Passport Agency in Atlanta: How to Get a U.S. Passport in the City

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or need to help a family member here, knowing how the passport agency system works in Atlanta can save you time, stress, and last‑minute scrambling before a trip.

Below is a clear guide to:

• Where the Atlanta Passport Agency is located
• Who can use it and when
• How to make an appointment
• Other local options for routine passport applications
• What to bring, what it costs, and how long it can take

The Atlanta Passport Agency at a Glance

The Atlanta Passport Agency is a federal office that handles urgent, in-person passport services for U.S. citizens.

Location (Downtown Atlanta):
Atlanta Passport Agency
230 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30303

This office is in the Peachtree Center / downtown area, near hotels, MARTA stations, office towers, and the main government district. Many Atlantans use MARTA or paid parking garages nearby when visiting.

Who the Atlanta Passport Agency Is For

The Atlanta Passport Agency is typically used when:

• You have urgent international travel within a short time frame (often within 14 days, or 28–30 days if you also need a foreign visa).
• You need to fix a serious passport issue, such as:
  • An error on a newly received passport
  • A damaged passport before immediate travel
  • An emergency trip abroad (serious illness, injury, or death of an immediate family member)

For routine renewals or first‑time applications without a rushed deadline, most Atlanta residents use passport acceptance facilities such as post offices or county clerks instead.

Do You Need an Appointment?

Yes. For nearly all situations, the Atlanta Passport Agency requires an appointment. Walk-ins are generally not accepted, except in rare life‑or‑death emergencies where instructions are given over the phone.

How to Get an Appointment

Appointments for the Atlanta Passport Agency are made through the U.S. Department of State’s centralized system (by phone or online scheduling).

When you call or check availability, be prepared to provide:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Your citizenship status
• Your upcoming travel date (or when you need to submit a foreign visa application)
• A confirmation that you can show proof of travel (such as a flight itinerary or booking)

☎️ Tip: Call as soon as you know your travel date. Same‑week or next‑day Atlanta appointments can be limited during busy travel seasons.

When to Use the Atlanta Passport Agency vs. Other Options

Here’s a simple overview to help you decide whether you need the Atlanta Passport Agency or a local passport acceptance facility.

Quick Decision Guide

Getting to the Atlanta Passport Agency

The Atlanta Passport Agency is in downtown Atlanta, a busy area that’s accessible by car and public transit.

Address

Atlanta Passport Agency
230 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1000
Atlanta, GA 30303

The office is in a multi-story commercial building, so allow time to park, get through building security, and take the elevator up to the 10th floor (suite level may vary; confirm when you schedule).

Parking & Transportation Tips

• MARTA:
  The office is close to Peachtree Center Station on the Red/Gold MARTA lines. Many Atlanta locals use MARTA to avoid downtown parking and traffic.
• Driving & Parking:
  Several paid parking decks and surface lots are located around Peachtree Street and nearby cross streets. Rates and availability vary by time of day and event schedule.
• Arrival Time:
  Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes early for your appointment to get through building security and check in.

What to Bring to the Atlanta Passport Agency

What you need depends on whether you are renewing, applying for the first time, or replacing a lost/damaged passport. The basics are similar to those at any passport acceptance facility, but the agency will focus on urgent processing.

Core Items Most Applicants Need

1. Completed application form
   • DS-11 for first‑time applicants, children under 16, or some replacements
   • DS-82 for eligible renewals (typically mailed, but in some urgent cases can be handled in person)
   • DS-11 or DS-64 combo if your passport was lost or stolen
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship
   • U.S. birth certificate, previous U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad
3. Government-issued photo ID
   • Georgia driver’s license, state ID, military ID, etc.
4. Passport photo
   • Must meet official size, background, and quality requirements
5. Proof of travel for urgent appointments
   • Printed itinerary, e-ticket, confirmed booking, or travel reservation
6. Payment method
   • The Atlanta Passport Agency typically accepts credit cards, debit cards, checks, or money orders for government fees. Some fees may need separate payments; confirm when you schedule.

Extra Requirements for Children and Teens

If you’re in Atlanta with children needing passports:

• Children under 16:
  • Both parents or guardians usually must appear in person with the child.
  • Bring proof of parental relationship (birth certificate, adoption decree, etc.).
  • If one parent cannot be there, additional forms and notarized statements are usually required.
• Ages 16–17:
  • The minor generally appears in person.
  • At least one parent’s awareness or consent is often recommended, especially for payment and identification.

👪 Families in Atlanta often find that coordinating work schedules, school, and travel is the hardest part. Booking an appointment time that works for all required adults is important.

How Much Does a Passport Cost in Atlanta?

Passport fees in Atlanta are the same as anywhere else in the United States, because they are federal fees set by the U.S. Department of State.

You will typically pay:

• A passport book fee (and optionally a passport card fee)
• A standard processing fee
• An expedited service fee for urgent processing
• Possible overnight delivery charges if you choose faster return shipping

Because fees can change, it’s wise to:

• Review the current fee schedule when you make your appointment
• Bring a payment method that meets the office’s requirements (for example, some items may require check or money order)

How Long Will It Take?

Using the Atlanta Passport Agency

The Atlanta Passport Agency focuses on expedited, urgent cases. Common timelines (subject to change) include:

• Life-or-death emergencies: Often processed very quickly, sometimes within 24 hours of an appointment, when approved.
• Urgent travel (within about 2 weeks): Passport processing is typically prioritized so you receive your passport before travel, often by overnight mail or pick‑up, depending on the details at the time of your appointment.

Processing speed can depend on:

• How soon your travel date is
• How complete and accurate your documents are
• Overall nationwide demand at the time

Routine Services at Other Atlanta Locations

If you do not need urgent service, you might use:

• Standard processing: Often several weeks from the time the State Department receives your application.
• Mail-in renewal: Similar timelines, sometimes slightly faster or slower depending on volume.

Where Else Can You Apply for a Passport in Atlanta?

Most Atlantans do not need to visit the downtown passport agency unless they’re in a rush. Instead, they use passport acceptance facilities, which are often:

• U.S. Post Offices
• County clerk offices
• Some city offices
• Certain public libraries or universities (designated sites only)

These locations accept your application, collect your documents and fees, and then send everything to the State Department for processing.

Examples of Common Passport Acceptance Facilities in the Atlanta Area

Below are types of places you might use (exact locations and hours can change, so verify before you go):

• Post Offices in the City of Atlanta
  Many larger branches in the city and metro area offer passport acceptance by appointment, including locations in Midtown, Buckhead, and southwest and east Atlanta.

• Fulton County & DeKalb County Clerk Offices
  If you live in Fulton County (which includes much of the city of Atlanta) or nearby DeKalb County, the clerk of court or county administrative offices sometimes accept passport applications.

These facilities are often easier to reach for people living in neighborhoods such as:

• Buckhead, Midtown, Downtown, West Midtown, East Atlanta, Grant Park, West End, Southwest Atlanta, and the Airport area
• Inner suburbs and communities such as Sandy Springs, East Point, College Park, Decatur, and Smyrna

📌 Tip: For non-urgent applications, using a nearby post office or county office is often more convenient than going downtown to the Atlanta Passport Agency.

Special Situations Atlanta Travelers Often Ask About

1. Lost or Stolen Passport While in Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and your passport is lost or stolen:

1. Report the loss or theft using the official form (DS-64) and through the national phone system if necessary.
2. If you need to travel internationally soon, you may be directed to make an emergency appointment at the Atlanta Passport Agency.
3. Bring:
   • Any available ID
   • Proof of citizenship if your passport is missing
   • Proof of travel
   • A police report if you have one (especially helpful for theft cases)

2. Name Changes and Corrections

If you changed your name (for example, after marriage) or found an error in your passport:

• Simple corrections or recent name changes may sometimes be handled by mail, depending on your situation and how recently your passport was issued.
• If the error is severe and you have immediate travel, the Atlanta Passport Agency can often correct it faster if you have an appointment and supporting documents (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

3. Students and Study Abroad from Atlanta Schools

Students at Atlanta-area colleges and universities (Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Emory, local community colleges, and others) often:

• Use on-campus or nearby acceptance facilities for non-urgent passports.
• Turn to the Atlanta Passport Agency if a study abroad or international program requires a passport on short notice.

In either case, plan months before your departure when possible, especially around busy times like summer and the start of academic years.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

Here are a few locally relevant tips to make your Atlanta passport experience smoother:

• Plan around traffic:
  Downtown Atlanta traffic can be heavy during rush hours and when major events are happening (sports games, conventions, concerts). Add extra travel time.
• Double-check documents before you leave home:
  Many people get delayed because they forget:
  • Passport photos
  • Proof of citizenship
  • Correct forms
  • Proof of travel for urgent appointments
• Dress comfortably and expect security checks:
  Like other federal buildings, you’ll pass through security screening. Light bags and organized papers make the process easier.
• If bringing kids, pack for waiting:
  Even with an appointment, there can be some waiting. Bring quiet activities or snacks (if allowed) for children.

Once you understand the role of the Atlanta Passport Agency and how it fits with local options like post offices and county offices, you can choose the path that best matches your timeline. If your travel is urgent, an appointment at the downtown Atlanta Passport Agency can be the fastest route. If you have time, an acceptance facility near your home, office, or campus in the Atlanta area is usually more convenient.