Atlanta Passport Agency — Emergency Passport Services for Georgia

Agency Location and Hours

The Atlanta Passport Agency is Georgia's sole federal passport office for emergency and expedited in-person service. It is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta at 230 Peachtree St NW, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30303. The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and is closed on all federal holidays. The building is known locally as the Equitable Building. Arrive early — Suite 1000 means a quick elevator ride once you clear security at the lobby desk.

Unlike a standard post office passport acceptance facility, the Atlanta Passport Agency can issue a fully valid 10-year passport book the same day or within one to two business days for qualifying travelers. The tradeoff is strict eligibility: you must demonstrate genuine time urgency to gain an appointment.

Who Qualifies for an In-Person Appointment

The Atlanta agency serves travelers meeting one of two criteria:

• Traveling internationally within 14 calendar days — you must show proof of imminent departure (flight itinerary, cruise booking, or similar).
• Needing a foreign visa within 28 days — some countries require the physical passport for visa stamping before you can book travel. Bring documentation from the consulate or embassy.

Life-or-death emergencies — a critically ill or recently deceased immediate family member abroad — may qualify even without a booked ticket. Explain the situation when you call to book; the agent can note your case for priority handling.

How to Get an Appointment

Walk-ins are never accepted. The only way to book is through the National Passport Information Center (NPIC):

• Phone: 1-877-487-2778 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–10:00 PM ET; Saturday 10:00 AM–3:00 PM ET)
• Online: travel.state.gov (limited slots available; phone is faster for tight timelines)

When you call, have your travel dates, destination country, and preferred appointment date ready. Slots at the Atlanta agency fill quickly — especially Monday and the day after federal holidays. Call at 8:00 AM sharp for the best selection. If you can't get a same-week slot in Atlanta, NPIC can check all 26 national passport agencies for an earlier opening.

Required Documents

Bring originals of everything — photocopies alone will not be accepted at the counter. The standard checklist for a first-time emergency passport is:

• Completed DS-11 form — do not sign it until instructed by the agent (signing beforehand invalidates it)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship — certified birth certificate (with raised seal), previous U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth abroad
• Government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, or military ID; must be valid or expired less than 5 years
• Photocopy of both sides of your ID
• One passport photo — 2×2 inches, taken within the past 6 months, white or off-white background, no glasses
• Proof of urgent travel — flight or cruise confirmation showing your name and departure date within 14 days
• Payment — see fees below; personal checks are not accepted

If renewing (you have a passport issued after age 16 and less than 15 years ago), bring the old passport and use DS-82 instead of DS-11. Renewals do not require a birth certificate.

Passport Fees

Pay the government fees (book + execution + expedite) by check or money order made out to "U.S. Department of State." The return shipping fee must be paid separately by credit or debit card. Cash is not accepted for government fees.

Getting to the Atlanta Passport Agency

The Equitable Building at 230 Peachtree St NW sits one block from the MARTA Peachtree Center Station (Red and Gold lines), making transit the easiest option. Exit the station onto Peachtree Street and walk one short block north — the building entrance is on your left.

If driving, several parking decks are within two blocks: the 230 Peachtree deck (entrance on Luckie Street), Central Park Parking on Williams Street, and the Peachtree Center deck on Carnegie Way. Rates run $3–$6 per hour. Rideshare drop-off is convenient on Peachtree Street directly in front of the building. Plan 30 extra minutes for parking during peak hours (weekday mornings).

Inside the lobby, you'll pass through a security checkpoint — similar to courthouse security. Remove belts and metal items beforehand. The passport agency is on the 10th floor; take the elevator and follow signs. Bring a book or download something to watch — even with an appointment, wait times of 45–90 minutes are common during peak season (May–August).

No Appointment Available?

If NPIC can't get you an Atlanta slot in time, you have three options:

1. Check other agencies via NPIC — The Nashville, New Orleans, or Houston agencies may have earlier openings. NPIC can check all 26 locations simultaneously.
2. Expedited mail service — If you have more than 3 weeks, submit via USPS Express Mail and pay the $60 expedite fee. Current processing times are posted at travel.state.gov.
3. Registered passport expediting service — Private courier companies (costs $150–$300 extra) can hand-carry applications to an agency on your behalf. Useful if you physically cannot travel to Atlanta. Verify the company is registered with the American Passport Society before paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?

Yes. Minor children applicants must be accompanied by both parents (or one parent with consent documentation). Adults may bring one companion if needed for assistance.

What if I need a passport for my child under 16?

Both parents or guardians must appear in person with the child unless one parent has sole custody or provides a notarized DS-3053 (Statement of Consent). Bring the child's birth certificate and both parents' IDs.

Can I pick up my passport same day?

If you travel within 3 business days, same-day issuance is typical. For travel 4–14 days out, the agency generally mails the passport overnight to arrive one to two days before departure.

What if my name on my ticket doesn't match my current ID?

Bring legal documentation showing the name change — a marriage certificate or court order — and the passport will be issued in your legal current name. Alert the airline immediately after; most can update your reservation.

Is the Atlanta agency open on Saturdays?

No. The Atlanta Passport Agency is open Monday through Friday only. The NPIC phone line is available limited hours on Saturday, but the physical office does not conduct in-person appointments on weekends.