US passport renewal in Mexico: Complete guide

Whether you're an American traveler exploring Mexico’s vibrant culture or an expatriate living south of the border, a valid US passport is your essential gateway to international adventures. If your passport is approaching its expiration date, you must renew it.

However, renewing a US passport while in Mexico comes with specific guidelines and procedures. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of renewing your US passport in Mexico, providing all the necessary information to make the process smooth and hassle-free.

Can I apply online for a U.S. passport renewal in Mexico?

Unfortunately, renewing your US passport online isn’t an option when you're in Mexico. US citizens living in Mexico can apply in person at the Embassy or by mail, meeting some criteria. In Mexico, online US passport renewal isn’t available.

US passport renewal - Mexico: Eligibility Criteria for Passport Renewal by mail

You must meet the eligibility criteria below to qualify for using the Mail-In Renewal Program. This system allows you to renew your US passport by mail in Mexico.

• Provide your most recent U.S. passport along with your renewal application through the mail.

• You must be at least 16 when your most recent US passport was issued.

• Your most recent US passport was issued less than 15 years ago.

• The US passport you're renewing has a 10-year validity period from issuance to expiration date.

• The US passport book you're renewing must not have been subjected to mutilation, damage, loss, or theft.

• Your most recent US passport was issued in your current legal name, or you can provide documentation of a name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your passport application.

If you meet all the above criteria, you can apply for the renewal of your 10-year US passport by mail. However, if you don’t fulfill some of these requirements, you must schedule an appointment or appear in person at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in Mexico.

What are the requirements for a US passport renewal in Mexico?

You must have all the necessary documents when renewing your US passport in Mexico. Here's a checklist of what you'll need for your US passport renewal application in Mexico:

• A completed and signed application form. You can use the government Form Filler.

• Most recent U.S. passport and photocopy of the bio page.

• A passport photo. Use our digital photo service for a hassle-free experience.

• Payment of the passport fee – Pay the passport renewal fee online on the government website and include a printed copy of your payment confirmation receipt in the shipment.

• Prove of name change (if applicable) – If the name you currently use differs from the name on your most recent U.S. passport, you must provide the original certified copy of the legal name change document (e.g., marriage certificate) and its photocopy.

How do I apply for passport renewal in Mexico?

The specific procedure for renewing a US passport in Mexico may vary depending on your location, so we recommend consulting the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for guidance. However, the typical process involves the following steps:

• Step 1: Fill out the application form.

• Step 2: Gather all the required documents.

• Step 3: Pay the passport fee through the government website.

• Step 4: Ship your documents via a DHL store in Mexico.

For detailed information about the US passport renewal process in Mexico, you can visit the US Embassy's website.

Apply for passport renewal outside the United States: Shipping your application from Mexico

The last step for your U.S. passport renewal in Mexico is shipping your application to the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara. Head to your nearest DHL store to purchase two shipping waybills for your application. Follow these simple instructions to ensure a smooth shipping process:

Waybill 1 (to submit the application):

From: Your details – Applicant's name, content (documents and return guide), contact phone, and email. As an address, indicate the DHL store's address where you're making the purchase (you can’t use a residential address).

To: U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara Passport Office

Address: Progreso #175, Col. Americana, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44160

Contact Phone: 555-345-2000

Waybill 2 (delivery of passport)

From: U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara Passport Office

• Contact: U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara Passport Office

• Content: Documents + Applicant's Birth Date (DD, MM, AAAA)

• Address: Progreso #175, Col. Americana, Guadalajara, Jalisco, 44160

• Contact Phone: 555-345-2000

To: Your Details

• Applicant's name

• Contact phone

• Email

• Address: The DHL store's address where you purchased the guide.

Send waybill 1 with your documents, passport, and waybill 2 inside. Track your shipment at the DHL website. Remember that once the U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara Passport Office receives the application, the processing time to ship your new passport is approximately 10-13 weeks. You must pick up your new passport at the DHL store within 30 days of delivery. If you fail to do so, the passport will return to the Consulate and be destroyed.

What is the price for renewing my US passport in Mexico?

The U.S. passport renewal fee in Mexico is US$130. If you’re eligible to apply by mail, you can easily pay online through the US government's secure payment site. However, if you require an in-person application, please consult the options with the US Embassy in Mexico.

Applying for a US passport renewal in the United States

The passport renewal process is a breeze if you’re in the United States. At iVisa, we offer services that simplify the process, so we do the hard work, and you can plan your next international trip stress-free. Here's how it works:

• Step 1: Provide your passport details and basic information on our website or iVisa app. Select your preferred shipping time, and pay the passport fees online.

• Step 2: Fill out the US passport renewal form and upload a passport photo. Use our digital photo service to get a new compliant picture in a few minutes.

• Step 3: Receive your passport renewal kit at your address in the US. Sign the form and pack it along with your current passport. Then, take your kit to the nearest mailbox.

• Step 4: We’ll send you a tracking link to monitor the progress of your application. Once your passport is processed, the government will mail it to your address.

Learn more about the easy US passport renewal.

What does the US passport renewal kit include?

The US passport renewal kit we’ll send you includes the following items:

• Completed DS-82 form – You complete it online, and our iVisa Experts review your form. You’ll receive it ready to be signed and shipped.

• Passport photo.

• Bank check to cover the US government fee – You already paid this during the online process.

• USPS envelope – With postage ready to be mailed.

How do I speed up a US passport renewal service?

The standard processing time for US passport renewals is typically 10-13 weeks. However, the US government offers an expedited service that allows you to receive your passport within 7-9 weeks for an additional fee of US$60. If you choose to apply through our platform, you can select this expedited service and pay online along with other fees using a credit or debit card.

It's important to note that if your upcoming trip occurs in less than six weeks, we regret to inform you that we won't be able to process your passport renewal due to the processing time, which may not meet your travel timeline. The advice here is to apply in advance and renew your passport before the expiration date.

Can I get a US passport renewal in 24 hours?

You may ask: ‘‘Is it possible to get a passport renewal in 24 hours?”. Unfortunately, that isn’t possible with our services. Otherwise, you can check the US Department of State website for the fastest direct processing times.

What if I do something wrong with my passport application?

You must contact our agents if you need to correct a mistake on your form before shipping. They’re available at any time you need their help. Also, our experts review the application form, so if something is missing, they’ll notify you.

Where can I learn more?

If you have any questions or need further assistance with your US passport renewal, please contact our customer support team via online chat or at [email protected]. Our team is here to help you with all your passport renewal inquiries and ensure your travel plans go smoothly.