Renewing Your U.S. Passport While Living Abroad
You must renew your passport through the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. You cannot use the U.S. domestic mail-in renewal process (Form DS-82) if you are living outside the United States; you must use form DS-11 in person.
- Check your eligibility. Even if you have previously renewed by mail in the U.S., you must apply in person at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Most applicants will need to use Form DS-11, the same form used for first-time applicants.
- Prepare your documents. Gather your current U.S. passport, a photocopy of the data page, a completed (but unsigned) Form DS-11, and a passport photo that meets U.S. standards (2x2 inches). Bring your original birth certificate or Consular Report of Birth Abroad as proof of citizenship.
- Schedule an appointment. Visit the specific website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your host country. Each mission manages its own appointment system. Do not show up without a confirmed appointment slot.
- Pay the fees. Fees are typically paid in person at the time of the appointment. Check the embassy's specific website for acceptable payment methods—some only take local currency, others require specific credit cards or U.S. dollars.
- Collect your new passport. Processing times vary significantly by location, usually ranging from 3 to 6 weeks. You will be notified via email or phone when your new passport is ready for pickup or has been mailed to you.
- Can I use the mail-in service (DS-82) if I have a foreign address?
- No. The DS-82 form is for U.S. residents only. If you have a foreign mailing address, you are required to apply in person using the DS-11 form.
- What if my passport was lost or stolen?
- You must report the loss immediately through the embassy website and apply for a replacement in person, which will require additional documentation regarding the loss.