If you live in Atlanta or are passing through and suddenly need a passport, acting quickly, gathering your documents, and securing an appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency give you the best chance of getting your passport the same day or as fast as possible.