As a German citizen living in the US, if your German passport is soon to expire, you must have it renewed immediately, or you won’t be able to travel internationally. In this complete guide, learn how to renew a German passport in the USA, and the difference between German passport renewal in Germany and the US.
What Documents Are Required for German Passport Renewal?
Before submitting the passport renewal application, you should have all the required documents well prepared to ensure a smooth process.
In the US
If you reside in the US currently, you can get a German passport renewal at the German Embassy or Consulate near you. You should prepare the following documents:
- A completed application form
- Birth certificate
- Two recent 35 x 45 mm passport photographs
- Your previous passport
- Residence permit (valid visa, Green Card, or US passport)
- Marriage/divorce certificate, or spouse death certificate (if applicable)
- German naturalization certificate (if applicable)
- US naturalization certificate (if applicable)
- Registration or de-registration certificate
- Proof of residence such as a US driver’s license and utility bill
- Proof of payment for the fees
If you renew a German passport for minors under the age of 18, additional documents are required:
- A completed child’s application form
- Birth certificate with both parents’ names
- Both parents’ passports
- Residence permit of the parents
- The parents’ marriage certificate; or proof of acknowledgment of paternity if not married
- Statement of Consent certified and notarized if a parent cannot be present.
In Germany
If you are back in Germany for now, you can renew your German passport at your local citizens’ office. You should prepare the following documents (one original and one photocopy per document):
- A completed application form
- One recent 35 x 45 mm passport photographs
- Previous passport or Identity card
- Birth certificate
- Registration or de-registration certificate
- Marriage/divorce certificate, or spouse death certificate (if applicable)
- Name certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of payment for the fees
For German passport minors under the age of 18, additional documents are required:
- Signature of the child aged 10 and over when applying
- Child’s Previous passport, passport, or identity card (if applicable)
- Passport or Identity card of both parents
- Naturalization certificate of the child or the German parent (if applicable)
- The mother’s birth certificate if the parents are unmarried
- Recognition of paternity (if applicable)
How to Renew a German Passport in Germany
To renew a German passport in Germany, here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1. Find a local citizen office at your place of residence and make an appointment. Many German cities and municipalities have their own websites where you can make appointments online.
Step 2. Bring the necessary documents with you to the appointment.
Step 3. Sign the application form on-site and have your fingerprints recorded. Then pay for the passport fee.
Step 4. When you receive notification from the citizen office to collect your new passport, visit the office and collect it.
How to Renew a German Passport in the USA
To renew a German passport in the USA, here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1. Find the nearest embassy or consulate
Refer to the list of German missions in the US, and find one that can handle passport renewal in your residence.
Step 2. Schedule an appointment
Take the Consulate General in Miami as an example.
- Visit the website of the Consulate General in Miami.
- Select “Consular Services” and click “Appointment”.
3. Navigate to the location section and click “Miami”.
4. You will be redirected to the online appointment system. Click “Continue”.
5. Select an appointment day.
Step 3. Prepare the necessary documents
Refer to the list of documents required for German passport renewal above and prepare them.
Step 4. Attend the appointment
On the appointment, visit the German mission with the necessary documents. Sign the application form on-site and have your fingerprints recorded. Then pay for the passport fee.
Step 5. Collect the new passport
When you receive notification from the German mission to collect your new passport, visit the office and collect it.
Where to Renew a German Passport in the USA
You may submit the German passport renewal application at a German Embassy, any Consulate General, or some of the Honorary Consuls in your residence. Refer to the German missions list and schedule an appointment online in advance.
How Long Does It Take to Renew a German Passport?
In the US, processing takes about 10 – 12 weeks for a German passport renewal, and an expedited service takes 5 weeks at least. While in Germany, it takes about 8 – 10 weeks to renew a passport.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a German Passport?
The cost to renew a German passport may vary depending on where you apply, the passport validity, and the page counts.
If you apply in the US, the passport fee payment should be made at the time on-site. You can pay the fee with a credit card, in cash in US Dollars, or by money order in US Dollars. Checks or cash in euros are not acceptable.
| Passport | Passport Fee in EUR/USD (exchange rate may vary) |
| For applicants above 24 years (32 pages) | 101 EUR (112 USD) |
| For applicants above 24 years (48 pages) | 132 EUR (147 USD) |
| For applicants below 24 years (32 pages) | 68,5 EUR (76 USD) |
| For applicants below 24 years (48 pages) | 99,5 EUR (111 USD) |
| Expedited service | 32 EUR (35 USD) |
| Temporary passport (1-year validity) | 70 EUR (78 USD) |
In Germany, the cost of renewing a passport is listed below. The payment can be made with cash or credit cards.
| Passport | Passport Fee in EUR |
| For applicants above 24 years (32 pages) | 101 EUR |
| For applicants above 24 years (48 pages) | 123 EUR |
| For applicants below 24 years (32 pages) | 68,5 EUR |
| For applicants below 24 years (48 pages) | 90,5 EUR |
Validity of a New German Passport
The validity of a renewed German passport may vary depending on the age of the applicants. The German passport is valid for six years for applicants below 24; ten years otherwise. In the US, a German temporary passport with 1-year validity is applicable.
Bonus Tips: How to Make Compliant German Passport Photos Online for Free
You can create a German passport photo for your passport renewal cost-free with AiPassportPhotos. It is an easy-to-use online photo editor backed by AI tech. Here is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1. Learn German Passport Photo Guidelines
- Photo Size:
The German passport photo size should be 35×45 mm, or 1.37×1.77 inches, equivalent to 827 x 1063 pixels in dimension with 600 dpi in resolution. The face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head should measure 32 – 36mm.
- Background:
The background must be neutral grey without shadows, patterns, or objects.
- Photo Recency:
The photo must be taken no longer than six months.
- Facial Expression:
Keep a neutral facial expression. Your mouth should be closed.
- Head Position:
Face the camera directly so your face is visible.
- Eyes:
Eyes should be wide open and looking at the camera directly.
- Accessories:
Piercings, large earrings, and necklaces are not allowed.
- Glasses:
For medical reasons, prescription glasses with clear lenses and thin frames are acceptable. They must not cast shadows or glares. Sunglasses are not acceptable in any case.
- Hats & Religious Coverings:
Hats or head coverings are not acceptable, unless for religious reasons. The head covering must not cover your face or cast shadows on your face.
- Hair and Facial Hair:
Your hair and facial hair must not cover your facial features.
- Photo Quality:
The photo should be printed on high-quality photo paper in natural color with no damage.
Step 2. Dress Properly & Find a Well-lit Place
It is advisable to wear daily clothes in colors that contrast the background and remove any accessories. Get adequate lighting and exposure (e.g. sit by a window on a sunny day) to ensure your face is evenly lit and visible without shadows.
Step 3. Take a Few Pictures
You may ask your family or friends to take multiple pictures of you. Or set your smartphone camera 5 feet from you with a tripod and take multiple shots on burst mode. Try to relax throughout the photo shoot. Select the best picture for the passport photo.
Step 4. Make German Passport Photos Online for Free
Upload the picture to the AiPassportPhotos website.
The German passport photo editor automatically crops the photo size to 35×45 mm and removes unwanted backgrounds. Click “Free Download” to move on.
Within seconds, you will receive a digital passport photo 100% compliant with the German passport photo requirements.
AiPassportPhotos will offer you two types of outputs, digital version and printing version. We suggest you download both for various uses.
FAQs
How do I renew my expired German passport in the US?
You cannot renew a passport that has expired already. Instead, apply for a new German passport with a new passport number from a German Embassy or Consulate General in the US.
Can an American hold a German passport?
Yes. Starting from June 27th, 2024, Germany allows dual citizenship for its citizens. The US permits dual citizenship as well. As long as you are eligible for specific circumstances, you can hold a German passport as an American.
Can I travel back to Germany with an expired passport?
No. You can’t travel internationally with an expired passport. You are supposed to apply for a new one at a German Consulate General or Embassy near your residence.
Where can I get a German passport photo?
The German passport photo dimensions are 35×45 mm or 1.37×1.77 inches. You can get a German passport photo from a photo studio or photo booth that offers 35×45 mm photo service. Alternatively, snap a photo of yourself, and then use an online German passport photo size editor to resize the photo to 35×45 mm.
Does CVS do European passport photos?
Yes. The CVS photo printing service offers passport photo print services including the European passport photo (35 x 45 mm). You can upload a digital 35 x 45 mm passport photo to the CVS photo site or APP and have it printed in-store, or take one in a CVS store.
Conclusion
German passport renewal in the US can be much different from in Germany, lying in the required documents, costs, processing time, and procedures. Despite that, it is essential to regularly check your German passport validity and renew it timely, whether in Germany or the US.
Dolores Xiao