Danish Passport Renewal in the USA
If you're a Danish citizen residing or working in the United States, renewing your passport at an embassy or consulate in the U.S. could be more convenient than traveling back to Denmark.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about a Danish passport renewal in the United States. We'll also provide tips on how to easily get a compliant passport photo.
Table of contents
- Who Can Renew a Danish Passport in the USA
- Where to Renew a Danish Passport in the United States
- Required Documents for Danish Passport Renewal in the USA
- Danish Passport Photo Requirements
- Instantly Make Your Danish Passport Photo Online
- Where to Print a 35×45 Photo in the USA?
- Danish Passport Renewal Fees in the USA
- Passport Renewal Waiting Times
- Emergency and Temporary Danish Passports
- Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Danish Passports in the USA
- FAQ
Who Can Renew a Danish Passport in the USA
Danish citizens with a recent, undamaged passport that was issued within the last two years, to individuals aged 18 or older, and in the same name, qualify for a Danish passport renewal abroad, including in the USA. Those who do not meet these criteria must apply for a new passport in person.
To renew your passport, visit a Danish embassy or consulate and submit the application along with the required documents and fee.
Where to Renew a Danish Passport in the United States
Danish citizens can renew their passports at designated Danish diplomatic missions in the U.S. Options vary depending on age, as outlined below.
For individuals aged 12 and over
Citizens aged 12 and above need to apply at one of the four General Consulates:
- Chicago
- Houston
- New York
- Silicon Valley (Palo Alto).
Schedule an appointment, such as booking online for the Chicago location.
For children under 12
Children under 12 may apply at any Danish mission, which includes the General Consulates and the Honorary Consulate in Los Angeles.
Additional options
The Royal Danish Embassy in Washington, DC, supports passport renewals, though it mainly directs routine renewals to consulates. The embassy handles emergencies or extensions at any mission. Honorary consulates in locations like Miami and Denver can assist with renewals for minors, but not standard adult renewals.
Required Documents for Danish Passport Renewal in the USA
Here, you’ll find out which identification and supporting documents are required for a Danish passport renewal at the American Embassy.
Document requirements for adults (12+):
- Completed and signed the application form.
- Current passport (continue using it until you receive the new one).
- Permanent registration card or a valid US visa/I-94.
- Passport photo, unless taken on-site.
- Additional documents as needed:
- US Certificate of Naturalization (if issued after September 2015).
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad for dual DK/US citizens born abroad to a US parent.
- Original Certificate of Danish Nationality for those born outside Denmark or reacquired citizenship after September 2015.
Document checklist for children (under 12):
- Original birth certificate showing both parents' names.
- Signed consent from both parents on the application form.
- Child's current passport.
- Passports and registration cards/visas/I-94 for both parents.
- Documents for dual citizenship or nationality for the child and parents.
- Parents' original marriage certificate (if the father is the sole Danish parent and the child was born abroad before July 2014), and divorce decree if applicable.
Danish Passport Photo Requirements
Photos submitted along with a passport application must adhere to ICAO biometric standards. At Danish consulates and embassies in the USA, applicants aged 12 and above do not need to bring a separate photo, since biometrics (including a digital photo) are collected on-site during the application. This applies to standard biometric passport applications for adults and children over 12.
Young children (under 12, especially babies and very young up to 4 years) or emergency passport applications may still require bringing a physical photo, meeting the following criteria:
- The photo size must be 35×45 mm, with a resolution of at least 600 dpi.
- The head height (from the top of the head to the chin) must be 30-36 mm.
- The background is plain white or light neutral, with even lighting and no shadows.
- The expression is neutral, with eyes open and mouth closed (no smile or teeth showing), facing directly forward.
- The head must be centered with a fully visible face.
- Glasses are allowed if no reflections obscure the eyes.
- Head coverings are permissible for religious reasons, provided the face is fully visible, and hair does not cover the eyes.
- The photo must be taken within the last six months.
- You can use either a color or a black-and-white photo.
Here is an example of a Danish passport photo:
Instantly Make Your Danish Passport Photo Online
With modern online tools, you can achieve professional-quality results quickly. Here's how to use Visafoto, a trusted photo editing service, to create a compliant Danish passport photo in minutes:
- Take a photo in natural daylight and upload it to the Visafoto tool below.
- Choose your country and document type (e.g., Denmark, passport).
You're done! Visafoto will handle the rest, automatically adjusting the background, size, and head position to ensure the photo meets official requirements. You'll receive a digital copy suitable for online submissions and a format ready for printing.
Here’s an example of the photo you can upload to Visafoto:
And here’s what you’ll get after Visafoto's editing:
Visafoto has been helping people worldwide with passport, visa, and ID photos since 2013. With a 99.7% acceptance rate and over 500,000 approved photos, Visafoto ensures your photos comply with all requirements, or you receive a full refund. Our tech support is available 24/7 to assist with any concerns.
Where to Print a 35×45 Photo in the USA?
In the USA, you can print 35×45 mm passport photos, commonly required for Danish passports, at major retail chains, photo labs, or at home if you have a color printer. Visafoto simplifies printing by providing a sheet with four individual photos. Here you’ll find out how to print them.
If printing at home:
- Use 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) photo paper.
- Locate the photo file, provided by Visafoto, on your computer.
- Right-click the file and select Print.
Printing at a store:
If you don't have a printer, you can print your photos at stores like Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, or Snapfish. Order and pay online, then pick up your prints on-site for usually less than USD 0.50 per print.
Here's how to do this using Walgreens as an example:
- Go to Walgreens’ online photo service and select 4×6 prints.
- Upload your file from Visafoto.com (includes four individual photos).
- Pay around USD 0.39, choose a nearby store, and collect your prints later the same day, often within an hour.
Passport Photo Printing Guide
Danish Passport Renewal Fees in the USA
Fees for renewing a Danish passport in the USA are standardized across all age groups and must be paid in USD at consulate appointments. Below is the cost breakdown.
Routine renewals: USD 193 per passport, payable by card (cash is generally not accepted). This equates to approximately DKK 1,206, considering an exchange rate of about 6.5 DKK/USD, and includes a consular surcharge for overseas applications.
Additional fees:
Damaged or lost passport: Extra USD 281.
Extensions outside regular hours: USD 451. On weekends or holidays: USD 645.
Lost or stolen passport abroad: Double fee of about USD 386 or DKK 2,290 (around USD 355).
Passport Renewal Waiting Times
Danish passport renewals in the USA usually take about 4 weeks when applied at a General Consulate. Expect longer wait times during peak travel seasons, such as summer or holidays.
For urgent travel needs, consider applying for a passport extension (valid for up to 1 year) or an emergency provisional passport at any Danish mission. These can often be processed same-day or next-day during business hours. Weekend or holiday services are available for an additional fee and expedited processing. Track your application status through consulate portals after submission.
Emergency and Temporary Danish Passports
For Danish citizens in the USA with urgent travel needs due to lost, stolen, or expiring documents, emergency and temporary passports provide viable solutions. These are issued at Danish missions or honorary consulates, though they come with specific limitations and higher costs. Below you’ll find the details.
Emergency passports are single-use documents valid for up to 12 months but limited to the trip's duration and subject to transit countries' regulations. Extensions on existing passports offer up to 1 year of validity for urgent situations and are typically issued within one business day. After-hours or weekend services incur additional costs (USD 451–645).
Applicants need to appear in person with the usual renewal documents, such as a current passport, ID, application form, and fee payment, along with proof of urgency, like travel tickets. Emergency passports cannot be used to enter the USA; they are intended for outbound or international travel only.
These passports must be surrendered to the police or a Danish mission after use. Confirm acceptance with your destination before traveling.
Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Danish Passports in the USA
Danish citizens in the USA must promptly report lost, stolen, or damaged passports to local authorities and the Danish mission for a replacement. Here you’ll find out how to apply while in the United States.
Start by filing a police report and retaining the report number or certificate. Then contact the nearest Danish General Consulate in Chicago, Houston, New York, or Silicon Valley, or any other Danish mission in case of an emergency. Submit the standard renewal documents along with the police report. Remember, you cannot re-enter the USA on an emergency passport issued overseas.
Replacements for lost, stolen, or damaged passports incur a fee of about USD 386 (DKK 2,290) for all ages at US consulates. An additional surcharge of USD 281 applies if you can't present a valid or undamaged prior passport. Emergency provisional passports start at USD 193. However, opting for same-day service can increase fees to USD 451–645 outside regular hours.
Standard replacements typically take about 4 weeks, while urgent cases are processed faster. You can track the status through the consulate. If your damaged passport is still valid, continue using it until your replacement is ready, but make sure you report the damage immediately.
FAQ
How early can I renew my passport before it expires?
You can renew your Danish passport up to two years before it expires, provided it’s undamaged, was issued when you were 18 or older, and is in your current name. There's no strict early renewal limit, but extensions are available for passports expiring soon (within three months).
Can I apply if my passport has already expired?
Yes, you can apply for renewal if your passport expired less than two years ago, using a simplified process. If it’s been more than two years, you'll need to follow the full application process similar to first-time applicants. If recently expired (under three months), you can request an extension for up to one year.
Can I travel while my Danish passport is being renewed?
You can use your current Danish passport to travel while your new one is being processed, as it remains valid until replaced. If it’s set to expire soon (within three months), you can apply for an extension.
Will my old passport be returned to me?
Your old passport is generally returned after being cancelled (typically by punching a hole or cutting it), unless it was damaged, lost, or stolen. Notify the consulate if you have valid visas that need to be preserved.
Can someone apply on my behalf?
No, you must appear in person for biometric data collection if you are 12 or older at the General Consulates. Children under 12 need to be present with their parents or have parental consent; third-party submissions are not allowed.