Before you gather a single document, determine if you’re applying for a brand-new passport or simply renewing an existing one. This initial distinction is absolutely key, as it dictates which application form you’ll need to complete. For those who’ve never held a passport, or if your last one was issued when you were under 16, the DS-11 form is your starting point. If you’re renewing an adult passport that’s still in good condition and was issued within the last 15 years, you’ll opt for the DS-82 form. Both forms are conveniently available for download and printing from the official U.S. Department of State website. Just remember: do not sign the DS-11 until you are instructed to by an acceptance agent!

This is arguably the most vital component of your passport application. You’ll need to present an original, official document that definitively proves your U.S. citizenship. The most commonly accepted forms include your original birth certificate (issued by the city, county, or state), a previous, undamaged U.S. passport book or card, or your original Certificate of Naturalization. Copies simply won’t suffice for this step, as the acceptance facility needs to verify the authenticity of the original document. Keep this invaluable paper secure, as it will be mailed along with your application to the Passport Agency and returned to you separately, often after your new passport arrives.

To confirm your identity, you must provide a current, valid, government-issued photo identification. For most folks living in Conyers, your valid Georgia driver’s license or a state-issued identification card will serve this purpose perfectly. It’s imperative that your ID isn’t expired, as acceptance facilities cannot process applications with outdated identification. Beyond presenting the original, you’ll also need to bring a clear photocopy of both the front and back of your chosen ID. Ensure the copy is legible and shows all details clearly. Having this photocopy ready in advance will definitely streamline your visit to the acceptance facility.

Your passport photo isn’t just any picture; it adheres to strict guidelines. It must be a recent (taken within the last six months) color photograph, precisely 2×2 inches in size, set against a plain white or off-white background. Maintain a neutral facial expression or a very slight, natural smile, ensuring both eyes are open and visible. Glasses are a definite no-go, and your entire face needs to be clearly visible without obstruction. Luckily for Conyers residents, getting a compliant photo is simple. Local spots like the UPS Store on Dogwood Drive, as well as Walgreens and CVS pharmacies around town, are generally well-equipped to snap passport-ready pictures quickly and affordably.

If you’re applying for a new passport (using the DS-11 form), you can’t just mail it in; you must submit your application in person at an official passport acceptance facility. In the Conyers area, your main options typically include the U.S. Post Office located at 1205 Iris Dr SW, or the Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court at 922 Green St SW. Before you head out, it is absolutely essential to call ahead or check their official websites. Confirm their current operating hours for passport services and, critically, find out if they require an appointment. Many facilities, especially post offices, operate on an appointment-only basis for passport applications, and arriving without one could mean a wasted trip.

When your appointment day arrives at your chosen Conyers acceptance facility, ensure you have every single item on your checklist. This includes your unsigned DS-11 form, your original proof of U.S. citizenship, your valid photo ID, the photocopy of both sides of your ID, and your compliant passport photo. Don’t forget your payment! Passport fees generally require a personal check or money order made payable to the ‘U.S. Department of State.’ The separate execution fee, paid directly to the acceptance facility, can often be paid with another check, money order, or sometimes even cash or credit card. The agent will review your documents, witness your signature on the DS-11, and then send your application on its way. Always double-check the most current fee schedule on the State Department’s website before your visit!