How to Renew a Passport in Sandy Springs

Editor's Note (UPDATED February 25, 2023) -- U.S. passports are taking up to seven weeks to process using the government's expedited service.  It is possible to get a passport in less time by scheduling an appointment with the Passport Agency by calling 877-487-2778 and appearing in person at their office.

Sandy Springs residents who need to renew their U.S. passports have several options to maintain their ability to travel overseas.

Hundreds of thousands of Georgians renew their passports each year for business or leisure travel abroad, and demand for U.S. passports is increasing as the economic expansion continues. The Metro Atlanta area is one of the fastest growing regions in the United States, with more jobs and higher pay increases than the national averages. The U.S. State Department reported more than 487,000 passports were issued in Georgia during fiscal 2019 – which is 1 ½ times more than the 311,000 passports issued in 2013.

Atlanta’s passport movements also follow national trends that show more Americans benefitting from a strong economy, therefore having more money available to travel. The number of U.S. passports issued reached record highs in recent years, topping 20.6 million in fiscal 2019.  Factors in that growth include more international travel, a larger U.S. population and the Real ID Act of 2005.  The act’s provisions to tighten security documentation requirements for both domestic and foreign travel are being phased in through May 2025.

Passports for adults must be renewed every 10 years.  The government suggests renewing your passport at least nine months before its expiration date.  One reason is that some countries require anyone entering their borders to hold a passport that expires at least six months beyond their departure date.  Another is that the normal renewal process takes up to two months.

(NOTE: If you never had a 10-year adult passport OR your passport expired more than five years ago {or your passport has been lost or damaged}, you must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility or the U.S. Passport Agency.  Please click on the following link to learn more about this process: https://www.visasupply.com/passports-and-visas-101/post/how-to-obtain-a-new-passport-in-atlanta)

If your passport is set to expire within a year or has already expired, there are several options to get it renewed here in Sandy Springs:

Option 1: Submit Renewal Form by Mail

Many people choose to renew their passport through the mail.  The necessary form (DS-82) is available online at https://pptform.state.gov/?Submit2=Complete+Online+%26+Print.  You can also obtain the DS-82 from the Sandy Springs Library on 395 Mount Vernon Highway or the Sandy Springs Post Office on 230 Hammond Drive and complete the form by hand.  There are two other post office locations on 5400 Glenridge Drive (Glenridge Post Office) and 7527 Roswell Road (North Springs Post Office). 

However, you can only use Form DS-82 and renew by mail if you meet these criteria:

  • You have your passport in your possession and can submit it with the application.
  • The passport shows only normal wear and tear (no pages missing, no water damage, etc.).
  • You were at least 16 years of age when the passport was issued (child passports do not qualify).
  • The passport was issued within the last 15 years and expired less than five years ago.
  • It was issued in your current name, or you can document your name change.


If you answer ‘no’ to any of these questions, you will need to appear in person at the Passport Agency or at a Passport Acceptance Facility.  Here is a link to the U.S. Department of State website that shows the nearest acceptance facility: https://iafdb.travel.state.gov/.

Those who do qualify can fill out Form DS-82 online, print the completed form and then sign and date it (or complete the hand-written form).  You will need to submit that form plus the following supporting documents:

Mail the application and other documents: For normal processing, Sandy Springs residents should mail the application to the National Passport Processing Center, Post Office Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155.  However, expedited passports should be sent to the NPPC at P.O. Box 90955, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0955.

The normal turnaround time for renewals by mail is eight to eleven weeks.  Expedited service within seven weeks is available for an additional fee.  You can also pay extra for return delivery in two days (rather than the typical first class mailing).

Option 2: Apply in Person

If you need to travel within the next month, you can apply in person at the U.S. Passport Agency in downtown Atlanta (230 Peachtree St #1000, Atlanta, GA 30303).  You can ONLY apply in person here if you can prove you need to travel within the next two weeks (or if you are traveling to a country that requires a visa, within four weeks).  You must call the Atlanta Passport Agency to schedule an appointment using their automated system.  Give yourself plenty of lead time: the agency is busy during the summer travel season and around the holidays, so it might not have appointments available when you need them.

Please bring the following for your appointment:

  • Your appointment confirmation number
  • Your old passport
  • Proof of travel plans, such as your flight itinerary, hotel reservation, or cruise tickets
  • Documentation of any name change (such as marriage certificate or divorce decree)
  • One passport photo
  • A method of payment.  The agency takes major credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks and money orders.  In addition to normal costs, there is a $60 fee to have your passport expedited.

You will be able to fill out the DS-82 form in person at this location.  Contact information, directions and other details about the Atlanta Passport Agency are available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast/passport-agencies/atlanta.html.

Although appearing at the Passport Agency is more expensive because you have to pay the additional $60 for the expedite fee, and is less convenient because you have to find parking downtown, it is a great option when you need a passport quickly.  The agency will typically issue you a new passport the same day or the following day. It is also less expensive than using a private courier firm to handle your renewal.

Option 3: Use a Private Passport Service

The third option is to use a private passport expediter such as Visa Supply.  Our office is conveniently located in the Sandy Springs Commerce Building on 333 Sandy Springs Circle (near Roswell Road and Johnson Ferry Road), which is easier for some folks to visit instead of going downtown or to the post office.

Since Visa Supply is a private company, we charge a fee for our services (in addition to the government’s $190 expedite fee for a passport book).  Beyond the convenience of using our office, we make sure your application form is filled out correctly.  We also take your passport photo and will ensure that it meets the government’s specifications.  Our basic service starts at $100.  Customers receive their new passport (along with the old one) within seven weeks; for additional fees we can also get passports renewed in as fast as one week.  Please call us for the latest details.

Sandy Springs residents with questions about renewing their U.S. passport -- or who would like Visa Supply to handle their renewal -- can schedule a telephone call through our website. Our free consultation will guide you through your options and each step in the process.