Applying for a U.S. Passport from Outside the United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call the toll-free number for passport information (National Passport Information Center) from outside the United States?

No, the National Passport Information Center number is meant to answer questions for passport customers applying in the United States. If you have questions while you are outside the U.S., your local Embassy or Consulate is the best source of information. Check the website of the closest Embassy or Consulate for instructions specific to that office. If you have questions about the application instructions on the Embassy or Consulate's website, contact the American Citizen Services unit in the Consular Section using the email address or phone number listed.

Can I apply for a passport card while outside the United States?

Yes, you can apply for a passport card while outside of the United States at the same time you apply for a book, or separately, but the passport card is only valid for travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean region. The passport card cannot be used for air travel.

Where can I find an Acceptance Agent or Acceptance Facility outside the United States?

If you are outside of the U.S., your Acceptance Facility is your local Embassy or Consulate, unless you are active duty military. On the passport form, the acceptance agent refers to 'a U.S. consulate official' If you are active duty military, check with your chain of command to find a military Acceptance Agent.

Are all the “evidence of citizenship” and “evidence of identity” sections applicable to me?

Yes, these requirements are the same no matter where you apply. You still need to provide acceptable evidence of U.S. citizenship and identity.

Can I pay with a personal check or money order outside the United States?

No, unlike Acceptance Facilities located in the United States, Embassies and Consulates cannot accept personal checks or money orders. They can only accept payment via cash on site (either in local currency or U.S. dollars) or in some cases via credit card. Please see the website of your embassy or consulate to see what forms of payment they are able to accept.

Can I pay extra for Expedited Service or overnight delivery outside of the U.S.?

No. Outside of the U.S., the passport is actually printed in the U.S. and sent abroad to your Embassy or Consulate, and we are unable to change the production process. However, Embassies and Consulates can always issue a limited validity emergency passport if you have urgent travel needs.

There’s a note to “Customers Applying outside a State Department Facility.” Does that include Embassies and Consulates outside the United States?

No. That’s meant for customers in the U.S. applying at a Passport Acceptance Facility and not one of our Passport Agencies—a Clerk of the Court or a Post Office, for example. Outside of the U.S., you are applying at an Embassy or Consulate, which we consider to be a State Department Facility.

On the application, why do you want my email? Should I use my U.S. or foreign email address?

While abroad, we will notify you via email to tell you when your passport is ready. Use the email address you are using while outside of the U.S.

On the application, you want a permanent address. What’s the difference from the mailing address?

If you are only temporarily residing outside of the U.S., you may put your permanent U.S. address here. If you are permanently residing abroad, and this address is the same as your mailing address, you can just write “same.”

Does my ‘Emergency Contact’ have to be somebody in the U.S.?

We need this information in the event we have to reach someone in a hurry on your behalf. It doesn’t have to be somebody in the U.S., especially if you live permanently outside the U.S. If that is the case, put down local addresses and phones. If you are outside the U.S. temporarily, it might make more sense to have a U.S. based contact for us to reach on your behalf.

How will I receive my passport if I am overseas?

Delivery methods vary by Embassy and Consulate. Possible methods may include a self-paid courier, the mail service, or picking it up in person.