How to apply for a U.S. passport

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.

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. Click here to find and download the application form(s) you need.

To make an appointment

Click here to select the day and time for your appointment.

Proof of Citizenship

Birth Certificate (Original or Certified Copy); Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate; Consular Report of Birth Abroad, current or expired U.S. Passport.

Proof of identity

At least 2 official photo IDs from Mexico or the United States (current and/or expired).

Secondary evidence of citizenship include

Hospital birth certificate, crib ID card, hospital bracelet, Doctor's appointment card, prenatal records, immunization records, baptismal certificate. The required supporting documentation varies based on the application form used, so consult your Application Form for more details.

Please bring a copy along with any original documents the day of your appointment.

Parental Consent for Minors

All applicants under the age of 16 must have parental consent. When possible, both parents should personally appear with valid photo identification. If only one parent is present at the time of application, it is necessary to bring Form DS-3053 Statement of Consent: Issuance of a Passport to a Minor signed by the absent parent before a U.S. Consular Officer or Notary Public, or

U.S. notarized written consent (in English) signed by the absent parent authorizing the applying parent to request a U.S. passport for the minor child, and a copy of the absent parent’s identification with a clear photograph and signature.

If only one parent has custody it is necessary to bring proof that the parent executing the application has sole custody of the child. Examples of proof include: birth certificate listing the mother as the only named parent, court order granting sole legal custody to one parent, or death certificate of deceased parent. Documents presented as proof must be original.

Photos

The photo you submit for your application must meet all U.S. passport photo requirements. Be aware that photo requirements for a U.S. Passport may vary from passport photo requirements of other countries. Click here for a full list of passport photo requirements.

Fees

While the specific fees for services are the same whether you are inside or outside of the United States, the U.S. Consulate in Juarez, Mexico can only accept your payment on site and on the day of your appointment via cash in U.S. or local currency, or via credit/debit card. Unlike Acceptance Facilities located in the United States, the U.S. Consulate cannot accept personal checks and you cannot send cash by mail. Click here for a full list of fees.

Additionally, there is a courier fee of $8.00 U.S. dollars per document, payable at the DHL counter at 2050 Lopez Mateos street in Juarez, Chihuahua; this payment is made after your passport is approved. Additional instructions will be given to you by the approving Consular Officer.

Processing

Turnaround time is approximately ten working days.

Expedited processing is not available at this Consulate since all passports are printed in the U.S. In an emergency. the U.S. Consulate in Juarez, Mexico may issue you a limited validity passport to facilitate genuine emergency travel. Please contact us for more information