My flight is Wed. I sent in renewal in May, It says "in process" I called Friday. Waited 3 hrs - then talked with person. I tried to pay extra - he said "system will not let me in to take the it". I am 5 hrs from Atlanta, Do I need to drive there?

You have to go there to puck it up. They take another pictures and bring your flight info, birth certificate, social security card and ID just in case then they tell you to come in few hours to puck it up, but don't go far because they in 30min. to 1 hour they have it ready. You keep calling every day started 7:55 because if you call later they don't give more appointments. Good luck and enjoy your trip.

I had a similar situation. You can only go to a passport agency if your departure date is within 14 days and you have to schedule a appointment before you go to a passport agency. They require a confirmation number and a appointment time before entry. Call Passport customer service and see if you can make a appointment before your departure date again IT HAS TO BE WITHIN 14 DAYS OF DEPARTURE.