Passports
PASSPORT NEWS: APPLICATION PROCESSING TIMES HAVE BEEN UPDATED! Click here for updated processing times. Current Processing Times (if applied on or after December 18, 2023)
PASSPORT WARNING ALERT: Social Media Falsely Advertising Free Passports
We have been made aware that there is a social media video advising customers on how to obtain a free passport by using a "fee waiver" form. Please note that information is incorrect. The fee waiver Form I-912 that is referenced in the video is for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) purposes, not for Passport Services. This is NOT a Department of State form and is not valid for Passport processing.
Please Read: Expect Delays in Passport Processing from the U.S. Department of State
Planning to Travel? Apply Early! Apply at least two - three months before planned travel. Due to limited availability for urgent travel appointments, in-person service at a Main passport agency or center is not guaranteed.
UPDATE: PROCESSING TIMES HAVE BEEN UPDATED!
Important Passport Processing Information
(Download the Passport Application Checklist)
Mail delays are impacting when the U.S. Department of State / Passport Agency receives passport applications for processing. Processing times begin the day they receive your application, not the day you mail it.
◾(Updated) Routine Service The timeframe includes processing and mailing times on the front and back end.
◾(Updated) Expedite Service (for an additional $60). The timeframe includes processing and mailing times on the front and back end.
Plan Ahead / Options To Speed Up The Process
◾Send your application via trackable mail, so you can track your application before it enters the system. This can be done whether applying at an acceptance facility (such as The Clerk of Superior Court's Office) or by mail.
◾Add RDF: a 1-2 day return delivery of your completed passport. (See RDF additional Fee Below)
More about Status Updates: It may take up to 6 weeks from the day you submit your application until your status is “In Process.” During these 6 weeks, your application is delivered to a mail facility, your payment is processed, and your application is entered into the system. Even if your passport status update says, “Not Available,” your application and supporting documents are safely on their way. Check online for your passport status.
Use Self-Service Tools Online: The U.S. Department of State / Passport Agency call center is experiencing extremely high call volumes with longer-than-usual wait times. You can get your questions answered immediately by using one of the self-service tools available on the https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html/ site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. What you see online is the same information that call center representatives can share with you by phone.
Renew By Mail: Adults with 10-year passports can renew them by mail instead of appearing in person.
You Must Apply in Person If:
You are applying for your first U.S. passport; or
You are under age 16; or
Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or
Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged; or
Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago; or
Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change.
Adult Renewal: Go to Travel.State.Gov for Details on Mail Option
Do I Need a VISA?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
For more informaton go to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
Or, contact the Embassy or Consulate of the country you are visting.
DEPARTMENTS LIST
- Passports
The Passport Application Process
Warning: The Clerk's Office does not collect personal information or payments for passport applications over the web. When applying for a passport, please bring the required application,
identification, citizenship documents and payments to our office.
We are not affiliated with any third party passport "processing" companies.
Application
You Will Need to Bring:
Admin Fees
Choose Passport Book or Card/Fees
Contact Us
Application
Go to: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html to complete and print your passport application.
You Will Need to Bring:
__ Completed Passport Application
__ State Issued I.D. (Out of State must provide secondary I.D. as well as Work, School, Military. Names must match. In case of Name Change, provide certified copy of proof.)
__ Proof of U. S. Citizenship (Original U.S. Birth Certificate with raised seal, Original Naturalization Certificate, etc.)
__ Georgia Birth Ceriticate Copies available at https://www.dekalbhealth.net/vital-records/
__ Minor - Both named parents on Birth Certificate must be present for Minor (under 16) or Consent Form DS 3053 signed and notarized. (16 or 17 must have one parent present.)
__ Payment Type
Cash or Money Order only for photo and application (above).
Check or Money Order only for exact amount for Passport or Card, payable to U.S. Department of State.
One (1) check or money order per Application.
Admin Fees
___ Passport Application (Black Ink Only) Execution Fee* $35.00 per Application (Cash or Money Order Only / Payable to Clerk of Superior Court)
___ Passport Photo* (Must be 2X2, solid white background) (If taken in our office: $10.00) (Cash or Money Order Only / Payable to Clerk of Superior Court)
___ Passport Book or Card Fee (Select Passport Book or Card tab, Check or Money Order Only Payable to U.S. Department of State)
*Non Refundable Fees - The passport execution fee is non-refundable. It is collected and retained by law even if a passport is not issued. The photo purchase fee is non-refundable.
Choose Passport Book or Card/Fees
Passport Book: International travel by air, sea, or land.
Passport Card: Entering the United States at land border crossings and sea ports-of-entry from: Canada, Mexico, The Caribbean, Bermuda. The passport card cannot be used for international air travel.
Regular Service
By mail, (Application Execution and photo fee not included)
Adult Minor (under 16)
Passport Book $130.00 $100.00
Passport Card $30.00 $15.00
Book & Card $160.00 $115.00
Expedited Service (Add $60.00)
By mail, (Application Execution and photo fee not included)
Adult Minor (under 16)
Passport Book $190.00 $160.00
Book & Card $220.00 $175.00
Click here for current passport processing times with US Department of State.
OPTIONAL 1-2 DAY RETURN DELIVERY FEE (RDF) ADD $21.36 per Application *.
* (Passport cards will not be returned by overnight delivery only Passport books)
If you need even faster service, you may hand deliver your completed and sealed application package to the Post Office for Overnight Delivery to Lockbox. Additional Post Office fees will apply.
Note:
For emergency service, contact the Main Atlanta Passport Agency at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TTY 1-888-874-7793. Available 24/7.
Contact Us
For questions on the Passport process:
Click here to send an email or call 404-687-3870
Address:
Clerk of Superior Court
Appeals Division
Ground Floor, Room G60
556 N McDonough Street
Decatur, GA 30030
Office of the Clerk of Superior Court
DeKalb County Courthouse, Ground Floor
556 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
404-687-3870
Passport Photo Tip!
For best results, wear a dark color shirt.
Do not wear a white shirt.
