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

If you’re in Atlanta and suddenly realize you need a U.S. passport fast, you’re not alone. Flight bookings, family emergencies, and last‑minute work trips often raise the question:

Does Atlanta do same day passports?

The short answer:
Yes, Atlanta residents can get same‑ or next‑day passports, but only through the regional U.S. passport agency in Atlanta, and only in qualifying urgent situations. It’s not a walk‑in, and it’s not guaranteed—you must meet specific requirements and follow a clear process.

Below is exactly how same-day and emergency passport services work in Atlanta, where to go, and what to expect.

Where to Get a Same-Day Passport in Atlanta

For true same‑day or emergency passports, Atlanta is served by the:

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

This is a U.S. Department of State regional passport agency. It’s the only place in or near Atlanta where you can potentially have a passport issued or renewed as quickly as the same day.

Key points:

• Appointments are required – No general walk‑ins.
• You must have urgent international travel to qualify.
• Processing time can range from same‑day pickup to a couple of days, depending on your situation and appointment time.

Who Qualifies for Same-Day or Emergency Passport Service?

The Atlanta Passport Agency is designed for urgent travel needs, not convenience. Typically, you may qualify if:

1. Life-or-Death Emergency Travel

This is the most urgent category. Examples include:

• Serious illness, injury, or death of an immediate family member abroad
• You need to travel within 3 business days for that emergency

You will generally need:

• Proof of the emergency (for example, a hospital letter, doctor’s note, or death certificate)
• Proof of travel (flight reservation, travel itinerary, etc.)

2. Urgent Upcoming Travel (Non-Emergency)

You may also qualify if:

• You are traveling within about 14 calendar days, or
• You need a foreign visa and are traveling within about 28 calendar days

You will need:

• Proof of travel (airline confirmation, cruise reservation, tour itinerary)
• A regular passport application or renewal ready to submit

If your travel is more than a few weeks away, you typically won’t be approved for a same‑day appointment and should use routine or expedited by‑mail services instead.

How to Make a Same-Day Passport Appointment in Atlanta

You cannot just show up at the Atlanta Passport Agency and expect to be seen. Here’s the usual process:

1. Call for an Appointment

You’ll need to call the National Passport Information Center to schedule:

• Explain that you are in or near Atlanta and have urgent travel.
• Be ready with:
  • Your travel date
  • Your reason for urgency (emergency vs. soon departure)
  • Whether this is a new passport or a renewal

They will schedule you at the Atlanta Passport Agency if you qualify.

2. Gather Required Documents

For your appointment in Atlanta, you’ll typically need:

• Completed application form
  • DS‑11 for first‑time applicants, minors, or those not eligible for renewal
  • DS‑82 for eligible adult renewals
• U.S. citizenship evidence
  • Certified birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or previous U.S. passport
• Identification
  • Valid driver’s license, state ID, or other acceptable government ID
• Photocopies
  • Front and back of your ID, on white 8.5"x11" paper
• Passport photo
  • 2" x 2", color, meeting U.S. passport photo rules
• Proof of travel
  • Printed airline tickets or a detailed itinerary with your name and departure date
• Payment method
  • Check, money order, or accepted card type for government fees

For children, there are extra requirements, like both parents’ presence or consent.

3. Arrive On Time (Early, If Possible)

When you arrive at 1 CNN Center, Suite 100:

• Leave extra time for parking and building security.
• Bring all documents organized—missing paperwork can delay or block same‑day service.
• Expect standard security screening, similar to other federal buildings.

How Fast Can You Really Get a Passport in Atlanta?

The term “same day passport” can be a bit misleading. Here’s what Atlanta residents most often experience:

Possible Timelines at the Atlanta Passport Agency

📝 Important: Same‑day is never guaranteed. The actual timing depends on:

• Appointment availability
• How early your appointment time is
• Whether your paperwork is complete
• How many other urgent cases the agency is handling

In many straightforward urgent cases, people in Atlanta are asked to come back later the same day or the next business day to pick up their passport.

Costs for Same-Day Passport Service in Atlanta

Fees at the Atlanta Passport Agency are the same as anywhere else in the U.S., with an extra charge for speed.

You’ll typically pay:

• Standard passport fee (for book and/or card, adult or child)
• Expedite fee for faster processing

If you need overnight delivery for any mailed pieces (for example, if something must be sent to you), there may be an additional delivery fee.

💡 Tip: Bring a backup payment method (for example, a check and a card) in case one form isn’t accepted for a particular fee.

Can You Get a Passport in Atlanta Without Going to the Passport Agency?

Yes—but not same day. For most Atlanta residents:

Passport Acceptance Facilities (Not Same-Day)

These are places that accept and submit your passport application, but do not print passports on-site. Common examples in the Atlanta area include:

• U.S. Post Offices (for example, in Midtown, Buckhead, or Decatur)
• Fulton County and DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court offices
• Some city or county offices that act as acceptance facilities

At these locations you can:

• Apply for a new passport
• Submit a renewal using DS‑11 (if you’re not eligible for mail‑in DS‑82)
• Request expedited processing by mail (faster than routine, but not same day)

Even with expedited mail‑in service, you should expect processing to take longer than anything handled directly by the Atlanta Passport Agency.

What Atlanta Travelers Should Do Based on Their Timeline

To decide your next step in Atlanta, focus on how soon you’re traveling:

If You’re Traveling in 1–3 Days

• Call to request an emergency or urgent appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency.
• Gather proof of the emergency, if it’s life‑or‑death related.
• Prepare to visit 1 CNN Center with all documents and payment.

If You’re Traveling in 4–14 Days

• Call for an urgent travel appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency.
• Bring proof of your travel (flight, cruise, or tour itinerary).
• You may get same‑day or next‑day pickup, depending on your case.

If You’re Traveling in 2–4 Weeks

• Consider either:
  • An appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency for urgent travel, or
  • Expedited service via a local post office or clerk’s office in the Atlanta area
• The agency isn’t always required for this timeframe, but can still help if slots are available.

If You’re Traveling in More Than 4–6 Weeks

• Use routine processing or expedited by mail through:
  • A local post office
  • A county clerk’s office that acts as a passport acceptance facility
• You likely do not qualify for same‑day or emergency processing.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents Seeking a Fast Passport

• 📅 Be flexible with time: Early morning appointments can increase the odds of same‑day pickup, depending on workload.
• 📂 Double‑check documents: Missing a birth certificate, photo, or ID copy can turn a same‑day plan into a multi‑day delay.
• 🚗 Plan your trip to downtown: CNN Center is in a busy part of downtown Atlanta near major attractions and event spaces. Factor in:
  • Traffic on the Connector (I‑75/85)
  • Event days at State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  • Time to find parking and pass through building security
• 👨‍👩‍👧 For kids: Passport rules for minors are stricter. In many cases, both parents must appear or provide specific notarized consent forms. Verify requirements before you go.

In Atlanta, same‑day passports are possible, but they’re reserved for genuinely urgent situations and handled exclusively through the Atlanta Passport Agency at 1 CNN Center. If you plan ahead, use local acceptance facilities, and understand the timing rules, you can choose the option that fits your travel date—and avoid last‑minute passport panic in the first place.