As a Russian citizen living in the US, you must renew your passport timely, or you won’t be able to travel internationally. However, when it comes to passport renewal for adults and minors, the requirements may vary. In this complete guide, learn how to renew a Russian passport for both adults and minors in the USA.
When Do I Need to Renew My Russian Passport in the USA?
It depends on what type of Russian passport you hold. There are two types of passports in Russia. One is called the internal passport issued to all Russian citizens over the age of 14 residing in Russia, only used within the country for identity purposes. To renew an internal passport, you need to be in the country.
The other is the international passport issued for citizens to travel outside Russia. It can be renewed at a Russian Embassy or Consulate abroad. There are two types of international passports: a 5-year standard passport and a 10-year biometric passport. Generally, the renewal for a 5-year passport takes 1 month to process, and for a 10-year one 2 months. Therefore, it is advised to renew your Russian passport 2-3 months before it expires.
What Documents Are Required for Russian Passport Renewal in USA
Before applying for your Russian passport renewal in the USA, you need to gather the following documents:
- Completed online application form (for adults and minors under 18 years old)
- A copy of the biodata page of your Russian travel passport
- A copy of the main page and the address registration pages on your valid Russian internal passport (if applicable)
- A copy of your birth certificate
- Marriage or divorce certificates (if applicable)
- Four recent 3.5 x 4.5 cm Russian passport photos
- Appointment confirmation letter
For minors, the following additional documents are required:
- A copy of the biodata page of one parent’s Russian travel passport
- A copy of the main page and the address registration pages on one parent’s valid Russian internal passport.
How to Renew a Russian Passport in the USA
It can be straightforward to renew your Russian travel passport while you are in the USA. Follow the steps.
Step 1. Make an appointment with the nearest Consulate. Take the Embassy in Washington as an example.
- Visit the Online appointment system and click Initial appointment.
- Tick on the box and click Continue.
- Fill in your information.
- On LIST OF THE CONSULAR SERVICES, Click Passport.
- Click Get an appointment. You will be sent an appointment number, security code, and an email. Use the link in the email to confirm the application date and time.
Step 2. Gather the necessary documents as listed above.
Step 3. On the appointment day, visit the Consulate with the documents.
Step 4. Pay the passport renewal fee.
Step 5. The consulate office will keep you informed about the status of your application via email or SMS. When your new passport is ready, you need to collect it in person.
Locations of Russian Consulates in the USA
Currently, there are three Russian Embassy and Consulates in the USA. Refer to the address and contacts of each Consulate in the following list.
| Russian Embassy and Consulates in the USA | Address | Contacts |
| Embassy of the Russian Federation in Washington, D.C. | 2650 Wisconsin Avenue, NW20007Washington DCDistrict of ColumbiaUnited States | Phone Numbers: (202) 939-8914; (202) 298‑5700; Fax: (202) 298-5735; E-mail: rusembusa@mid.ru Website: https://washington.mid.ru/ Open hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Friday) |
| Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Houston | Houston, TX1333 West Loop South, Ste.1300TX 77027HoustonUnited States | Phone Numbers: (713) 337-3300; (713) 213-84-84Fax: (713) 337-3305; E-mail: info@rusconshouston.org Website: http://www.rusconhouston.mid.ru/ Open hours: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Monday – Friday) |
| Russian Consulate in New York, NYC | New York, NY9 East 91 StreetNY, 10128New YorkUnited States | Phone Numbers: (212) 348-0750;(646) 784-4580; Fax: (212) 831-9162; E-mail: mailny@mid.ru Website: https://newyork.mid.ru/ Open hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Friday) |
How to Renew a Russian Passport without Traveling to the Russian Embassy or Consulate
As of now, there’s no online process for renewing a Russian passport. So you need to visit a Russian consulate or embassy and submit the renewal application in person.
How Long Will I Get the New Russian Passport?
The wait time depends on the type of your new Russian passport. Generally, the renewal for a 5-year passport takes about one month to process; and for a 10-year one, it takes 2 months.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew Russian Passport in the USA
As of 2024, the cost to renew a Russian passport of different types is as follows:
| Passport type | Consular fees |
| 5-year passport for adults | USD 35 |
| 10-year passport for adults | USD 90 |
| 5-year passport for minors | USD 15 |
| 10-year passport for minors | USD 50 |
Russian Travel Passport Photo Regulations
Below are the official Russian passport photo requirements. Failure to meet them can delay your renewal application or even result in its rejection.
- Photo size:
The Russian passport photo size must be 35×45 mm, equivalent to 827 x 1063 pixels in dimension with 600 dpi in resolution. The head height should measure 34mm.
- Background:
The background must be white.
- Photo recency:
The photo should be taken no longer than six months.
- Photo quality:
The photo must be in natural color, high resolution, in focus, and printed on high-quality photo paper with no defects.
- Facial expression:
Maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed.
- Head position:
The head must face the camera directly.
- Eyes:
Eyes should be wide open and look at the camera directly.
- Hair and facial hair:
Your hair and facial hair must not cover your facial features.
- Accessories:
Accessories such as piercings, large earrings, and necklaces that may cover your facial features are not acceptable.
- Glasses:
Glasses with clear lenses and thin frames are accepted. Ensure they do not reflect light or cast shadows on your face. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
- Hats & religious coverings:
Hats and head coverings are not allowed in passport photos except for religious reasons. If wearing one, ensure it does not cover your face or cast shadows on your face.
How to Get Russian Passport Photos in the USA
In the US, there are many passport photo providers such as CVS, FedEx, Walmart, Walgreens, and local photo studios, where you can print passport photos on-site. It costs around USD 16 to get two prints. To save money and time, consider creating a Russian passport photo yourself with AiPassportPhotos. It is a professional online passport photo maker backed by advanced AI tech free of use. Follow the steps and get a 100% compliant photo for your Russian passport application.
Step 1. Dress properly
Follow the Russian passport photo dress code stated above, and remove unnecessary accessories.
Step 2. Set up your phone
Set your smartphone camera 1 meter from you. Use a tripod or fix the phone to a stable place because you don’t want blurry-quality photos.
Step 3. Snap a photo
Ask family or friends to take several photos of you. Try to relax throughout the photo shoot. After that, select the best picture for the passport photo.
Step 4. Crop the photo to 3.5×4.5 cm
Upload the picture to the AiPassportPhotos website.
The photo editor will automatically crop the size to 3.5×4.5 cm and remove unwanted backgrounds.
Within seconds, you will receive a printable photo template and a digital photo with 100% compliance for your Russian passport renewal application.
Step 5. Print the photo
You can either print the passport photo in a photo printing service nearby or print it yourself on high-quality photo paper if you own a photo printer.
Bonus Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renewing Russian Passports
Renewing a Russian passport can be a complex process as it involves many documents and takes quite a long time. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Incomplete documentation: Ensure all forms are filled out and copied accurately and completely. Any missing documents can delay the renewal process.
- Incorrect photographs: Passport photos must meet specific requirements, or your application can be rejected.
- Missed appointments: If you miss your appointment for Russian passport renewal, you will need to reschedule it. During this time, your passport may expire, which means you cannot renew it anymore but apply for a new one.
Here are some bonus tips to help you secure a smooth passport renewal application:
- Check deadlines regularly: Be aware of the expiration date of your current passport and any deadlines for submitting the renewal application.
- Plan ahead: Start the renewal process well in advance, say 2-3 months before expiry.
- Gather all required documents: Make a checklist of all necessary documents and ensure they are in order and well placed.
- Check passport photo compliance: use AiPassportPhotos to check photo compliance and make a passport photo with 100% acceptance.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with any mail, email, and SMS for your Russian passport renewal process. If any missing documents, submit them timely.
FAQs
Can I renew my passport if it has already expired?
No, you cannot renew an expired Russian passport. Instead, you will need to apply for a new one.
Can Russians renew their passports online?
As of now, Russian citizens cannot renew their passports online. The process typically involves in-person visits to a Russian consulate or embassy to submit the necessary documents.
Can I renew a lost or stolen Russian passport in the USA?
No. If your Russian passport is lost or stolen unfortunately in the USA, you will need to apply for a new passport rather than a passport renewal.
Conclusion
The Russian passport renewal in the USA is a relatively straightforward process. By following the instructions and steps in this guide, you can efficiently renew your Russian passport and continue your international trips. Remember to bring all the necessary documents including compliant passport photos for s smooth passport renewal process.