Renewing US passport from abroad

As a US citizen living abroad, you must keep your US passport valid — it’s your only valid document to enter the US and represents your citizenship. The renewal process from abroad differs slightly from the process in the US.

Three ways to renew from abroad

Option 1: By mail (DS-82)

Most common and simple if your current passport is eligible:

  • Current passport issued when you were 16+ years old
  • Passport in good condition (not damaged)
  • Issued within the last 15 years
  • In your current name (or attach name change document)

Send to nearest US embassy/consulate. DO NOT send to US Passport Center (only for US residents).

Option 2: In person at US embassy/consulate (DS-11)

Required if:

  • First time issuing adult passport
  • Passport issued when under 16
  • Passport expired more than 15 years
  • Passport lost or stolen
  • Name change without legal document

Schedule appointment online on consulate’s site.

Option 3: By mail with expedited service

Some consulates accept expedited mail requests (FedEx, DHL) for faster service.

Required documents (DS-82, by mail)

  • ☐ Form DS-82 completed (download from travel.state.gov)
  • ☐ Current or expired passport (returned with new one)
  • ☐ Recent photo (2x2 inches, US passport format — different from other countries)
  • ☐ Renewal fee ($130 USD adult, $100 minor)
  • ☐ Return shipping (prepaid envelope or additional fee to consulate)
  • ☐ If name change: legal document (court order, apostilled marriage certificate)

Fees (2024-2025)

  • Adult passport: $130 USD
  • Minor passport: $100 USD
  • Passport card (not valid for international flights): $30 USD
  • Expedited at consulate: $60-$150 USD additional
  • Secure return shipping: $20-$80 USD (depends on country and service)

Typical total from abroad: $150-$200 USD

Processing time

  • Routine: 4-6 weeks
  • Expedited (not all consulates): 2-3 weeks
  • Humanitarian emergency (urgent travel for family death, serious illness): 1-3 days

Renewing your child’s passport (born abroad)

If your child was born abroad after you obtained US citizenship, the child is automatically a citizen (with conditions). First step:

  1. Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) — Form DS-2029 at US embassy in country of birth
  2. US passport for minor — requested with CRBA or after
  3. Legally documents the minor’s US citizenship

Official source: Travel.State.Gov — Renew Abroad

Last verified: 2026-05-24.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.