Brazilian Passport Renewal in the USA

Do you need to renew your Brazilian passport while in the US and wonder, “What do I need to renew my Brazilian passport?” This article breaks down everything you need to know — from the application process to tips on getting the perfect passport photo — ensuring you're fully prepared for each step of the renewal process, no matter where you reside in the United States.

Table of contents

• Validity period of Brazilian passports
• Who is eligible to renew a Brazilian passport in the USA?
• When and why should you renew your Brazilian passport while abroad?
• Where to renew a Brazilian passport in the USA? Identifying the Correct Consular Jurisdiction
• Step-by-step Brazilian passport renewal application
• Documents required to renew a Brazilian passport in the USA
• Brazilian passport photo requirements
• Get a Brazilian passport photo online!
• Passport Photo App
• Costs of Brazilian passport renewal in the USA
• How long does it take to renew a Brazilian passport in the USA?

Validity period of Brazilian passports

For adults, a Brazilian passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. If you lose your passport and need a replacement, the new one will be valid for 5 or 4 years. If you lose it again and need another replacement, the validity drops to 2 years. Passports issued to minors have shorter validity based on their age:

• from birth to 1-year-old: 1-year validity;
• 1 to 2 years old: 2-year validity;
• 2 to 3 years old: 3-year validity;
• 3 to 4 years old: 4-year validity;
• 4 to 18 years old: 5-year validity.

Who is eligible to renew a Brazilian passport in the USA?

Brazilian citizens living in the USA can renew their passports at a Brazilian consulate or the Brazilian embassy in Washington, D.C., as long as they fulfill the customary requirements.

Can I renew my Brazilian passport by mail? You can usually renew your passport by mail if you've held one previously. However, first-time applicants or individuals with specific conditions might need to be present in person.

To renew, applicants need to fill out an application via the consulate’s online e-consular system, and they can submit their applications either through the mail or by visiting in person, along with the necessary documents.

When and why should you renew your Brazilian passport while abroad?

Keeping your Brazilian passport up to date while you're abroad is crucial to meet international travel rules and to maintain the ability to travel, work, or study without any hitches.

You should consider renewing your Brazilian passport if any of the following situations apply to you:

• If your Brazilian passport has expired.
• If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• If you have legally changed your name or any other personal information.
• If your passport has no more blank pages for new entry or exit stamps.
• You should also renew your passport if you are going to a country that requires your passport to be valid for at least six months after your planned arrival date. Renewing is necessary before any trips if your passport expires before this.

Where to renew a Brazilian passport in the USA? Identifying the Correct Consular Jurisdiction

Go to the Brazilian Embassy for a passport renewal in the USA or one of the consulates spread across the country. The right consular office for you is determined by where you live, as each handles specific states or regions. You can check out the complete list of consular jurisdictions of Brazil in the USA on the official Gov.br website.

Here are the main consulate locations:

Embassy of Brazil in Washington, DC

• Jurisdiction: DC, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, all military bases (except Guam)
• Address: 1030 15th Street NW, Suite 280W, Washington, DC 20005
• Phone: 202-461-3000
• Website: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/embaixada-washington

Brazilian consulate in NYC

• Jurisdiction: Bermuda, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
• Address: 225 East 41st Street, New York, NY 10017-6927
• Phone: 212-827-0976
• Website: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-nova-york

Consulate General of Brazil in Miami, FL

• Jurisdiction: Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Address: 80 SW 8th St. — Suite 2600 Miami FL 33130
• Phone: 305-285-6200
• Website: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-miami

Consulate General of Brazil in Houston, TX

• Jurisdiction: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
• Address: 1233 West Loop South, Park Tower North, Suite 1150, Houston, TX 77027
• Phone: 713-961-3063
• Website: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-houston

For a Brazilian passport renewal in Los Angeles, visit the consulate in LA, California

• Jurisdiction: Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming; selected CA counties
• Address: 8484 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 300, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
• Phone: 323-651-2664
• Website: https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-los-angeles

Step-by-step Brazilian passport renewal application

Here’s a detailed guide to renewing your Brazilian passport while in the United States:

1. Determine the Brazilian embassy or consulate responsible for your area based on your current U.S. address.
2. Collect all necessary documentation.
3. Complete the application form on the eConsular platform.
4. Print the finished application and attach a recent photo.
5. Submit your application as follows:
   • By mail: send your application, along with the required documents, payment, and a pre-paid return envelope, to the correct consulate or embassy.
   • In person: make an online appointment if needed, especially for first-time applicants, those who have lost their passports, or under special conditions.
6. Attend your scheduled appointment with all required documents and the payment.
7. Pay the application fee and include the receipt with your paperwork.
8. Wait for the processing of your application. Your new passport and any original documents will either be mailed back to you or available for pick-up, as per your consulate's instructions.

Documents required to renew a Brazilian passport in the USA

What documents do I need to renew my Brazilian passport? The following is required:

For adults:

• Completed and signed online application form.
• A recent passport photo that meets official standards.
• Brazilian birth or marriage certificate (original or certified copy).
• Previous Brazilian passport (if you have one).
• Valid Brazilian identity card or driver’s license.
• Proof of current U.S. address.
• Military and voting documents (if applicable, especially for males aged 18–45).
• USPS money order for the application fee.
• Prepaid express mail return envelope (if applying by mail).

For minors:

• Application form signed by parents or legal guardians.
• Minor's birth certificate.
• Previous passport (if applicable).
• Valid passports or identity cards of parents.
• Proof of U.S. address.
• Recent passport-sized photo of the minor.

Brazilian passport photo requirements

To ensure your Brazilian passport image meets official standards, adhere to the following guidelines:

• The photo should measure 50 × 70 mm (5 × 7 cm).
• Use a plain white background without any shadows or patterns.
• Present a full front view of your head and shoulders, with your head centered and eyes open. The head's height should be 42 mm from the top of the hair to the chin, with an 8 mm gap from the top edge of the photo to the head.
• Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
• Avoid glasses unless essential for medical reasons; if worn, ensure no glare or frame obstruction and that eyes remain fully visible.
• Headwear is permissible only for religious or medical reasons, often requiring a supporting statement or doctor's note.
• The photo must have been taken within the last six months.

Digital requirements (for online submissions):

• Image Size: 431 × 531 pixels (or equivalent to 50 × 70 mm at 300 DPI).
• File size: Should be between 240 KB and 300 KB.
• Format: Submit in .jpg format.

Here is an example:

Get a Brazilian passport photo online!

To ensure your Brazilian passport photo meets all necessary requirements, use specialized online services like Visafoto.com, which are known for their reliability. Operating since 2013, Visafoto is experienced in producing compliant photos for passports, visas, driving licenses, and other documents globally.

With Visafoto, you can take a suitable photo for a Brazilian passport from anywhere worldwide. Simply snap a picture according to specified guidelines, upload it, and the tool will handle the formatting, background, size, and dimensions for you.

Example of the photo you can take at home for Brazilian passport application:

You will receive a digital copy for online applications and a print-ready version. If you're unsatisfied with the outcome, we offer free photo replacements or a full refund if the photo is rejected by officials.

Passport Photo App

The 7ID App by Visafoto.com is another excellent option for creating flawless passport photos. Designed for smartphones, the app is available on both iPhone and Android platforms, catering to diverse needs.

Using 7ID is straightforward: upload your photo, choose the document type and country, and the app will automatically adjust your photo to meet official standards, covering aspects like size, format, background colour, and positioning of your face and eyes.

You'll receive both a digital copy and a print template that fits common paper sizes such as 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. For assistance, our support team is readily available.

Costs of Brazilian passport renewal in the USA

The Brazilian passport fees in a dollar amount are as follows:

• Adults (18 years and older): USD 180.
• Children aged 5–17: USD 120.
• Children under 4: USD 60.

How long does it take to renew a Brazilian passport in the USA?

Generally, it takes about 3 to 4 weeks to process a Brazilian passport renewal in the USA, though during busy periods it may extend to 6 to 7 weeks.

Currently, there is no centralized online system for Brazilian passport tracking in the USA. To check the status of your application, please do the following:

1. Directly reach out to the consulate where you submitted your application, either through email or phone.
2. Provide your full name and application number to help the consulate locate your application.
3. Keep an eye on your email for updates or additional document requests from the consulate.
4. If you've applied via mail and included a prepaid return envelope with tracking, you can use the courier's tracking number to follow the progress of the return shipment.

Simplify the renewal process by taking your passport photo with Visafoto or the 7ID app!