How to Renew Your Passport While Traveling Abroad
You can renew your US passport at any US embassy or consulate while abroad, but it takes 2-3 weeks and costs $130 plus fees. Plan ahead and have backup ID ready.
- Find your nearest US embassy or consulate. Use the State Department's embassy finder at usembassy.gov. Book an appointment online - walk-ins are rarely accepted for passport services.
- Gather required documents. Bring your expired passport, DS-11 form (filled out but not signed), one passport photo, proof of travel plans, and $130 fee. If your passport is lost/stolen, you'll need additional documentation.
- Attend your appointment. Arrive 15 minutes early. Sign the DS-11 form in front of the consular officer. They'll keep your old passport and give you a receipt.
- Wait for processing. Standard processing takes 2-3 weeks. Emergency processing (life-or-death situations) can be same-day but requires proof of emergency and costs extra.
- Pick up your new passport. Return to the embassy/consulate with your receipt. Some locations offer mail delivery to local addresses for an additional fee.
- Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?
- No. The embassy keeps your old passport during processing, leaving you without travel documents. Plan to stay in one country during the entire renewal process.
- What if I need to travel urgently before my renewal is complete?
- Contact the embassy about emergency passport services. You'll need proof of life-or-death emergency (medical, family) and pay $60 extra for same-day processing.
- My passport was stolen - is the process different?
- Yes. You'll need to file a police report, complete form DS-64 for the lost passport, and bring additional identity documents like a certified birth certificate.
- Can I renew at any embassy or just my home country's?
- Only at your home country's embassies/consulates. US citizens use US embassies, UK citizens use UK embassies, etc. Other countries' embassies cannot help you.