Passport Services in Atlanta: Where to Go and How to Get It Done

If you need a U.S. passport in Atlanta, you have several options—whether you’re planning ahead for a trip or dealing with a last‑minute emergency. This guide explains where to go, what each office does, and how to choose the right option based on how fast you need your passport.

The Main Option: Atlanta Passport Agency (Downtown)

For urgent international travel, the Atlanta Passport Agency is the only full-service federal passport office in the city.

Atlanta Passport Agency
Address: 230 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30303
(Located in the Peachtree Center area of downtown)

What the Atlanta Passport Agency Does

This is a U.S. Department of State office that:

• Processes urgent passport applications and renewals
• Can handle same-day or very fast service in some emergency situations
• Works by appointment only

It is not a walk-in acceptance facility like a post office. It’s intended for travelers who:

• Have international travel within 14 days, or
• Have international travel within 28 days and also need a foreign visa

You typically need to call the National Passport Information Center to book an appointment before you go. Phone numbers and scheduling procedures can change, so it’s best to check current instructions from official U.S. passport customer service channels before heading downtown.

What to Bring to the Atlanta Passport Agency

In most cases, you’ll need:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, previous U.S. passport)
• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Georgia driver’s license)
• Completed application form (DS-11 for first-time applicants, DS-82 for eligible renewals)
• Passport photos that meet official requirements
• Proof of travel (printed itinerary, airline confirmation, or other ticket)
• Payment (acceptable methods are defined by the State Department; they typically include checks and credit/debit cards for certain fees)

📌 Tip: Arrive early for security screening, and build in extra time for downtown traffic and parking.

Routine Passport Services in Atlanta: Where Most People Go

If you do not need your passport urgently, you’ll usually use a passport acceptance facility instead of the Atlanta Passport Agency.

These are often:

• U.S. post offices
• County clerk or probate court offices
• Some city government offices and public libraries

At these locations, staff can:

• Review your application
• Check your documents and ID
• Administer the oath (for first-time applicants)
• Collect your payment
• Mail everything to the U.S. Department of State for processing

Processing is done at regional centers, not on-site, so you do not leave with a passport the same day.

Common Types of Atlanta-Area Acceptance Facilities

Here are examples of the kinds of facilities you’ll find in and around Atlanta. Exact locations and hours can change, so it’s wise to verify details before visiting.

• U.S. Post Offices in Atlanta
  Many larger post offices in the metro area offer passport acceptance services, often by appointment. Examples include offices in central Atlanta and major neighborhoods such as Buckhead, Midtown, and the west side.

• Fulton County Offices (Atlanta area)
  Fulton County has government offices that serve residents of Atlanta and surrounding communities. Some county clerk or probate offices function as passport acceptance facilities.

• DeKalb, Cobb, and Gwinnett County Offices
  If you live in the greater metro region (e.g., Decatur, Marietta, or Duluth), your local county clerk or probate court may accept passport applications.

Because these facilities and appointments can fill up quickly, it’s common for Atlanta residents to search nearby counties and suburbs if city locations are booked.

Atlanta Passport Options at a Glance

Use this as a quick guide to choose the right passport service in the Atlanta area:

How to Decide Which Atlanta Passport Office to Use

1. How Fast Do You Need Your Passport?

• Urgent travel (within 14 days)
  → Plan on the Atlanta Passport Agency. You’ll need an appointment and proof of travel.

• Upcoming trip in a month or more
  → A post office or county acceptance facility is usually fine. You can choose routine or expedited processing when you apply.

2. Are You a First-Time Applicant or Renewing?

• First-time adult applicants and children under 16 must apply in person at an acceptance facility—or at the Atlanta Passport Agency if timing is urgent.

• Many adult renewals can be done by mail, meaning you might not need any Atlanta office if you qualify for the mail-only DS-82 form.

3. Where in Atlanta Do You Live or Stay?

Traffic in Atlanta can be heavy, so choose a location that works with your normal routes:

• If you work or stay downtown or in Midtown, the Atlanta Passport Agency or nearby post offices may be convenient.
• If you’re in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, or the northern suburbs, a nearby post office or county clerk might save time.
• If you’re in East Atlanta, Decatur, or DeKalb County, look for DeKalb-area passport acceptance facilities.
• West and south metro residents often use Cobb, Clayton, or other county locations.

What to Expect at Different Atlanta Passport Locations

At a Post Office or County Acceptance Facility

You can typically expect:

• Appointment-based service (some may accept limited walk-ins, but this is less common in busy parts of Atlanta)
• A short document review and oath process, often 15–30 minutes per applicant once it’s your turn
• The office will mail your documents to the U.S. Department of State

You’ll usually pay:

• The passport fee (goes to the U.S. Department of State)
• A separate execution/acceptance fee (paid to the local facility)

Payment methods can differ by location, so always confirm whether they accept checks, money orders, cash, or cards for each fee.

At the Atlanta Passport Agency

Expect:

• Security screening similar to a federal office building
• Check-in at your appointment time
• A more formal environment focused on urgent and complex situations
• Possibility of same-day pickup in some urgent cases, or pickup within a few days, depending on your situation and current workload

Because this office serves a large region, appointment availability and wait times can vary.

Documents You’ll Typically Need in Atlanta (Same as Anywhere in the U.S.)

Regardless of which Atlanta office you choose, core requirements are the same nationally. For most applicants, that includes:

• Completed application form (DS-11 for first-time applicants; DS-82 by mail for eligible renewals)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship, such as:
  • Certified U.S. birth certificate
  • Previous U.S. passport (if undamaged and not too old, depending on the situation)
• Valid photo ID, such as:
  • Georgia driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Military ID or other government-issued identification
• Passport photo that meets official size and background rules
• Payment for the appropriate fees

For children, additional items often include:

• Parents’ IDs
• Proof of parental relationship (such as a birth certificate listing both parents)
• Parental consent documentation, especially if one parent cannot be present in person

Special Situations for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

Life-or-Death Emergencies

If you have a life-or-death emergency that requires international travel within a very short time, the Atlanta Passport Agency may handle your case under special rules. Be prepared to:

• Call ahead for specific instructions
• Provide documentation of the emergency, such as a hospital statement or death certificate
• Show proof of immediate travel

Travelers Visiting Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta and need to handle passport issues while you’re in town:

• For urgent travel, the Atlanta Passport Agency is usually your primary option.
• For routine matters, you may use any local acceptance facility, but keep in mind:
  • Your mailing address on the application does not have to be in Georgia.
  • You’ll want to ensure any return delivery (e.g., your passport book) is sent to a place where you’ll be able to receive it securely.

Practical Tips for Using Passport Offices in Atlanta

• Book appointments early. Popular post offices and government offices in the Atlanta metro area can fill up, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Avoid rush hour if possible. Morning and late-afternoon traffic around downtown, Midtown, and major corridors like I‑75/85, I‑20, and GA‑400 can significantly extend your travel time.
• Confirm hours before you go. Holiday schedules, staffing changes, and local events can affect operating hours and appointment availability.
• Bring extra documentation. If you have name changes, older documents, or unique citizenship situations, bring supporting records to avoid delays.
• Plan for parking. Downtown offices, including the Atlanta Passport Agency, may require paid parking or garage use; allow time to find a spot.

If You’re Not Sure Where to Start

If you’re in Atlanta and unsure which passport option is right for you:

1. Decide how soon you’re traveling.
2. Determine whether you’re a first-time applicant, renewing, or applying for a child.
3. If travel is within 14 days, focus on the Atlanta Passport Agency.
4. If travel is more than 14 days away, look for a nearby post office or county clerk’s office that offers passport acceptance appointments.
5. If you qualify for renewal by mail, you may not need to visit any Atlanta office at all.

By understanding how passport services are organized in Atlanta—between the federal passport agency downtown and the many local acceptance facilities across the metro area—you can choose the option that matches your timeline, location, and travel plans with minimal stress.