Czech Republic passport renewal in the USA

If your Czech passport is approaching its expiry date while you reside in the United States, you can renew it without returning home. This article explains how to apply for a Czech passport renewal at the consulate, what documents to prepare, and how to streamline the process with a compliant passport photo.

Table of contents

• Who is eligible to renew a Czech Republic passport in the USA
• Passport renewal in the USA VS passport renewal in the Czech Republic: key differences
• Where to apply for a Czech Republic passport renewal in the USA
• Step-by-step process
• Documents required for a Czech passport renewal
• Czech Republic passport photo requirements
• Get your Czech passport photo online!
• Where to print a 35×45 photo in the USA?
• Czech Republic passport renewal fees in the USA
• Passport renewal waiting times
• FAQ

Who is eligible to renew a Czech Republic passport in the USA

Czech citizens living or staying long-term in the United States can renew their passports through Czech consular offices. Here are the eligibility criteria:

• Hold Czech nationality and provide proof of citizenship, such as a current or expired passport or a recent citizenship certificate.
• Reside within the consulate's jurisdiction.
• Attend a biometric appointment in person, as temporary visitors generally do not qualify.
• If under 18, you must have your parents present and provide their consent.

In the USA, you can submit your passport application at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, D.C. or at one of the consulates in New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles. Note that honorary consulates do not process passport renewals.

Passport renewal in the USA VS passport renewal in the Czech Republic: key differences

Renewing your passport abroad follows the same legal rules but involves different processing times, fees, and submission procedures. The table below shows how the U.S. consular process compares to applying in person in the Czech Republic.

Where to apply for a Czech Republic passport renewal in the USA

Can I renew my passport at the Czech consulate in New York? Czech consulates across the United States handle passport renewals, but each office serves a specific jurisdiction. Here's how to find the right consulate based on your residence:

• Consulate General in New York: For residents of Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

• Consulate General in Chicago: Serves Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

• Consulate General in Los Angeles: Covers Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

• Embassy in Washington, D.C.: Handles Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Step-by-step process

Renewing your Czech passport abroad is straightforward once you know the sequence of actions. Let’s walk you through booking a Czech passport appointment in the USA, submitting documents, and tracking your application. Follow these steps:

1. Book your appointment online with the appropriate Czech consulate general based on your state of residence (e.g., Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago). Note that passport renewals cannot be processed at honorary consulates or by mail.
2. Gather all necessary original documents and photocopies.
3. Visit the Consulate in person for biometric data collection, including fingerprints and a photo. If renewing a minor's passport, both parents must be present for those under 15.
4. Pay the applicable fees at the consulate during your scheduled appointment.
5. Wait for processing. You will get a notification when your new passport is ready for pick-up at the consulate where you applied.

Documents required for a Czech passport renewal

Applicants must provide proof of identity, citizenship, and any recent civil status changes. Here you’ll find a precise list of the forms and supporting documents you must prepare before your appointment.

General documents:

• Your current or expired Czech passport. If you don't have a passport, bring a citizenship certificate issued within the last 12 months.
• A valid ID, such as a driver's license or national ID card.
• Two recent biometric passport photos.
• A completed passport application form, which you can find on the consulate's website.

Additional documents (if applicable):

• An original or certified birth certificate if the previous passport was issued before the age of 16 or for the first adult renewal.
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, accompanied by an English translation, for any name changes.
• For applicants under 18, both parents must be present and provide consent. If one parent is absent, a notarized DS-3053 form is required, along with the child's birth certificate to confirm parentage.

Note: Remember to bring original documents as well as photocopies for submission.

Czech Republic passport photo requirements

Czech biometric passport photos follow strict size, background, and facial expression rules. Below are the full specifications so you can prepare a photo that meets all consular standards:

• The photo should be 35 mm wide by 45 mm high, with either straight or slightly rounded corners.
• Ensure the head height (chin to top of hair) is approximately 34.5 mm, leaving about 3 mm between the top of the hair and the photo's edge.
• Use a plain white or light gray background, uniform, without any shadows.
• The image must be high-resolution, sharp, and in color. It should clearly and naturally display your full face without shadows, reflections, or distortions.
• Face the camera directly, with a neutral expression. Keep your mouth closed and eyes open, making sure the head is not tilted or turned.
• Wear civilian clothing without hats or head coverings, except for religious or medical reasons where your face must remain fully visible.
• Avoid glasses that obscure your eyes.
• The photo must be taken within the last six months and accurately reflect your current appearance.

Here is an example photo:

Get your Czech passport photo online!

Skip the photo studio by creating your own Czech passport photo using online tools. Here's how to quickly produce a compliant passport photo with Visafoto, a reliable photo editing service. Just follow these two steps:

1. Capture your photo in natural daylight.
2. Upload it to the Visafoto tool below.

That's all! Visafoto will take care of the rest, automatically adjusting the background, size, and head position to meet official standards. You’ll receive a digital copy suited for online submissions, along with a print-ready format.

Example of a photo to upload to Visafoto:

With a 99.7% acceptance rate and over 500,000 photos approved, Visafoto guarantees compliance with official requirements or provides a full refund. Our tech support team is available 24/7 to assist with any questions.

Where to print a 35×45 photo in the USA?

Most U.S. photo studios don’t offer European-size prints by default, but several reliable options exist. Here you’ll find out where you can order or print a compliant 35×45 mm photo without extra hassle.

Use Visafoto for hassle-free photo printing. We provide a file with four photos on one sheet. Here’s how to get them printed:

At home:

1. Use 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) photo paper.
2. Open the photo file on your computer.
3. Right-click the file and select “Print”.

Using a printing service:

Don’t have a printer? No problem. Visit a local printing service and ask for prints on 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) paper. Many services in the USA offer online ordering and payment, with easy in-store pickup. Here's how:

1. Upload your photo file to a photo service website like Walgreens, Rite Aid, or CVS.
2. Choose the 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) print size.
3. Enter your details, place the order, and receive your professionally printed photos at your doorstep.

Detailed passport photo printing guideline

Czech Republic passport renewal fees in the USA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sets the fees for renewing a Czech passport abroad, which are payable in local currency at the consulate. Fees match those for initial passport issuance. Here’s a breakdown:

As of December 2025:

• Adults (16 and older): CZK 2400 or approx. USD 116;
• Children under 15: CZK 400 or approx. USD 19;
• Emergency Travel Document: CZK 800 or approx. USD 39.

Fees may change, so confirm costs with Czech diplomatic missions in the USA.

Passport renewal waiting times

Processing times vary by consulate and depend on workload in the Czech Republic. Here’s what to expect:

The official maximum processing time is 120 days. However, the average is about 2 months. To avoid delays, apply well in advance of your travel plans.

FAQ

Can I renew my Czech passport in the USA if I am only visiting temporarily?

If you are only visiting the USA on a short-term basis, you typically cannot renew your passport there. Czech consulates in the USA cater to Czech citizens who reside in their jurisdiction. Temporary visitors should ideally renew their passports in the Czech Republic or their country of permanent residence for procedural compliance.

Can I apply if my passport is already expired?

Yes, you can. It is advisable to apply promptly once your passport has expired. Submit the expired passport with your renewal application. Processing generally takes about 2 months, so timely preparation is essential.

What if I changed my name?

You can apply even with a name change. Provide original documents that verify the name updates, such as marriage or divorce certificates, along with certified English translations and photocopies. The consulate may need to update your name in the Czech Citizenship Register, which could add up to 30 days to the processing time.

Can someone submit or collect the passport on my behalf?

No, you must personally submit and collect your Czech passport renewal application in the USA. The process requires you to provide biometric data, including a photograph and fingerprints, at the consulate. Your physical presence is also necessary when picking up the new passport.

Can I travel while waiting for the new passport?

Yes, you can travel while waiting for your new passport, provided you have a valid travel document. If your passport is expired and urgent travel is required, you may obtain a temporary travel document from the Czech consulate. This allows limited travel, subject to destination-specific travel restrictions, visa requirements, and passport validity rules.

Will my old passport be returned to me?

No, once you receive your new Czech passport, you must surrender the old one to the consulate, where it will be cancelled. If your old passport is lost or stolen, you should submit a lost/stolen passport notice instead.