Renewing Your U.S. Passport While Living Abroad

If you are a U.S. Citizen living abroad, you may need to have your passport renewed. The good news is that you do not need to return to the U.S. to do this. The bad news is that, unlike in the U.S., you will have to request the new passport in person. But, don’t worry, the process is very easy, and the staff at the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consular Generals, and U.S. Consular Agents make renewing your adult 10-year passport relatively pain free.

Please note: While the U.S. Embassy, Consular Generals, and Consular Agents are slowly beginning to resume normal operations since the outbreak of COVID-19, you should always check the U.S. Embassy’s website for updated information about their operations. 

Do I need an appointment?

It depends on whether you are going to renew at your closest U.S. Consular Office or at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.

The U.S. Consular Agents and U.S. Consulate Generals normally require an appointment. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City recently began a new program called the ‘Adult Renewal Drop-Off Program’ which does not require an appointment for adult renewals of 10 year passports.

For links to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and the list of Consulate Generals, please click here for additional information. For a list of Consular Agents, please click here.

What do I need to bring?

According to the U.S. Embassy’s website, you will need to bring:

• A completed & signed form (DS-82).
• A color 5×5 cm photo taken no more than 6 months ago.
• The fee payable in U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos at the posted exchange rate.
• Your current passport
  • Keep in mind that they will have your passport for anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.
  • You should make a copy of your passport photo page & any visas you may have in your old passport

 

How will I receive the new passport?

Depending on the office, you may be required to pay to have your passport sent DHL or FedEx to a Mexican address. If you are worried that you won’t receive it to your Mexican address, you can always have it shipped to your local DHL/FedEx office.

How long will it take?

It can take up to 4 to 8 weeks to receive your new passport.

As a reminder, you should always refer to the U.S. Embassy’s website for the latest information.