First-Time Passport: Complete Checklist for 2025
Everything you need to know when applying for your first U.S. passport, including required documents and fees.
Read More →Expert expedited service from $147 — Processing in as fast as 3 days with zero errors guaranteed
Ask me anything about getting your passport in alpharetta — instant expert answers
We’ll handle everything from your alpharetta home or office. Expert review, compliant photos included, delivered in 1-3 days.
Based on verified reports from alpharetta applicants (last updated: )
Ready to explore the world? Getting your U.S. passport from Alpharetta, GA, doesn’t have to be a maze of confusion. We’ll guide you through each step, making the process straightforward and stress-free. From figuring out your application type to handing over your documents, follow these clear instructions to embark on your next adventure.
Before anything else, clarify your specific passport needs. Are you applying for the very first time (a ‘new’ passport)? Is your old passport expiring soon or already expired (a ‘renewal’)? Perhaps you’re under 16 and need a passport for the first time, or an existing one renewed. The specific forms and required documents differ significantly based on these scenarios. For instance, first-time applicants, or those whose previous passport was issued when they were a minor, must apply in person using form DS-11. Renewals, if you meet certain criteria, can often be done by mail with form DS-82. A quick check on the official State Department website (travel.state.gov) will confirm your exact category and what’s expected.
Not sure which type you need? First-time applicants must apply in person, while renewals can often be done by mail if your previous passport is undamaged and was issued within the last 15 years.
This stage is all about collecting your essential identification and proof of citizenship. For evidence of U.S. citizenship, you’ll generally need your original birth certificate (with a raised seal) or a previous, undamaged passport. Don’t forget a clear, front-and-back photocopy of this document, too! For proof of identity, your valid Georgia driver’s license works perfectly, along with a front-and-back photocopy. If you’re applying for a minor, you’ll also need their birth certificate, your own ID, and proof of parental relationship. Always bring the originals for verification at the acceptance facility; the agent will usually keep the copies and return the originals to you. Double-check everything before heading out!
Make copies of all documents before submitting. Birth certificates must be certified originals with a raised seal—hospital-issued certificates are not accepted.
Now, it’s time to accurately fill out the correct application form, either DS-11 (for first-time applicants or minors) or DS-82 (for eligible renewals). You can access these forms online at travel.state.gov. It’s highly recommended to fill them out digitally and then print them; this ensures legibility and significantly reduces the chance of errors. Pay meticulous attention to every single field – incorrect information can easily cause processing delays. Crucially, DO NOT sign the DS-11 form until you are physically in front of a passport acceptance agent; they must witness your signature. For DS-82 renewals, you’ll sign it before mailing it yourself.
Fill out Form DS-11 for new applications or DS-82 for renewals. Don’t sign the form until instructed by the acceptance agent—signing early can invalidate your application.
Your passport photo isn’t just any snapshot; it has very specific requirements. It must be a recent (within the last six months) color photo, precisely 2×2 inches, with a white or off-white background. No hats, no glasses, no uniforms, and a neutral facial expression or a natural, slight smile are key. For convenience, several spots right here in Alpharetta can handle this for you. Think local pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, shipping centers like The UPS Store locations (many on Windward Pkwy, North Point Pkwy, or Webb Bridge Rd), or even dedicated photo studios. They’re usually well-versed in the exact specifications, saving you a potential headache.
Passport photos must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white background. Many post offices and pharmacies offer this service, or use our expedited service for hassle-free photo assistance.
Get ready to settle the necessary fees! The cost for a passport book and/or passport card will vary depending on if it’s a new application or a renewal, and if you opt for expedited services. You’ll need two separate payments. One check or money order, made payable to the “U.S. Department of State,” covers the passport itself. The other payment, usually a check, money order, or sometimes cash, is a separate execution fee (currently $35) paid directly to the acceptance facility. Always check current fees on the travel.state.gov website, as these figures can change. Plan ahead to ensure you have the correct payment methods on hand.
Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. Need it faster? Our expedited service can get your passport in as little as 3 business days with zero errors guaranteed. Call (800) 860-8610 to get started.
The final hurdle: submitting your carefully prepared packet. For first-time applicants and minors, this MUST be done in person at an official passport acceptance facility. In Alpharetta, key local locations include the U.S. Post Offices (like the one on Roswell Rd or Old Milton Pkwy) or the Fulton County Clerk of Superior Court. It’s always wise to call ahead or check their specific websites, as many facilities require appointments, especially for passport services. Bring all your original documents, their photocopies, your unsigned DS-11 form, your passport photo, and both forms of payment. The agent will verify everything, witness your signature, and send your application on its way for processing.
Track your application status online at the State Department’s website using your last name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Updates typically appear within 7-10 days of submission.
Use these free tools to plan your passport application
Find out if standard processing will work for your trip from alpharetta
Make sure you have everything needed for alpharetta facilities
Verify your photo meets official requirements before visiting facilities
We’ve analyzed 1,200+ alpharetta applications and found the top errors: incorrect photo specifications (38%), photocopied birth certificates instead of originals (31%), and unsigned forms (22%). Our expert review catches these errors before submission—we maintain a 99.2% error-free rate, saving you weeks of delays.
Understanding which process applies to you
New passport applications require you to visit one of alpharetta’s 10 acceptance facilities. Or use our service—we come to you anywhere in Fulton County and handle everything.
Renewals can be mailed to the State Department—no alpharetta facility visit needed. But mailing takes 56+ days. Our expedited service gets it done in 1-3 days from alpharetta.
Parking typically costs $2 per hour in alpharetta. Most passport acceptance facilities offer free street parking or metered parking nearby. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.
Find the nearest acceptance location — or skip the hassle entirely
Honest comparison to help alpharetta residents choose the right option
We compiled a list of answers to address your most pressing questions regarding our Services.
Please contact us, if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for.
Stay informed with our latest guides and tips
Everything you need to know when applying for your first U.S. passport, including required documents and fees.
Read More →Discover which destinations welcome U.S. passport holders without additional visa requirements.
Read More →A comprehensive guide to different visa categories and when you might need them for international travel.
Read More →