Bulgarian Passport Renewal in the USA
Renewing the Bulgarian passport in the USA is essential for over 250,000 Bulgarians residing there, including a significant number of students and professionals, to maintain travel freedom.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about renewing your Bulgarian passport in the United States, along with tips for obtaining a compliant passport photo.
Table of contents
- Bulgarian passport renewal eligibility for US residents
- 10-year Bulgarian passport: renewal rules
- Where to renew a Bulgarian passport in the United States
- Documents required for a Bulgarian passport renewal at the consulate
- Bulgarian passport photo requirements
- Get a photo for your Bulgarian passport application online!
- Where to print a 35×45 photo in the USA?
- Bulgarian passport renewal process step-by-step
- Bulgarian passport renewal fees
- Bulgarian passport renewal waiting time
- Lost, stolen, or damaged Bulgarian passport in the USA: what to do
- FAQ
Bulgarian passport renewal eligibility for US residents
If you are a Bulgarian citizen living legally in the U.S., you can renew your passport at a Bulgarian embassy or consulate within the United States: there's no need to return to Bulgaria, provided you meet the required citizenship and ID-document criteria.
Eligibility requirements include being a Bulgarian citizen, verified by your current Bulgarian passport, Bulgarian ID card, or, if lacking modern documentation, a certificate of Bulgarian citizenship alongside a birth certificate.
10-year Bulgarian passport: renewal rules
The validity of Bulgarian passports has been extended to a maximum of 10 years, a significant increase from the previous limit of 5 years.
Bulgarian passports can now be issued with either a 5-year or 10-year validity. The 10-year option is primarily available to adults, while minors typically receive shorter-term passports, following international norms. Specific age criteria and fees are outlined in Bulgarian regulations and consular tariffs.
Renewal vs. First Issuance:
- When renewing a 5-year passport after 2025, adults will generally have the option to choose a 10-year passport under the new regulations.
- Renewal is considered as the issuance of a new passport: you must submit a standard application, provide your biometrics, and the old passport is canceled upon receiving the new one.
Where to renew a Bulgarian passport in the United States
To start the application process, you must visit a Bulgarian embassy or consulate in person that provides consular services. Below you’ll find the key locations for passport renewal.
These offices handle passport issuance and renewal within their respective consular districts across the U.S.:
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria – Washington, D.C.:
- 1621 22nd Street NW, Dimitar Peshev Plaza, Washington, DC 20008.
- Serves D.C., the southeastern states, and some central states.
Consulate General of Bulgaria – New York:
- 121 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10065.
- Handles CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT.
Consulate General of Bulgaria – Chicago:
- 737 North Michigan Ave., Suite 2105, Chicago, IL 60611.
- Covers the Midwest, including CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI, WY.
Consulate General of Bulgaria – Los Angeles:
- 11766 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 470, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
- Covers western states: AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA.
Each embassy or consulate has specific consular districts based on U.S. states. You must apply at the office serving your area of residence. These locations require appointments for handling personal documents, and you can schedule them online, by email, or over the phone.
Honorary consuls in various cities are available but generally do not handle passport renewals: they provide information and limited assistance.
Documents required for a Bulgarian passport renewal at the consulate
When renewing your Bulgarian passport at a consulate, you must apply in person and present your existing Bulgarian documents along with any civil-status updates. Below is a detailed list of paperwork you need to prepare.
For adults (18+):
- Completed application form, which can be obtained at the consulate or downloaded from its website.
- Current or last Bulgarian passport (original and a photocopy).
- A Bulgarian ID card, original and photocopy, is required if you have one and if your passport is missing or expired long ago.
- If you do not have any Bulgarian personal documents issued after 2000:
- A certificate of Bulgarian citizenship from the Ministry of Justice (original and a copy).
- A Bulgarian birth certificate (original and copy).
- A passport for any other nationality you may have (original and a copy).
- Proof of any change of data:
- Address change: Certificate from the municipality in Bulgaria for a change of permanent address.
- Name change after marriage or divorce: Bulgarian marriage certificate or relevant court decision (original and copy).
- State/consular fee (paid on site by methods allowed by the consulate).
- Prepaid return envelope with tracking number (if the consulate mails passports back to that country).
For minors (Under 18):
In addition to standard requirements, consulates request:
- Child’s birth certificate (original and a copy).
- Child’s existing passport and/or ID card (originals and copies, if available).
- Both parents’ passports/ID cards (originals and copies, if available).
Both parents usually need to appear in person and sign the application. If only one parent can attend, provide one of the following:
- Notarized power of attorney from the absent parent (with Bulgarian translation), consenting to passport issuance and travel.
- Court decision removing parental rights from the absent parent.
- Court decision permitting passport issuance without the absent parent’s consent.
- Proof of the absent parent’s death or missing status declared by a court.
Bulgarian passport photo requirements
Photos for Bulgarian passports must meet strict biometric and technical criteria. Here are the key specifications:
- The photo must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high.
- The face from chin to top of the head should be 31-36 mm high, covering 70-80% of the photo.
- Ensure high resolution of at least 600 DPI, natural skin tone, even lighting, and no reflections or shadows on the face or background.
- For digital submissions, use JPG/JPEG. File sizes should be between 240 KB and 5 MB for online applications.
- The background should be light gray and plain, free of patterns, textures, and shadows.
- Maintain a neutral expression, keeping both eyes open, mouth closed, and head straight facing the camera. Avoid smiling or frowning.
- Eyes should be 15-20 mm apart, level, and clearly visible.
- Glasses are allowed only for medical reasons. No glare, no tint, and frames must not obstruct the eyes. Use clear lenses.
- Head coverings are permitted for religious purposes only. They should not cover any part of the face or cast shadows, and should be plain.
- The photo must reflect your current appearance and be taken within the last six months.
Here is an example of a compliant Bulgarian passport photo:
Get a photo for your Bulgarian passport application online!
Learn how to create a passport photo online that meets the official standards.
With modern online photo tools, there's no need to visit a studio for a quality document photo. Use Visafoto, a reliable photo editing service, to get a Bulgarian passport photo in two simple steps:
- Upload a photo taken in daylight to the Visafoto tool below.
- Select the appropriate country and document type (e.g., Bulgaria, passport).
That's it! Visafoto will automatically adjust the background, size, and head position to fulfill official criteria. Receive a digital copy ideal for online submissions and a print-ready version.
Sample photo to upload to Visafoto:
Result after Visafoto editing:
Visafoto boasts a 99.7% acceptance rate and over 500,000 approved photos. It guarantees alignment with official standards, offering a full refund otherwise. Our tech support team is ready to assist you 24/7 with any inquiries.
Where to print a 35×45 photo in the USA?
Visafoto makes printing your passport photos simple by providing a file with four photos on one sheet. Here, you’ll learn where and how you can easily print them:
At home:
- Use 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) photo paper.
- Open the photo file on your computer.
- Right-click on the file and select Print.
There is no need to adjust the size of the image yourself, as Visafoto ensures that the passport photos are printed directly on the correct size.
Using a printing service:
- If you lack access to a printer, visit a nearby photo printing shop.
- Request a print on 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) photo paper.
Alternatively, upload the file to a photo service website. Choose the 4×6-inch print size and place your order. Popular choices in the USA include Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy, which can mail the prints directly to your home.
Follow this guide to print passport-sized photos for under 50 cents
Bulgarian passport renewal process step-by-step
Renewing your passport involves several sequential steps at the consulate. Here is a straightforward process:
- Identify the Bulgarian consulate that serves your area. You can find links to the relevant embassies and consulates on the MFA's "USA" missions page. Visit their website and locate details under "Bulgarian personal documents/passport" in the Consular Services section for specific instructions, fees, and appointment requirements.
- Review the consulate's guidelines for passport renewal for fee structures, required forms, and appointment scheduling.
- Schedule an appointment and collect all necessary original documents and photocopies, including any citizenship or birth certificates.
- If your passport is lost or stolen, bring a U.S. police report and be ready to complete a loss/theft declaration at the consulate.
- Pay the passport issuance fee. Then, wait for processing.
- Upon arrival of your new passport, you have two options:
- Retrieve it in person at the consulate by presenting your old passport and receipt.
- Have it delivered via registered/courier mail, based on the option selected during application.
Once you receive your new passport, your old passport is canceled. If it's physically present, it will be destroyed or marked as invalid.
Bulgarian passport renewal fees
When renewing your Bulgarian passport at a consulate abroad in 2026, you'll encounter two types of fees: the official Bulgarian state fee (in euro/lev) and the local consular fee (often in the local currency of the country where the consulate is located). Here you’ll find the cost breakdown.
Base fees:
- The Ministry of Interior has set the fee for the new 10-year regular passport at approximately 28 EUR for adults.
- A standard 5-year passport is slightly less expensive, at around 26 EUR.
- Historic tariffs listed basic passport fees for adults aged 14–58 at about 20–21 EUR, with reduced fees for children and seniors.
These base fees form the foundation for consular pricing.
Consular fees abroad:
- Consulates apply these state fees based on their local consular tariffs. Adults (ages 14–58) pay the highest fees, with discounts for children and seniors.
- There is an additional charge for expedited services compared to regular processing. Express issuance often involves an extra courier fee (typically with DHL) to transport the completed passport from Bulgaria to the consulate.
To determine the exact fee you will pay in USD in 2026, you need to:
- Identify the Bulgarian mission in charge of your U.S. state (such as the Embassy in DC or Consulate Generals in NY, Chicago, or LA).
- Visit its website and navigate to "Consular Services → Passport / Bulgarian Personal Documents → Fees/Tariff" to view the current fee schedule.
Bulgarian passport renewal waiting time
Processing times can differ depending on location and season. When renewing your passport abroad, expect the following issuance times:
- Regular service: Up to 90 calendar days.
- Fast service: Up to 60 calendar days.
Once produced in Bulgaria and sent to the consulate, you will be notified of your passport's availability within a few business days.
Lost, stolen, or damaged Bulgarian passport in the USA: what to do
If your Bulgarian passport goes missing, is stolen, or becomes damaged in the USA, treat the situation seriously. Here’s what you need to do:
- Report the incident:
- If your passport was stolen, immediately file a report with local law enforcement or airport police.
- Keep a copy or note the report number, as consular officers will likely ask for this when replacing your document.
- Reach out to the appropriate Bulgarian consulate and schedule an appointment. If you face an emergency requiring immediate travel, use the consulate’s emergency contact number.
- Gather the following documents before your appointment:
- A copy or photo of your lost/stolen passport, if available.
- Any existing Bulgarian ID card or an older Bulgarian passport.
- Any other nationality passports or IDs.
- The police report or its reference number.
- Proof of identity and citizenship, like a Bulgarian birth or citizenship certificate, especially if you lack any valid Bulgarian ID.
- Bring your damaged passport if applicable: it will be canceled and replaced.
At the Consulate:
- Fill out and sign a declaration regarding your lost, stolen, or damaged passport.
- Submit applications for:
- A new regular passport, if you can wait for it to be produced.
- An emergency or temporary passport (laissez-passer) if you need to travel urgently. This is usually valid for return to Bulgaria or specific trips.
- Provide your biometric data and pay the necessary fees.
After receiving a new passport, update any US visas or residence permits that were linked to your old passport number. If you later recover the “lost” passport, do not use it. It is invalid once reported missing and should be given to a Bulgarian mission for disposal.
FAQ
Can I track my passport status online after submission?
There isn't a centralized online tracking system for Bulgarian passports. Updates are typically provided by email or phone from the consulate upon request.
Do I need to surrender my old passport after renewal?
Yes, you must surrender the old Bulgarian passport of the same type upon receiving the new one, as dual valid regular passports are not allowed.
How early can I renew my passport before it expires?
You can renew your passport while it's still valid. Many Bulgarians opt to renew several months before expiration to avoid travel disruptions. There isn't a strict rule on how early you can renew for standard renewals.
Can I apply if my passport is already expired?
Yes, you can renew your passport even if it has expired. However, you might face a fine for not renewing or returning it within three months post-expiry.
Can I travel while my Bulgarian passport is being renewed?
It's generally not possible to travel with that same passport once a new one is being processed. If travel is necessary, consider applying before your trip, waiting for the new passport, or requesting a temporary travel document for urgent situations.
Can someone apply on my behalf?
No, you must submit your Bulgarian passport application in person for identity verification and biometrics. For minors, parents or guardians may apply, but the child usually needs to be present.