Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center: A Local Guide for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

The Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center (SNAFC) is one of the largest federal office complexes in the Southeast and a major landmark in Downtown Atlanta. If you live in Atlanta, work downtown, or are visiting for federal business, this is likely where you’ll come for federal agency appointments, hearings, or passport and benefits services.

This guide walks through what the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center is, where it is, what’s inside, how to get there, and what to expect when you visit.

What Is the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center?

The Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center is a multi-building complex that houses a wide range of U.S. government offices and agencies. It’s named after former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, who represented Georgia.

For people in Atlanta, the center functions as a hub for federal services, including:

• Social Security and benefits-related offices
• Offices of federal departments (such as labor, agriculture, etc.)
• Federal administrative courts and hearing offices
• Regional and field offices that serve Georgia and the Southeast

You generally won’t go here for criminal court (that’s typically at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building nearby), but you may have appointments or hearings related to benefits, employment, immigration, or administrative matters depending on which office has requested you.

Location, Address, and Basic Layout

Primary Address:
Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center
61 Forsyth Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

The complex covers multiple city blocks in downtown, roughly bounded by:

• Forsyth Street SW
• Alabama Street SW
• Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW

It’s very close to:

• Five Points area
• MARTA Five Points Station (short walk)
• Other federal buildings and City of Atlanta offices

Key Buildings and Entrances

The Sam Nunn Center is made up of several interconnected buildings and towers. Various agencies may be located in:

• A main tower building
• Annex buildings and wings
• Separate but connected structures for different federal offices

Because there are multiple entry points and security zones, it’s important to double-check your appointment letter or agency website for:

• The exact building name or letter, if used
• Suite or room number
• Any specific entrance location you’re instructed to use

Common Federal Services and Agencies You May Find Here

Agency locations can change over time, but the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center typically houses a mix of regional headquarters, field offices, and service centers. Some of the types of offices you may encounter include:

• Benefit-related offices (for example, Social Security–adjacent administrative functions or benefits appeals)
• Labor and employment-related offices (such as wage, labor standards, or workplace rights investigations)
• Agriculture and rural services administrative offices
• Environmental and public health–related federal offices
• Transportation and infrastructure–related federal agencies
• Federal administrative law judges’ offices and hearing rooms, used for certain types of appeals or disputes

📝 Tip: Your appointment notice, letter, or email will usually list:

• The agency name
• The specific office or division
• Building, floor, and suite
• Any special check-in or security instructions

If you’re unsure whether your appointment is at the Sam Nunn Center or another federal building in Atlanta, contact the office that scheduled you to confirm.

Security and Entry Requirements

Like other large federal facilities, the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center has airport-style security.

You should expect:

• ID check: A valid government-issued photo ID is often required for entry (such as a driver’s license, state ID, military ID, or passport).
• Metal detectors and X-ray screening: Bags, briefcases, and personal items are typically scanned.
• Prohibited items: Weapons, sharp objects, and certain restricted items are not allowed.

Because security lines can sometimes be long, especially at peak times:

• Arrive at least 20–30 minutes early for your appointment or hearing.
• Allow extra time during morning rush hours and early afternoons.
• Keep your belongings minimal to pass through security faster.

If you have a mobility device, medical device, or special accommodation need, you can usually ask security staff for assistance or choose alternate screening procedures when available.

How to Get to the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center

By MARTA (Public Transit)

For most people in the Atlanta area, MARTA is one of the easiest ways to reach the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center.

• Nearest station:Five Points Station (Red/Gold and Blue/Green lines)
• Walking time: Typically 3–5 minutes from the station to the building complex

From Five Points Station, follow signs to street level and walk toward Forsyth Street SW or Alabama Street SW. The complex is a short walk and visible among the large federal buildings downtown.

By Car

If you’re driving from elsewhere in metro Atlanta:

• The center is located in Downtown Atlanta, close to major highways like I-20, I-75, and I-85.
• Use the address 61 Forsyth Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 in your GPS or map app.

Parking:

The Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center usually does not offer public parking directly inside the complex. Instead, you’ll generally use:

• Nearby private parking decks
• Surface lots in the surrounding blocks
• Metered street parking, where available

Because downtown parking can be limited and costly:

• Plan ahead for parking fees.
• Allow extra time to find a space and walk to the building.
• Consider MARTA if you’re coming during a busy weekday.

Walking and Biking

If you already live or work downtown:

• The complex is easily reachable on foot from nearby offices, hotels, and government buildings.
• Some surrounding streets may have bike lanes or sharrows, but traffic can be heavy during rush hours.
• Secure bike parking may be limited; if you bike, bring a sturdy lock and check for nearby public racks.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

What you should bring depends on the specific agency or reason for your visit, but many Atlanta residents find it helpful to have:

• Government-issued photo ID (required in most cases for building entry)
• Your appointment letter or email (printed or on your phone)
• Any supporting documents requested by the agency (such as forms, records, or notices)
• A pen and small notebook or paper for taking notes
• A list of questions you want to ask during your appointment or hearing

Some federal offices inside the Sam Nunn Center may not allow food or drinks in certain areas, particularly hearing rooms or secure floors, so check posted signs or instructions at the agency office.

Accessibility and Accommodations

The Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center is designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, and many Atlanta residents rely on this when visiting for federal services.

Typical features include:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances
• Elevators to all public floors
• Restrooms with accessibility features
• Security and staff who can help with directions and accommodations

If you need accommodations such as:

• An interpreter (including ASL)
• Language assistance
• Mobility assistance or escort within the building
• Extra time or alternate formats for documents

…you should usually request these in advance from the specific agency or office where you have business. The building itself provides infrastructure, but accommodations are often handled by the agency managing your appointment or hearing.

Nearby Federal and Government Buildings

Downtown Atlanta has a cluster of government buildings near the Sam Nunn Center. If your paperwork mentions more than one location, double-check which building you’re expected to visit. Some common nearby federal buildings include:

• Richard B. Russell Federal Building and Courthouse
• Other federal courthouses and offices within walking distance
• City of Atlanta and Fulton County government buildings

Many Atlanta residents confuse these buildings at first, so always confirm:

• Exact building name
• Full street address
• Floor, room, or suite

Simple Reference Guide for Visitors

Below is a quick, skimmable table to help you plan your visit:

How Atlanta Residents Typically Use the Sam Nunn Center

Residents in the City of Atlanta and surrounding metro counties may be sent to the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center for:

• In-person interviews with a federal agency
• Administrative hearings or appeals (for example, benefits disputes or employment-related cases)
• Regional office appointments related to federal programs or compliance
• Meetings for federal contractors, employees, or partner organizations

If you’re unsure whether you need to appear in person, many federal agencies serving Atlanta now offer:

• Phone or virtual appointments
• Online submission of documents
• Online status updates for certain applications and appeals

Check your agency correspondence or call the office directly to confirm whether you must appear at the Sam Nunn Center or if another option is available.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

To make your trip to the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center easier:

• Plan your route ahead of time – especially if you’re not familiar with downtown.
• Build in a time buffer – between security, elevators, and navigating floors, it can take longer than expected to reach your specific office.
• Dress comfortably but appropriately – especially if you’ll be in a hearing or formal setting.
• Keep documents organized – use a folder or envelope so you can quickly show what an agency representative asks for.
• Write down your contact person or office name – this helps building staff or security direct you if you get turned around.

For most people in Atlanta, the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center is a once-in-a-while destination, usually for important federal matters. With the right information and preparation, your visit can be straightforward and manageable, whether you’re a long-time resident, a new arrival, or a visitor handling federal business in the city.