Atlanta Passport Agency

You know when you lose faith in humanity and then something awesome happens and just for a minute the world doesn’t seem like a terrible place? That happened to me at the Atlanta Passport Agency. One week prior to departure for Costa Rica I had the heart sinking realization that my passport had expired. After an hour of anger, denial, sadness, and self deprecation, I got online and began my quest to salvage my vacation.
First I found the slew of third hand party companies that will get your passport for you if you pay them around $ 300. It didn’t seem like a bad idea, as I did not really understand how the process works. Further investigation revealed that these companies hire people to bring your over-​nighted documents to mysterious «passport agencies», and then send them back to you ASAP. It then started to seem like a bad idea. In addition to the possibility of having my identity stolen, I was extremely anxious that my documents would get lost in transit, and then I would really be screwed. So, I decided to find my nearest passport agency, which happened to be Atlanta, take out the middle man, and deliver the papers myself.
There are 28 such government run passport agencies in the country. If you live remotely and cannot afford to fly or drive to an agency, perhaps the third party company is the best option for you. If you can avoid that at all costs, GO YOURSELF TO THE AGENCY. It was an unbelievably easy process. Here is what have to do to get a SAME DAY PASSPORT:
1) MAKE AN APPOINTMENT for 8AM if possible!
2) Get your documents: new passport photo, bring your old passport, bring your printed travel itinerary, and the DS-​82 form filled out which can be found on the government website, and your confirmation number for your appointment
3) Show up at the building at 7:30 AM when you are allowed to head upstairs.
4) You will be ushered through security. You will then present your documents and confirmation number to a person. If all is well, you will be given a number.
5) Your number will be called and you will meet with the travel agent. The travel agent will give you a time for pickup and you will pay $ 170. You can use credit cards.
That’s it. My passport was ready at 11:00 AM, 3 hours later. I told the travel agent «I could cry I’m so happy.» He said «Please don’t cry. I’m just doing my job.»

I realized 4 business days prior to leaving on an international vacation that my passport had expired. After panic, looking into Passport couriers, and researching everything online, I realized my best bet would be to drive down to ATL and do it myself! I had no idea you could get same-​day or same-​week passports, and thank goodness you can. Sharing the details of what I had to do, hoping it answers questions for other folks who might be in panic mode :)
— Make an appointment, you can call the 800 number and request «first available» or I believe you can set a specific day. I DID see someone come in as a walk in, so it’s possible, but I got the sense that the mid-​January day was very slow, so who knows if you could do it on other days.
— Get your paperwork and documents all ready. I pre-​filled my document and printed it and brought it with me. They ask you about this and while I did see someone fill out a form onsite, it’s probably easier/​faster to go prior. I also checked, double-​checked, and triple-​checked my paperwork.
— I had a 9:30 appointment but I was overly cautious and got there at 8:45. There was no line, so I just went right on through.
— There is security, and you can’t even bring a full water bottle inside.
— Once you arrive, you check in at one window and submit appointment number. You then get a ticket, and when your number is called, you go to another window to submit all paperwork and make your payment (I did pay with credit card).
— On the day I went, they told me mine would be ready same-​day, and to come back after 11.
— They hand you a receipt/​ticket that you have to have to pick up your passport. Or, if you need to send someone else, you can designate someone by writing in their name and signing it. I thought this was interesting, as I was going to have a friend come the next day if they couldn’t turn mine around same-​day (I had to drive down to Nashville)
— I grabbed some coffee and came back at 11 and waited with others. I ended up waiting quite a few hours, but it was become they had a system failure and their computers were down (again, another almost-​heart attack). Finally the system went back up, and I got my passport!
Overall, I am appreciative of what was generally a streamlined, efficient, and friendly process and really friendly agents. Of course, the four hour wait because the system went down probably isn’t the norm, but hey. I’m willing to take this, considering I’m not able to go on vacation!

I cannot express how surprised/​relieved I was by how easy and simple this was. Like many who have reviewed, I noticed my passport was within 6 months of expiring and I have a flight in 2 days. I looked up various courier agencies who advertise 24-​hour service and charge upwards of $ 500 when government fees are included. I instead drove to this agency from Nashville, with no appointment, and had zero problems. I got there at 9am and within 10 minutes was done with the process. I’m told my passport will be ready by 2pm, and it cost $ 170. couldn’t be happier!

On a Tuesday I book a flight to Atlanta and an appointment to this Dept of State Passport Agency because of an emergency. By 8:30 on Wed I was in their office. Whenever I deal with a govt agency I expect the worse in people. Basically, a bunch of trolls who hate life and show it. But these folks were very nice and even smiled. They processed my paperwork and made sure I had my stuff in order. By 11:10 I had my passport and I was Audi 5000 to the airport. Great work everyone and thanks for the great experience and service.

I went here for passport service to fly in two weeks to replace an old expired passport which I did not have, lost? It was an incredibly easy ordeal — an ordeal because I am handicapped and filling out the forms is painful. physically very painful. An employee here was NOT helpful and explained they were forbidden to help with the forms. I struggled through filling out the forms, including a ‘lost’ passport form and was fortunate to have a couple of sympathetic helpful staff check my mess — thanks to Gwen and Dedra! In and out in 30 minutes. This is the place to go — 230 Peachtree St NW — parked next to the door, walked right in — appointment at 2:30, no wait. Cost approximately $ 190. Do NOT use the private passport people, they charge $ 150 to go here, no point to that!

Never in my wildest dreams did I think you could get a passport renewed in a matter of 4 – 5 hours but it is possible. I pulled my passport out getting ready for a trip this week and realized it was going to expire in January which is just under the 6 months some countries require your passport to be current on your return. Of course panic ensued given we were going to Bora Bora on a 10 yr anniversary trip tomorrow. After a quick Google search and these Unilocal reviews my panic was calmed. Made an appt by phone on the 24 hr line for today and literally easiest process ever. I had all my paperwork in hand, paid the renewal fee + $ 60 expedite fee and by 2 pm it was ready — who knew!!! As others said the staff was really nice and having an appt and all the required paperwork is key to a smooth process. Definitely luck that Atlanta has a regional office, as I overhead a guy drive from Nashville to get an emergency passport!

Waiting in line for our emergency same day passport. Got in the office quick and met a lovely woman who let us in to wait a little before the 730 am permissible time. Got through the line super quick now hoping we don’t have to wait until the 11am posted pick up time! We have a 615 flight out of Charlotte.

Unfortunately I’ve had it get same day passports twice. Once in Philly with hundreds for people… an entire day long affair.
Here in Atlanta, it was so easy, I don’t think these other people even realize. If anyone is bitching, they have no idea how painful this can be. That’s assuming you are even in a city where it can be done. I’ve heard some places like Miami limit there number of same day («walk ins») to 100, requiring you to get there at 5am.
Arrived early (7am) which was not really necessary and I was third in line. Probably 50 people or so were there by 7:45 when they took us upstairs. Was out of there by 8:45. Came back at noon and it was done.
Just make sure you make an appointment over the phone beforehand. Doesn’t matter if it’s way in the future, I think it just gets you in their system. Also, they were unexpectedly friendly… not joking.

I was very apprehensive about this place at first, who wouldn’t be its the U.S. Government! Let me just say that this place is not full of bureaucracy & government employees who hate their jobs. We had an 8 am appointment just like a few other people so we had a little wait in line but it was very quick. The lady that speaks to everyone is very nice & was in a great mood for a Monday morning. The security guards were a little rough around the edges but they have to be…
The lines moved very quick & the first window you go to the lady was very helpful & told us what we needed to do since I washed my husbands passport (face/​palm). We were given a number & before we could sit down good they were calling our number. We were not ready since there was a form we had to fill out, the guy at the window said as soon as we finish let him know & he will get us up there. The guy was funny & was cracking jokes with us & giving me grief about washing the passport! All in all we were there for about 45 minutes total. If you need an expedited passport & you are in the south THIS is the place to go!

Parked in parking deck. Went to CVS across the street to take my passport photo. Arrived 2 hours early to my 11:00 appt. Luckily they let me come in. I was in and out in 30 min. I had all my documents together and ready. I did the application online and printed it out. I had copies of my license, birth certificate, travel itinerary, etc paper clipped separately and ready to hand over. This made the process a lot swifter. If you need a passport quickly this is your place!

I was in a bind, as I needed a valid passport (mine expired a year ago) to move forward in the interview process with a major airline. I was in a panic and needed my passport within a few days, so this was a hail mary attempt, but it worked!
Closest parking is a parking deck literally right around the corner on Andrew Young. Beware: Parking is $ 2 for every 15 min. I ended up paying $ 20. Über would probably be a more cost efficient option, for those who are locals. Otherwise, have your money ready to pay before going to your car!
Building is under construction, so look for the scaffolding. It’s almost directly across from the bank directly on Peachtree.
If possible, call to make an appointment. It makes everyone’s life a little easier and they hassle you less. You could risk being turned away, and they will not care one way or another. Depending on your appointment time and their capacity, you will either be able to go right up to the office on the 10^th floor or you will have to wait outside. There is not waiting area in the lobby, so you will be standing outside — dress appropriately.
Documents — make sure you bring everything. You need your current or expired passport, driver’s license, proof of international travel (must be an itinerary from the airline) or letter from employer stating immediate need for passport, passport photos, and payment (exact cash, money order, check, major credit cards). If possible, go online and fill out the application online and bring out the printed document. Otherwise, you’ll have to fill out an application by hand.
If you are traveling internationally on the day you arrive or early the next morning, you will more than likely be able to get your passport the same day by 2pm. Otherwise, you will have to wait 1 – 2 days. They will accept emergency walk-​ins, but you will have to have a confirmation sheet that an employee will hand you after «pleading your case» (driving from a neighboring state without a passport agency and traveling within a few days of your visit seemed to be deal breakers).
Long story short — I didn’t have an appointment, plead my case as to why I was there and needed a passport ASAP, was granted a confirmation sheet as a walk-​in, had all of my supporting documentation ready, waited in lines, finally paid for my passport and was given a will call receipt to pick up my passport the following day by 2pm.
Overall, the process took about 1hr, 15 min once going up to their office. Just be patient, calm, and gracious — you’ll get your passport. Oh, and don’t be an insensitive douche bag — everybody’s situation is different and everybody is dealing with high stress!

I had a 10AM appointment on a Thursday (NOTE: The office opens at 10AM on Thursdays, 8AM M-​W and Fri) I showed up at 9:10 and there was already a line outside the building of 20 – 25 people.
At 9:30 an employee came out and separated those who had appointments from those who did not. Those without we’re told to come back at 11, but she couldn’t guarantee they’d get a passport that day.
People who were just picking up passports were taken to the front of the line and then we were escorted into the building and put on an elevator to the 10 floor. It took 5minutes to get through security, then less than a minute to get paperwork checked (longer process for those who hadn’t filled out the paperwork). Once checked I was given a number and 10 minutes later I was called to another window where my documents were collected along with payment. I was told to return at 2pm to pickup my passport. The process took less than 30 minutes, but that was with the first available appointment slot. I was told by someone else in line that if you have a midday appointment its a very long wait and process.
Note…they do ask you your appointment time but I’m not sure how closely they verify it.
Also there’s a close parking garage on Andrew Long… make a left on to Andrew Long off Peachtree and its on your right. It’s $ 2 for every 20 minutes

*NOTICE* The front of the Agency Building is doing some construction so you can’t se the sign for the building. I had to ask a worker to make sure it was the right building)
Just went today to get a passport to go to Istanbul 23^rd, and it only took 30 – 35 minutes for everything. From when I checked in, to filling out a form it was probably 10 mins (Which is amazing for a government place!) I go and get my new passport Friday! The only things I didn’t like was that you can’t bring in a drink from inside water, soda. nothing. There went both my drinks in the trash that has a closable top. I don’t get that and it really annoyed me that I basically had to throw away $ 3-​$ 4. Also while they were efficient the lady that helped me and copied my needed items, she was not very pleasant. She wasn’t rude but she wasn’t nice either. Other than that it went very smoothly.
I went to Istanbul the 23^rd of June and Came back on the 28^th. I got my passport very easily in a very limited time but what I have not received back yet my birth certificate. I’m about to make my 4^th phone call to them (Aug. 18^th) and it’s really irritating me!!!

It’s impressive they can get you a same-​day passport if you need one. But it’s extremely painful and the process could be much better.
The process is as follows:
1) Call and make an appointment.
Application Visit (2 hours)
2) Show up to appointment
3) wait in a line for the metal detector
4) go through a metal detector.
5) wait in a standing line
6) show your papers to someone who checks everything, enters you into a computer and gives you a ticket.
7) sit in the waiting room till your ticket is called.
8) talk to a second person who checks everything again, takes your signature and your payment and then gives you an appointment to pick it up.
9) go back at 2pm to pick up passport.
Collection visit (2 – 3 hours)
9) show up second time
10) go through metal detector and check in at window.
11) sit down and wait till your name is called.
12) after name is called go to pick up passport.
What I liked:
1) it is very convenient if you need a passport within a day or a week.
2) the people were quite nice and it was easy
What could be better:
1) process is inefficient. The fact that you present your papers to two people is a waste of time.
2) the security guards lack basic courtesy for the people who essentially pay their salaries
3) the pickup appointment is needlessly slow. Why not just have the passport ready and dish it out when the customer gets to the counter.
4) they lie to you and tell you the passport is ready at 2pm. Reality is one or two passports will be ready at 2pm. Everyone else will have to wait several hours for it and will have no way to use their time while waiting since phone usage is not permitted.
5) They make no updates while you are waiting for your passport pickup. You are just sitting around for 3 hours wondering what’s going on!
6) Parking is difficult. They should move this place to somewhere like Buckhead or Perimeter where parking is more plentiful.

Brought in all of my paperwork filled out and on time. Been sitting here for over two hours waiting. Spend a little extra and go to an expediting agency. Well worth the money.

I made an appointment online and I had all my documents together before I got there. I went on a Monday and they told me that they would send my passport out on Wednesday and I received it on Thursday. Everyone was courteous and it was a breeze. I love when things are this easy. I definitely hit the EASY button that day. It took all of thirty minutes. I would recommend this place to any and every one.
Tip: If you park in the parking garage, don’t forget to take your ticket with you and pay by the elevator before you go to find your car.

Awesome experience, especially considering the alternative (missing my flight!).
Kim Wilcox (agent) and the team at Atlanta Passport Agency saved the day. I realized last night that my passport is missing — and I am supposed to leave for Mexico in the morning. ahhhhhh!
While there is some legwork required (a few trips downtown, forms to fill out ahead of time, etc.), it’s worth the effort to get your passport same-​day. I got mine in about five hours.
Tips:
— Fill out your forms online and print a copy to bring with you
— Bring a current passport picture (they turned mine away initially because it was obviously a few years old)
— Bring driver’s license and old passport or birth certificate
— Bring proof of upcoming travel (they will expedite based on how soon your trip is)
— MAKE AN APPOINTMENT VIA THE 1 – 800 NUMBER!
— Plan to park at a lot a few blocks away and walk to the 230 building (10^th floor)
— Come early — the earlier you get in, the shorter the wait time
— Expect to return around 2 for pickup
Hightly recommend!

I have mixed feelings but all in all, the experience was a pleasure. I was in and out in 20 minutes when I applied for a passport 12 days before my departure. I was told to come back a few days later to pick it up at least 15 minutes before they closed (2:45pm or earlier). No problem.
I was back at 2:15 a few days later and a sign was posted that the agency closed at 1pm that day. The sign did say to wait at the door if you were picking up a passport and someone would come out. A few seconds later, out comes a security guard. After a bit of a struggle trying to explain to them that I needed my passport that day because it was for my honeymoon and I didn’t have time to drive down to get it the next day, they told me to come back at 3:45pm. The security guards were not very nice and I was certainly not posing a threat. It just especially irks me the way government employees treat people. Our tax dollars are paying their salaries. I’ve got two degrees and when I tell you that someone told me to come that day before 2:45pm, I’m not lying. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop.
If you need a passport within 14 days, this is the place to go. There are other places but they are all third-​party services so they need to make a profit too. Here you pay the passport fee and the expedite fee. $ 195 total for me for a new passport. Other private places need to charge more to stay in business since the $ 195 goes to the government.
I recommend it. Just hope you have better luck than me when you pick it up!

Having this here is so convenient! Let me tell you guys, they do not take walk-​ins, emergency or not you still have to make an appointment! Save yourself the trip because they will turn you away if you do not have an appointment! Yes, they cross check even before they let you go through security check point!
I took one star off for the lack in efficiency! I mean I was waiting there to pick up my passport, the lady calls 5 names, and 15 people jump in the line. Instead of making an announcement that only the names called will be attended to, she allowed everyone to come up to the window and told them to sit back down! It was kind of a waste of time for the others patiently waiting!
Also, as far as wait time is concerned, you have an appointment, but like everywhere else this will take some time! Plan to wait 1.5 to 2 hours at least! Not too bad though! They could be more efficient to make things smoother and faster, but nonetheless, we have a passport agency in Atlanta and it could not be more convenient! :-)

Several public parking garages nearby. MARTA station also nearby.
Go to the 10^th floor of the building via elevators when you walk in. Security will be to your right and bathrooms to the left. There are no bathrooms inside security.
I made an appointment but showed up 1 hour early. No problem, went right thru security and to the first window for document/​photo checkout. Sat down for about 10 mins and was promptly called forward. Told to come back between 2 – 3 pm for same day pickup.
Everyone was INCREDIBLY nice. I was prepared for a DMV style experience. This place was fantastic.
I also prepared my form online at the
website and printed it out. This seemed to help them. They were really nice and happy when they learned I had an appointment from the automated phone reservation line. Bring your confirmation number.
FWIW I saw a sign outside the building for a place that does passport photos on the spot if you forgot to bring one.
I used my CC but the agent said they take exact cash and checks too.
PeachTree center across the street has many food options, coffee, and free wifi while you wait.