Here’s what to know about getting your passport in Georgia & how you can renew it online
Getting a passport can sometimes be perceived as a long and drawn-out process, but it can be much smoother as long as you have the right timing and what you need to get one in Georgia.
An essential part of getting a passport for the first time or renewing an expired one is having the right documents and knowing a few simple tricks for a smooth and satisfactory process. You might even be able to do the majority, if not all, of the renewal process from the comfort of your home.
How to get your passport
You can apply for a passport either by mail or in person. Depending on your travel plans you may also need to apply for a travel visa.
First, you need to fill out a DS-11 which serves as a first-time application form. This document can be downloaded, printed out and then filled out or it can be filled out through the online application, then printed. Either way, the printed form must be submitted via mail or in person.
The next documents you’ll need is proof of identity and a photocopy of your proof of citizenship. You must possess one of the following upon arrival:
U.S. Birth Certificate (PDF application must be filled out, printed, and taken to the address listed at the bottom)
Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
Full validity, undamaged U.S. passport (the document was valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for children)
A single-sided photo copy must be black and white (no color), use 8.5 by 11-inch paper. If a photocopy is unavailable, a second copy of proof of citizenship will be accepted.
The next required item is a valid photo ID. It needs to be one from the approved list of photo IDs and if it was acquired in a state outside of the one you apply for the passport in, then a second photo ID will be required.
Taking your photo and fees
Your passport application must come with one updated photo. Some passport facilities will allow you to take your ID photo on-site, but you can also get one through companies that offer photo services, or take one yourself that follows the photo guidelines.
When taking your passport photo, you should face forward, try to have a neutral face with both eyes open, and remove all eyewear. It’s also preferable that you wear modest jewelry, have a neat hairstyle that does not block your face, and wear dark, solid-colored clothing.
If taking your own photo, make sure to use a plain background, that the subject of the photo stays well-lit but not blocked by any glare, and avoid the use of any filters or editing software.
The overall fees located in the DS-11 form for your passport book is $130 with a $35 execution fee. If you only plan to travel within the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean, you can save $100 by getting a passport card instead of a book.
For children ages 16 and under the passport book is $100, with the same execution fee of $35. If you opt for just the card, it will run you $15.
Any prices for name changes on your passport are dependent on your specific situation while there is no fee for data correction.
Online Passport Renewal
Recently, online passport renewal was reinstated making the process easy and accessible for everyone. This renewal method was initially instated in 2021 due to popular demand but after several pauses in operation due to the overwhelming demand of passports, was paused indefinitely in 2023.
The requirements for renewing your passport online are as follows:
You must be a U.S. citizen or resident aged 25 or older who already had an existing passport for 10 years.
The passport must still be in the applicant’s possession (cannot be lost or stolen).
You cannot change name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth for the new passport.
You must live in a U.S. state or territory.
The application should be for a regular tourist passport.
You will need to upload a recent digital photo.
You will also have to pay the renewal fee online with either a debit or credit card.
To renew your passport online, go to the government passport renewal page, create an account, start your application (includes information about your most recent passport and travel plans), upload a photo that matches the guidelines, and then sign and pay.
The page opens at around noon but has a limit to how many applications can be taken per day before it closes the application until the next day around the same time.
The wait time for your passport to come back from an online application will be the same time for sending an application through the mail.
