How to Get a Passport in Union City, GA: Facilities & Forms

Getting a Passport in Union City, GA

Union City, Fulton County—minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (world's busiest, Delta hub)—sees passport demand spike for business travel, spring break family trips, Clayton State student exchanges, and emergencies. Slots at acceptance facilities fill weeks ahead, especially March-May and December. Plan 8-11 weeks for routine (6-8 weeks processing) or 4-6 weeks for expedited (+$60). Pitfalls: photo glare from GA sunlight (use pro services), missing minor consent (DS-3053 notarized), DS-82 misuse (only if issued at 16+ within 15 years). Pro tip: Check Fulton County slots early AM via USPS locator or State Dept tool. Follows official guidelines [1].

Which Passport Service Do You Need?

Wrong form restarts your process amid Union City's high demand. Decision tree:

• First-time, child <16, or old passport ineligible? DS-11 in person. Pitfall: No mail option.
• Renew eligible (issued 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged)? DS-82 by mail. Tip: Quiz at travel.state.gov; else DS-11.
• Lost/stolen? Report DS-64 online, then DS-82 (if eligible) or DS-11.
• Urgent (<14 days)? Expedite at facility (+$60) or Atlanta agency for life-or-death.
• Minors? DS-11 with both parents or DS-3053.

Gather docs next.

New Applications (DS-11: First-Time, Minors, Ineligible Renewals)

In-person only. Download blank form—sign before agent.

Checklist:

1. Proof of citizenship (GA birth cert w/raised seal [4], naturalization cert).
2. Photo ID (GA DL), photocopy front/back.
3. 2x2 photo (recent, specs below).
4. Fees: adult $130/$165 expedited, child $100/$135 (+$35 execution).
5. Minors: both parents/DS-3053 notarized.

Expect: 15-30 min review, oath, envelope seal. Walk-ins risky—book ahead.

Common Mistakes

• Sign DS-11 early (invalid).
• Photocopies only (need originals/certified).
• No parental consent (delays families).
• Underestimate time (add 2-3 weeks expedite fee).

Renewals (DS-82: Mail Eligible Adults)

Old passport issued 16+, <15 years ago, undamaged/valid name. Mail to National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.

Checklist:

1. Completed DS-82.
2. Old passport, photo, fees ($130 adult).
3. Track via USPS.

Pitfall: Damaged/lost? DS-11 instead.

Replacements (Lost/Stolen/Damaged)

1. Report DS-64 online [2].
2. DS-82 (eligible) or DS-11 (+police report if stolen). Tip: Save confirmation; vulnerable until reported.

Required Documents and Forms

Originals/certified only. Download single-sided from travel.state.gov [1].

Category	Details
Citizenship	GA birth cert (order here, 1-2 weeks), prior passport.
ID	GA DL/military ID (name match).
Photo	2 identical 2x2".
Fees	App to "U.S. Dept of State" (check); execution to facility ($35).
Minors	DS-3053 if one parent absent.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

25-30% local rejections from glare/shadows. Strict specs [5]:

• 2x2", head 1-1⅜" chin-top.
• White/off-white background, neutral face, no glasses glare/hats.
• <6 months old.

Local spots: Union City Walmart Vision, Walgreens (1220 Hudson Bridge Rd). $15-17.

Photo Checklist

1. Even natural light, no shadows.
2. Measure head size.
3. Plain background.
4. Submit two.

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Union City

Limited slots—book via USPS appointment tool or call. Real-time: USPS locator [6]. Expect 15-30 min: ID check, oath, seal.

• Union City Post Office: 5020 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Union City, GA 30291. (770) 964-1122. Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM passports. Appointments key [6].
• Fairburn Post Office: 6194 Campbellton St SW, Fairburn, GA 30213. (770) 964-6303 [6].
• Riverdale Post Office: 168 Government Cir, Riverdale, GA 30274. 5 mi away [6].
• Fulton County Clerk: Check fultonclerk.org [7].

Urgent: Atlanta Passport Agency (230 Peachtree St NW), appt 1-877-487-2778 [3]. No routine Saturdays.

Busy Times & Tips

• Peaks: Mon, lunch (11AM-2PM), spring/summer/holidays.
• Best: Early AM/late PM weekdays.
• Prep: Unsigned DS-11, organized docs, check/money order.

*(Pinned: Union City Post Office; search "passport USPS Fairburn/Riverdale" for others)*

Step-by-Step Application Checklist

1. Wizard: pptform.state.gov [1].
2. Docs/photos/fees ready.
3. Book slot (2-4 weeks early).
4. Arrive early, sign on-site.
5. Submit/track passportstatus.state.gov (after 7-10 days) [8].

Mail Renewal: DS-82 + old passport/photo/fees to Philly PO Box.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

• Routine: 6-8 weeks.
• Expedited: 2-3 weeks (+$60).
• <14 days: Agency proof [3]. Peak adds delays—apply 9+ weeks early for Atlanta travel.

Special Considerations for Union City Residents

• Airport/Delta hub: Renew before peaks.
• Students: Full minor consent.
• GA births: Order certs early [4].

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• No slots: Multi-facility check, early calls.
• Photos/docs: Pros over DIY; pre-order certs.
• Confusion: DS-82 quiz first.
• Peaks: Off-season apps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Same-day in Union City? No; Atlanta agency needs <14-day proof [3].

Expedited vs urgent? 2-3 weeks (+$60) vs agency visit [1].

Union City PO appt? Yes, recommended [6].

Lost abroad? Embassy, then DS-11 home [1].

Glasses in photo? Medical only, no glare [5].

One parent? DS-3053 notarized [1].

GA birth cert? Certified, any age [4].

Track? Yes, post-submission [8].

Sources

[1] Passports - How to Apply
[2] Report Lost or Stolen Passport
[3] Passport Agencies
[4] Georgia Vital Records
[5] Passport Photo Requirements
[6] USPS Passport Locations
[7] Fulton County Clerk
[8] Check Application Status