Renewed mine at the North Service Center this morning. Downloaded the application, and filled it out at home; don't sign it until you go in. Went by around 10 one morning last week only to be told they were full for the day. One of the deputies there recommended arriving no later than 7:30. Was there by 7:30 this morning and was #4 in line. Around 7:45 someone from the reception area brought out the sign-in clipboard (there were now about 4 more in line behind me). Once you've signed in, you can go back to your car, go grab a cup of coffee, whatever, just be back by 8:30 (I think the building opens at 8:00).
Reception will direct you to the waiting room, probably 15 chairs spaced 6 feet apart. Shortly after 8:30, clerk came in with instructions (be sure the address on your DL is current, masks required, SSPD and Alpharetta PD will only fingerprint/background check their residents). Break her rules, and she may kick you out, or delay your app, and she mentioned having two people arrested recently (not sure for what, masks?). Apparently, if you are not from Alpharetta or Sandy Springs, but go their for fingerprints/background check, you'll have to start all over.
Shortly thereafter, they called the first half dozen of us to line up in chairs in the hall. Called us in one by one to complete/submit/process the app, take your picture, and pay ($33). Fee includes mailing, and you do not have to provide an SASE. Clerk specially says "due to current circumstances, there is no time frame for delivery." Law still applies to me so I figure it still applies to them...pointless arguing with the clerk and potentially creates more problems (given her attitude), but I'll reach out to GCO if the 90 day temp they gave me is getting close to expiring.
Went north a couple of blocks and across the street to SSPD (a little tough to find if you don't know exactly where you're going). You only have 5 business days to go from the time you file with the probate court. Signed three pieces of paper and handed their clerk one sheet from the probate court and was done. Right at 2 hours from arrival at the Service Center to finishing at SSPD.
Overall impressions:
- No metal detectors that I saw at the court or SSPD (SSPD is behind bullet resistant glass), but I would not chance bringing a firearm.
- Deputies in the service center and SSPD are reasonably pleasant but not overly friendly.
- Probate Court staff exudes arrogance and disdain, and will obviously do anything in their power to make the process as much of a hassle as possible. Makes you want to remind them that (1) you're standing in line, filling out forms, and paying money for something that already belongs to you, and (2) as public servants, they work for you. Probably better to smile and take it, at least for the moment.
- On a lighter note, it always amuses me that you typically see two kinds of people at the Probate Court: young, happy, 20 something couples there together, and grumpy middle-aged men there alone. BTW, the court does move the former to the front of the line as they come in.
- At least I'm out of DeKalb County (9 years in December)!
