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

Applying for a U.S. passport while outside the United States is a different process from applying for a U.S. passport while inside the United States. Although the application forms, supporting documentation, fees and finished products are the same everywhere, each U.S. embassy and consulate has different procedures for submitting and processing your final documents. Listed below is information you should know when applying for a U.S. passport while outside the United States.

In most cases, all original documents submitted by the applicant in support of their application will be returned at the conclusion of their interview.  Previous passports will generally be cancelled and returned to the applicant.  New passports will be delivered via a messenger service for a nominal cost in approximately three weeks to an address within Mexico as indicated on the application.  The use of the delivery service is required for most passport cases.

Application Forms

If you are applying from outside of the United States, DO NOT follow the submission instructions included within the application form, which are intended for people applying from within the United States. The same application forms are used whether you are inside or outside the U.S., though the process for submitting the form will be different. Please find and download the application form(s) you need.

To make an appointment

Select the day and time for your appointment. 

Supporting Documents

Give supporting documents-- verifying your citizenship and identity-- to your local consulate or embassy along with your application form. The required supporting documentation varies based on the application form used, so consult your form for more details.

First Time Applicants

Minors Under Age 16

Renewals for adults (please submit a full certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate along with your application).

In addition, secondary evidence might be requested by the Consular Officer.

Photos

One U.S. passport size photograph is required at the time of application.  It must be 2 x 2 in. (5 x 5 centimeters) with off-white background and in color. The photo must have been taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. Click here for a complete list of passport photo requirements.

Fees

Routine Services: (Form DS-11)
Passport book age 16 and older: $135 USD.
Passport book under age 16: $105 USD.

Passport card age 16 and older: $55 USD.
Passport card under age 16: $40 USD.

Adult Renewals: (Form DS-82): $110 USD.

Methods of payment: All fees are payable in cash (U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos) or with most credit cards.

Processing

Expedited processing is not available for passports when you apply from outside the United States. All passports requested from overseas are printed in the U.S. and sent to your embassy or consulate. In an emergency, embassies or consulates can issue limited validity passports. Contact them directly for more information.

The American Citizen Services Unit can be reached by email at MonterreyACS@state.gov or by phone at (81) 8047-3145 on weekdays between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. with the exception of American and Mexican holidays, and the following dates.

*Please note that electronic equipment, this includes cellular telephones, cameras (photo or video), radios, and computers, are not permitted inside the Consulate.  Suitcases, food, firearms, or any liquids including gel disinfectants are also not permitted.