Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on services available to American citizens

(Click on your question to get the answer.)

1. How long does it take to renew or apply for a new U.S. passport?

Passports are printed in the U.S. and can take up to 10 to 15 working days to be processed, depending on whether you apply in person (10 days) or apply by mail (15 days).

2. Do I need to submit my passport application in person or may I submit by mail?

You may submit your application by mail only if you are eligible — see our section Passport Applications by Mail.

3. I want to apply for passports for my children. Do I have to bring them to the Consulate General for their applications?

Yes, all children under 16 must apply in person with both parents present, or the appearing parent must present a notarized consent from the non-appearing parent — for further instructions see the section on Passports for Minors. Also, adolescents age 16 and above, or young adults over 18 who cannot submit a 10-year validity passport for renewal, must appear in person and submit the DS-11 application form — for further instructions see our section on the DS-11 application.

4. Is it necessary to make an appointment to renew my U.S. passport?

No, certain passport services are available by mail. Other passport services require your personal appearance. Please see our Passport page to see whether you should apply by mail or in person. The Passport and Citizenship Unit is open to the public between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon weekdays, except Wednesdays and American and Danish holidays.

5. Do I submit my passport applications to the passport offices in the United States?

No, when living abroad you should always submit your application to the embassy or consulate serving your consular district. In Denmark, this is the Embassy in Copenhagen.

6. Can I renew my passport before it expires?

Yes, you may renew your passport at any time that is convenient for you. Please ensure that you have enough time to receive your new passport before you need to travel. Because passports are printed in the United States, the process of obtaining a new passport can take up to 15 days.

7. I need to renew my passport which is expiring soon — do I need to surrender it when I apply?

No, just tell us that you will need to keep it valid while we wait for your new one to be processed. It does mean, however, that you will need to apply in person for your new passport (i.e., you cannot submit your application by mail). You will also have to return to the Embassy to pick up your new passport so we can cancel the old one you have now.

8. Does my passport need to be valid for 6 months or a year in order to travel?

Your passport may be used for travel to and from the United States within the validity date displayed in the passport. Certain countries may demand that your passport is valid for longer than 6 months. Please see www.travel.state.gov and country specific information under International Travel for entry requirements to foreign countries.

9. My son/daughter has both Danish and American citizenship. At what age must s/he choose which citizenship s/he wants to keep?

American citizenship is for life. No child has to do anything at any age to retain, choose, affirm, or confirm American citizenship. In the 1980s, the Supreme Court ruled that citizenship is a Constitutional right which cannot be taken away from a citizen who does not want to relinquish it.

10. I have both a Danish and American passport — can I travel to the U.S. on my Danish passport?

No. Section 215 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1185) requires U.S. citizens to use a valid U.S. passport when entering or leaving the United States.

11. I travel frequently and my passport is always at some embassy or consulate to obtain a visa. Can I get a second U.S. passport?

Generally, citizens are allowed to carry only one valid passport at a time. In some cases the issuance of a second passport is possible: frequent travel and the delays due to visa applications, or the presence of a stamp from one country that could cause problems in another country. We will ask for justification from an employer or proof of compelling reasons for personal travel. You will have to visit the Embassy in person to make your request. The Passport and Citizenship Unit is open to the public between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon weekdays, except Wednesdays and American and Danish holidays.

12. I am a U.S. citizen (or a dual U.S. citizen/Danish or other citizen) and live and earn my income in Denmark. Do I have to file taxes in the U.S.?

Yes, all American citizens world-wide must report income by filing an annual U.S. income tax return, regardless of whether they also file and pay taxes elsewhere. For more information see www.irs.gov.

13. I am a U.S. citizen but do not have a U.S. social security number. How can I apply for one?

The U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen has no Federal Benefits Unit. Expanded regional Federal benefits services are provided by the Federal Benefits Unit in Oslo, Norway to all of Scandinavia. Please see our section on Federal Benefits. It is important that every U.S. citizen has a social security number, especially as you are unable to fulfill your U.S. tax obligations without one.

14. I am a U.S. citizen and want to take on Danish citizenship — will I lose my U.S. citizenship?

Please see our section on Dual Nationality. It is possible that Danish immigration authorities may require you to give up your U.S. citizenship as a condition for granting Danish citizenship. An individual may exercise his/her right to formally renounce U.S. citizenship in accordance with INA Section 349(a)(5). Renunciation of U.S. citizenship, is a very serious and irrevocable exercise and should therefore only be undertaken after serious consideration of the consequences. This can be done at the Embassy by appointment only.

15. How do I obtain a certified copy of my U.S. birth/marriage/divorce certificate?

Please see our section on How to obtain vital records from the U.S. — please note that the Embassy cannot obtain records on your behalf.

Embassy of the United States Copenhagen, Denmark