Applying for a U.S. passport outside the United States is different than applying inside the United States. Each U.S. embassy and consulate has different procedures for submitting and processing your final documents.
In most countries, you must apply in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate for all passport services. In a limited number of countries, you may be eligible to access some services by mail. Check the U.S. embassy or consulate webpage for more information.
Select the correct form, complete it, and print it out.
You can use Form DS-82 if your most recent passport:
If any of the above statements do not apply to you, you must use Form DS-11.
Tips for applying from Canada:
For Form DS-82
Your most recent passport acts as your evidence of U.S. citizenship. Please submit it with your application. We will return your old passport book and/or card.
For Form DS-11
You must submit one of the following. Your evidence must be an original or certified copy. Photocopies and notarized copies are not acceptable.
If you cannot submit one of the above acceptable documents, or for more information, please see Citizenship Evidence.
Submit a photocopy of the front (and back, if there is printed information) of the U.S. citizenship evidence you’re submitting.
If you don't want to submit a photocopy of your citizenship evidence, you may submit a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, which we will keep. If you don’t submit a photocopy or a second certified copy of your citizenship evidence, your passport processing could be delayed.
You must present one of the following identification documents (IDs) to the acceptance agent. The ID must readily identify you.
Submit a photocopy of the front and back of each ID that you present when you apply.
If any of the below categories apply to you, you may have additional requirements for your passport application. Please see the relevant page for more information.
Please note, for Children Under 16: A DS-3053 "Statement of Consent" might be required for your child if one parent/guardian is unable to apply in person. In certain countries, the DS-3053 form must be notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate and cannot be notarized by a local notary public. Currently, these countries are Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Kenya, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Moldova, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Attach one photo to your application. To avoid processing delays, be sure your photo meets all the photo requirements.
Please see the website of your embassy or consulate to see what forms of payment they accept and how much your U.S. passport will cost.
Tips for renewing from Canada: Personal checks or money orders must draw on U.S financial institutions based in the United States and be payable in U.S. dollars. We cannot return your completed passport to Canada using 1-2 day delivery services so please do not include 1-2 day delivery fees with your payment.
Please note: We do not offer Priority Express Mail to overseas applicants.
Living Outside the United States, anywhere except Canada?
Please contact your U.S. embassy or consulate for instructions.
Living in Canada?
If you're using Form DS-11, please contact your U.S. embassy or consulate for instructions.
If you're using Form DS-82, please send your application via Canada Post to one of the addresses (for either Routine or Expedited Service) listed on the form. If you listed a Canadian mailing address on your application, we will mail your new passport via First Class Mail to that address. We cannot send your passport via 1-2 day or express delivery.
Personal checks or money orders must draw on U.S. financial institutions based in the United States and be payable in U.S. dollars. We cannot accept passport fee payments drawing on non-U.S. financial institutions, even when payable in U.S. currency. Acceptable U.S. checks and money orders must have a 9-digit routing number, as in the example below.
No. If you have questions while you are outside the United States, please visit your local U.S. embassy or consulate website for information.
Yes, if you live in Canada and are eligible to renew your U.S. passport by mail. Personal checks or money orders must draw on U.S. financial institutions based in the United States and be payable in U.S. dollars.
No, if you are in most other countries. When you apply or renew in-person for passport services at U.S. embassies and consulates, only cash (local currency or U.S. dollars), or in some cases, credit cards are accepted. Please see the website of your embassy or consulate to confirm the forms of payment.
No. The expedited service and shipping fees do not apply outside the United States. Your local U.S. embassy or consulate will tell you about pick-up or mailing options. Embassies and consulates can issue a limited-validity emergency passport if you have urgent travel needs.
Tips for applying from Canada: When renewing your passport by mail, you may request expedited service (4-6 weeks door-to-door processing time and $60 additional cost), but we cannot return your completed passport via 1-2 day or express delivery. Do not include money for 1-2 day or express delivery with your application.
It could be. If you are permanently living outside the United States, then they would be the same. Your U.S. embassy or consulate may or may not offer mailing services.
If you are temporarily living or traveling outside of the United States, put your current address as your mailing address and your U.S. address as your permanent address.
No. Your emergency contact does not have to be somebody in the United States, especially if you live permanently outside the United States.
Please note: The online Form Filler does not allow you to enter an address outside the United States. If your emergency contact lives outside the United States, please leave this field blank.
Delivery methods vary by embassy and consulate. Possible methods may include a self-paid courier, the mail service, or picking it up in person. Please check with the embassy or consulate to confirm delivery methods.
Tips for applying from Canada: If you're eligible to renew by mail, send your Form DS-82 and supporting documents via Canada Post to one of the U.S. addresses (either Routine or Expedited service) listed on Form DS-82. Your completed passport will be returned to your Canadian address via First Class Mail. We cannot return it to you via 1-2 day or express delivery service.
Yes. You must provide your Social Security number, if you have been issued one, on your application for a U.S. passport, in accordance with 22 U.S.C. 2714a and 22 C.F.R 51.60(f).
If you or your child does not have a Social Security number, you must submit a statement, signed and dated, that includes the phrase, “I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the following is true and correct: I have/(Child's full name) has never been issued a Social Security number by the Social Security Administration.”
Your passport application will be delayed or denied if you do not provide a Social Security number or a statement declaring that a Social Security number has not been issued to you. Contact the Social Security Administration for information about obtaining a new or replacement Social Security number and card.
If you are outside the United States and have an emergency need to travel, but you cannot locate your Social Security number, we may be able to issue you a limited passport for direct return to the United States only.
If you fail to provide the information, you will also be subject to a $500 penalty enforced by the IRS pursuant to Section 6039E of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6039E). All questions on this matter should be directed to the nearest IRS office.
All applicants outside the United States automatically receive the large, non-standard 52 page passport book.
Applicants in the United States can choose a standard passport book of 28 pages or the large, non-standard passport book of 52 pages. Both cost the same amount.
