Get Passport in Lithonia GA: Forms Fees Facilities Guide

Guide to Obtaining a Passport in Lithonia, GA

Lithonia residents in DeKalb County, just east of Atlanta, face high passport demand fueled by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's status as the world's busiest. Common trips include business to Europe/Asia, Caribbean vacations, Latin American family visits, and student exchanges. Peaks hit during spring break (March-April), summer (June-August), and holidays (December-January), plus urgent needs from airline crews or emergencies. Limited local slots fill fast—plan 8-12 weeks ahead. This guide uses U.S. Department of State resources to detail forms, docs, fees, and pitfalls like mismatched DS-11/DS-82 use or DeKalb birth cert delays [1].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Pick wrong? Expect rejection and restarts. DS-11 (new/in-person) vs. DS-82 (renewal/mail): DS-11 if first-time, child under 16, prior passport >15 years old/issued before 16, or lost/damaged beyond eligibility. DS-82 saves time/money for qualifying adults—no in-person needed.

Download from travel.state.gov—print single-sided, unsigned for DS-11 [2]. Tool: State's renewal quiz at travel.state.gov.

Required Documents and Proof of Citizenship

Originals only—no photocopies as proof. U.S. birth certificate (city/county/state-issued, not hospital), naturalization cert, or old passport [1].

DeKalb/Lithonia births: Order via Georgia DPH Vital Records (online/mail/Atlanta office) or DeKalb Probate Court ($25+; 10-15 days standard, rush $40+) [3]. Photocopy front/back of all docs.

ID: Georgia driver's license/REAL ID, military ID. No photo ID? School records + ID of identifier.

Name change: Marriage/divorce decree, court order.

Current Fees (2024; verify calculator): [4]

• Adult book: $130 application + $35 execution.
• Adult card: $30 + $35.
• Minor book: $100 + $35.
• Minor card: $15 + $35.
• Renewals: $130 book/$30 card (no execution).
• Expedit

e: +$60; 1-2 day delivery: +$21.36.

Separate checks: Application to "U.S. Department of State"; execution to facility.

Passport Photos: Avoid Common Rejections

25%+ rejections from photos. 2x2", color, 6 months recent, 1-1⅜" head size, white/off-white background, neutral face, no glasses/selfies/shadows [5]. Lithonia spots: CVS/Walgreens/USPS (~$15). Pros beat home prints—glare/sizing kills apps. Digital for DS-82 mail-ins.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Lithonia

No local passport agency (Atlanta handles urgents <14 days). Use these State-authorized spots for DS-11 witnessing [6]:

• Lithonia Post Office: 7191 Covington Hwy, Lithonia, GA 30058. Appointments: 404-299-2612 or usps.com. Photos/notary available [7].
• DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court: Main at 556 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030; others countywide. Book online [8].
• DeKalb Libraries: Clarkston/Stonecrest branches by appointment [9].

Expect: Oath, signature, sealing—no on-site passports. Recent Google reviews note 20-45 min waits at Lithonia USPS (longer Mondays/midday); check for real-time. Book via facility sites/PassportAppointmentReminder.state.gov. Weekdays early/late beat peaks tied to Atlanta flights.

Mail DS-82 to: PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [2].

Step-by-Step Checklist for First-Time or In-Person Applications (DS-11)

1. Fill DS-11 online, print unsigned [2].
2. Original proof + photocopy; ID + photocopy; 2 photos.
3. Minors: Parents' IDs, DS-3053 consent if needed [1].
4. Fees: 2 checks; optional expedite.
5. Book slot (Lithonia USPS/DeKalb).
6. In-person: Sign/oath; get receipt.
7. Track: passportstatus.state.gov (after 7-10 days).

Step-by-Step Checklist for Renewals (DS-82)

1. Confirm eligibility [1].
2. Fill DS-82 online, print signed.
3. Old passport + 1 photo + $130 check.
4. Mail Priority (trackable) to Philly [2].
5. Track online ~7 days post-mail.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks (receipt ~2 wks) [10]. Expedite: 2-3 wks (+$60). Atlanta Agency: <14-day life/death emergencies only (appointment/proof) [6]. DeKalb peaks add 1-2 wks; track after 2 wks at 1-877-487-2778. Business/tourists: Apply 3+ months pre-flight.

Special Considerations for Minors and Students

Under 16: Dual parental consent/DS-3053 notarized; DeKalb births via

Probate [1][3]. Students: School verification letter.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

• Form Mixup: Use qualifier tool; DS-82 ineligible? DS-11 delays 2 wks [1].
• Appointment Droughts: Google Lithonia USPS reviews for cancellations; Decatur backup.
• Photo Fails: Specs checklist [5]; Lithonia CVS pros.
• Birth Cert Delays: Order early—Georgia/DeKalb 10-15 days [3].
• Fees Wrong: Use calculator; separate checks [4].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Lithonia? No; Atlanta urgents only [6].
Child timelines? Same as adults; 10+ wks peaks [1].
Lost birth cert? Georgia Vital Records ($25+); no hospitals [3].
Lithonia USPS appointment? Required; call/online [7].
Expired renewal? Mail if <15 yrs [2].
Tracking? passportstatus.state.gov post-receipt [10].
REAL ID for ID? Yes [1].
Passport card? $30/$65; cruises/land only [4].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - How to Apply
[2] Passport Forms
[3] Georgia Vital Records
[4] Passport Fees Calculator
[5] Photo Requirements
[6] Passport Agencies
[7] USPS Lithonia
[8] DeKalb Clerk Passports
[9] DeKalb Library Passports
[10] Processing Times