US documents for use abroad
How do you renew a US passport while living abroad?
Last reviewed .
If your most recent passport is undamaged, was never reported lost or stolen, was issued within the last 15 years and was issued when you were at least 16, you can usually renew by mail or drop-off through the US embassy that serves you, using Form DS-82. Otherwise you apply in person. Follow the instructions of your own embassy, because submission and return delivery differ by country.
Key facts
| Fact | What the source says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mail renewal conditions (Spain example) | Recent passport available, undamaged, never reported lost or stolen, issued within 15 years, issued at age 16 or older | Official source |
| Form | DS-82, completed and signed | Official source |
| Fees listed (Spain example) | $130 for a passport book; $30 more for a passport card | Official source |
| What goes in the packet (Spain example) | DS-82, current passport, compliant photo, payment confirmation, printed DHL return label | Official source |
Can you renew by mail from abroad?
Only if you meet the renewal conditions. The US Embassy in Spain lists them clearly: the recent passport must be available to submit, undamaged, never reported lost or stolen, issued within the last 15 years, and issued when you were at least 16. If your name changed, you need documentary evidence of the change.
First passports, children's passports, lost or damaged passports and passports issued before age 16 use a different route, usually an in-person appointment.
What does a mail renewal packet contain?
Using Spain as the worked example, the embassy asks for the completed and signed DS-82, your current passport, a compliant photo, payment confirmation and a printed DHL return label. It lists $130 for a passport book and an additional $30 for a card. Those are that embassy's listed fees for that route, not a worldwide all-in price. Other embassies use other couriers and payment steps.
The embassy returns incomplete packets without processing them. Check every item before sending.
Why does the tracking say mailed when you have nothing?
The US status page can say a passport was mailed when it has only left the passport agency. It still has to reach the embassy and then the courier to you. The Spain embassy warns about exactly this. Build that extra leg into your travel plans.
What can a private service do, and what can it not?
A preparer can check the form, photo, evidence and packet. It cannot change agency processing times, attend for you when an appearance is required, or decide the application. Be wary of anyone who sells guaranteed issuance speed from abroad.
Checklist before you start
- Check the five renewal conditions against your current passport.
- Open your own embassy's renewal page, not another country's.
- Complete and sign the DS-82.
- Get a photo that meets the current photo rules.
- Pay as your embassy instructs and keep the confirmation.
- Add the return label or courier step your embassy requires.
- Allow time for the leg from the embassy to you.
Common questions
How much does it cost to renew a US passport abroad?
The adult passport book fee is $130, and the Spain embassy lists $30 more for a card. Courier or return-delivery costs can apply depending on your embassy.
Can I renew a child's passport by mail from abroad?
Generally no. Children under 16 usually apply in person with parental consent. Check your embassy's instructions.
My passport was issued 16 years ago. Can I still renew by mail?
Not under the 15-year condition. You will usually need to apply in person. Confirm with your embassy.
Official sources
- Adult passport renewals. US Embassy and Consulates in Spain and Andorra.
- Passport navigator. US Embassy and Consulates in Spain and Andorra.
- Renew or replace a passport. US Department of State.
- Find a US embassy or consulate. US Department of State.
Sources checked . Official pages change. Use the source over this summary if they differ.
Want us to prepare it?
The official route above is free to follow yourself. If you would rather hand it off, we prepare it for you.
Adult passport that needs an in-person application. USD 244 standard case. Government fees pass through at cost. The written quote is final.
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General information from official sources, not legal advice. The receiving authority decides what it accepts. Confirm its current instructions before you order or send anything. US Expat Desk is a private company. We are not affiliated with the US government, the State Department, or the FBI.