How to Apply - General Information

The American Citizen Services Section requires use of electronic application forms for all passport services, including passport renewals.  After filling out your application on-line, print and bring your application to your appointment.  You may fill out the required forms using the Complete Application Online wizard.

Please note that you CANNOT submit your application online.  After filling out your application on-line, print and bring your application form(s) with you to your appointment. 

Failure to fill out applications on-line, instead using handwritten applications, will delay processing of your application.

When you apply for a U.S. passport at the American Citizen Services unit (ACS) in Shanghai, the new passport is generally ready for pick-up in 10 to 15 working days.  Routine first-time and renewal passports are produced in the United States and shipped to the ACS unit.  Passports must be picked up at the Consulate’s ACS unit.  Note: The Consulate’s American Citizen Services unit (ACS) can issue emergency U.S. passports only when a traveler has immediate, urgent travel needs. 

All children, must appear in person at the Consular Section.  Children under age 16 must be accompanied by both parents because both parents must sign the application in front of a U.S. consular officer.  If the child’s appearance has changed significantly since his/her last passport was issued, parents may be asked to show a series photos of the child growing up (a few photos per year).  The photo series is especially important if the child’s current passport was issued when s/he was an infant or toddler).  Please note that since cell phones and similar electrical devices are not allowed in our ACS waiting room, please bring the physical photos (not electronic versions) with you for your appointment.

If one of the parents is not in-country, the absent parent must provide a notarized, written authorization in English (see more information on passports for minors), unless the accompanying parent can show legal documentation attesting to sole custody.

Please note that false statements made knowingly and willfully in passport applications or in affidavits or other supporting documents submitted therewith are punishable by fine and/or imprisonment under provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1001, 18 U.S.C. 1542, 18 USC 1621.

A complete list of all passport application forms is available here.

Click below for more detailed information on various passport services:

• 1st U.S. Passport
• U.S. Passport Renewals
• Lost Passports