Did you watch that one episode of Atlanta where Alfred got a same-day passport at a sketchy passport agency? You may have wondered: Can I get a same-day passport in Atlanta? Although the simple answer would be yes, you have to meet some requirements that will allow you to obtain your same-day passport.
You may have even more questions, such as: where can I get a same-day passport? We’re here to inform you of the ins and outs of getting your same-day passport in Atlanta to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
Where to Get a Same-Day Passport in Atlanta
You cannot apply at a regular acceptance facility to get a same-day passport in Atlanta. A passport acceptance facility would be your court houses, court clerks, post offices, etc. In other words, you cannot submit a regular passport application and expect these facilities to expedite your passport within the same day. However, if you only need your passport expedited to get to your home in, let’s say, 3-6 weeks, a passport acceptance facility can do so.
Your best bet, and only bet for a same-day passport? The U.S. Department of State.
The U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State handles many important bureaus and offices, including travel and passport agencies. There are about 26 brick-and-mortar offices across America, which unfortunately means there won’t be one in every U.S. state. The great news is Atlanta has its very own U.S. Department of State Bureau.
The State Department is the only place you can receive a Same-day passport in Atlanta. Because the State Department is the only one that can offer this service, they have limited ability. Meaning there is no guarantee you will receive an appointment.
Making Your Appointment
The U.S. Department of State does not allow you to book an appointment online or allow walk-ins. Mainly, this is because the State Department has switched to a “call only” method of booking appointments. Applicants seeking a same-day passport must navigate a long phone tree before speaking to a representative. The call volume is relatively high. So, be prepared to sit by your phone for a bit.
Once you reach a representative, they will give you a few unique confirmation information. You should note this information as it will be later asked to verify your appointment.
How Do You Know If You Qualify?
You should only call the State Department for a same-day passport if you have Proof of Travel. To Receive a same-day passport in Atlanta, you must be within 14 days or less of your international travel plans. To prove this, you will need to provide proof of a booked airline ticket or an itinerary showing that you are traveling within 14 or fewer days.
Once you have your proof of travel, decide what type of service you want to apply for. The state department offers Life-or-Death Emergency Services or Urgent Travel Services. Both services require additional documentation.
Life-or-Death Emergency Service
The State Department prioritizes Life-or-Death Emergency Services. Specifically, they prioritize those needing to travel within three business days.
You may qualify if an immediate family member has died, or is dying (hospice care), or has a life-threatening illness or injury. However, “immediate family members” include a parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, or grandparent. It does not include uncles, aunts, cousins, or other family members. You are also not included, for example, if you are traveling internationally for medical services.
Applying for a life-or-death emergency Service
You can call to book your appointment once you are 14 days out from your travel date. Remember that the actual day of your appointment will be around three days before your travel date. Once you have your appointment for a same-day passport in Atlanta, you will need to do a few things.
- Provide proof of travel, such as an airline ticket or itinerary.
- Get documentation of the emergency such as a death certificate, statement from a mortuary, or a letter from the hospital (on hospital/clinic letterhead, signed by the doctor/medical professional, explaining your relative’s medical condition). The documentation must be translated into English by a professional translator, but it does not need to be notarized.
For Life-or-Death Emergency services, you may call these numbers.
Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET): 1-877-487-2778/ 1-888-874-7793 (TTY/TDD).
Alternatively, if you have a life-or-death emergency after 8:00 p.m. (ET) on Monday through Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or a federal holiday, call 202-647-4000.
Urgent Travel Service
Urgent Travel Services are offered to those who do not qualify for Life-or-Death Emergency Services but still need a same-day passport. The requirements for Urgent Travel Service are simple: you must provide proof (itinerary, airline ticket) that you are traveling internationally within 14 days or less of your appointment.
Alternatives for Same-Day Passports
Don’t have any luck reaching a U.S. Department of State representative? There is no need to worry because other passport agencies in Atlanta can guarantee you an appointment.
The Passport Office is a trusted American passport office that can get you a passport in Atlanta in as little as three to five days! While we know nothing beats the same-day passport, three days is a much better waiting time than waiting 6-10 weeks to receive your passport from a normal passport acceptance facility.
We specialize in New Passports, Passport Renewal, Child Passports, Name Change services and much more. If you need your passport rushed, book an appointment for a passport in Atlanta! We also accept walk-ins.
