How can I renew a U.S. passport in Mexico?

Published July 20th, 2022

Whether it is about to expire or you need to take a trip, renewing your U.S. passport in Mexico is a task that, unfortunately, has been complicated by the pandemic.

In addition to the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico, the U.S. Foreign Service allows you to renew your passport at its consular agencies located in:

♦  Acapulco

♦  Cancun

♦  Los Cabos

♦  Mazatlan

♦  Oaxaca

♦  Piedras Negras

♦  Playa del Carmen

♦  Puerto Vallarta

♦  San Miguel de Allende

In fact, the U.S. Foreign Ministry has 19 offices throughout Mexico to carry out this procedure.

What are the requirements to renew a U.S. passport in Mexico?
To renew your passport, it is necessary to present the following documents:

♦  You need to include your social security number for the DS-82 application (click here) correctly filled out and signed.

♦  Passport to be renewed. The passport must not be damaged and cannot be more than 15 years old.

♦  A 2×2 inch color photograph, taken within the last six months; must have a white background and you must not wear glasses.

♦  Cover the cost of renewing the U.S. passport, which is $130.

In the case of adults, the passport in book format will be valid for 10 years; however, for minors under 16, it will be valid for five years.

What about minors?
The procedure for minors under 16 years of age is as follows:

1. Submit the DS-11 Application
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship; can be a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or citizenship.
3. Documents proving paternity.
4. Identification document.
5. Parental consent.
6. A photograph.
7. Cost of the passport: $100 for the application and $35 for acceptance.

Please note that both parents or legal guardians must appear with the child and give consent for the passport to be issued.

If one parent or legal guardian is unable to appear, then the DS-11 form must be accompanied by a DS-3053: Statement of a Consent form, signed by the absent parent or guardian.

On the other hand, if the child has only one parent or guardian, a document attesting to full legal custody must be submitted.

If there is no parent or legal guardian available, a third party may apply for the passport for the minor, by means of a written or sworn statement signed before a notary by both parents or legal guardians, authorizing the third party to submit the application.

What are my options for renewing a U.S. passport in Mexico during the pandemic?
However, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico offer several options if you have trouble renewing your U.S. passport.

• Use the walk-in passport renewal program: If you received your most recent 10-year passport after 16, you would not need to make an appointment, unless your document is damaged. Click here to review the requirements for renewal by mail.
• Schedule an appointment: If your passport expired on or before December 31, 2019, and you do not qualify for the walk-in passport renewal program, visit the chancery’s website to apply for your passport.
• Emergency passport: If you need to travel for an emergency in the next two weeks, you can request an emergency appointment.