How to Renew a German Passport in the United States

If you're a German citizen residing or working in the United States, renewing your passport is straightforward at a German embassy or consulate stateside, avoiding the need to return to the home country.

Read this article to find out everything you need to know about how to get a German passport in the U.S. and where to get the compliant passport photo.

Table of contents

• Who is eligible to renew a German passport in the U.S.?
• Where to renew a German passport in the U.S.
• German passport renewal process
• Documents required for German passport renewal
• German passport photo requirements
• Get your German passport photo online!
• How to print out a passport-sized photo at Walgreens or CVS
• Fees to renew a German passport in the U.S.
• How to collect your new passport
• Emergency German passport in the U.S.
• German passport processing times abroad
• FAQ

Who is eligible to renew a German passport in the U.S.?

Not every German national automatically qualifies to renew their passport from abroad. Here you'll find out who can apply while residing in the United States.

German citizens legally residing in the U.S. can renew their passports at a German embassy or consulate. You must have German citizenship and provide proof of identity and your current legal name. Typically, renewal is open to adults and minors with a previously issued passport that has expired or is nearing expiration.

Where to renew a German passport in the U.S.

Passport issuance is handled exclusively through official German consulates or embassies in the United States. We provide details on the primary missions.

For a passport appointment at the German Embassy in Washington, DC:

• Address: 4645 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20007
• Phone: (202) 298-4000
• Hours: Monday to Friday (mornings only for consular/passport services by appointment; typical window 9 AM–12 PM, closed weekends)
• Website: German Embassy Washington

For a passport appointment at the Consulate General of Germany in New York:

• Address: 871 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017
• Phone: (212) 610-9700
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM–12 PM, closed Saturday and Sunday (passport/consular services by appointment only)
• Website: German Consulate General New York - Federal Foreign Office

For a passport renewal at the Consulate General of Germany in Chicago:

• Address: 676 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3200, Chicago, IL 60611
• Phone: (312) 202-0480
• Hours: Typically Monday to Friday, 9 AM–12 PM for consular/passport services by appointment, closed weekends
• Website: German Consulate General Chicago - Federal Foreign Office

Consulate General of Germany for a passport application in Los Angeles:

• Address: 6222 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90048
• Phone: (323) 930-2703
• Hours: Monday to Thursday 8 AM–4 PM, Friday 8 AM–1 PM, with passport/consular services generally 9 AM–12 PM by appointment
• Website: German Consulate General Los Angeles - Federal Foreign Office

Consulate of Germany for a passport renewal in Miami:

• Address: 100 North Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2200, Miami, FL 33132
• Phone: (305) 358-0290
• Hours: Consular/passport hours typically Monday to Friday, 9 AM–12 PM by appointment; phone hours for departments are staggered during weekdays
• Website: German Consulate General Miami - Federal Foreign Office

Consulate of Germany for a passport renewal in San Francisco:

• Address: 1960 Jackson Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
• Phone: (415) 775-1061
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9 AM–12 PM for consular/passport services by appointment, closed weekends
• Website: German Consulate General San Francisco - Federal Foreign Office

Use the Consulate Finder on the Federal Foreign Office website to find out which embassy or consulate is responsible for your German passport application in the U.S. The mission’s page will tell you if nearby honorary consuls may accept passport applications and how to book an appointment.

How to apply for a German passport renewal in the USA

1. Gather all required documents, detailed below.

2. Download the current German passport renewal application form for adults or for minors from the German missions’ website.

3. Book an appointment for a German passport renewal online through the mission’s platform.

4. Attend your appointment in person for fingerprinting and identity verification. Bring originals, photocopies, completed forms, and an accepted payment method.

5. Pay the required fee and await approval.

Documents required for German passport renewal

Submitting the correct documents is crucial for a successful passport renewal. Below you'll find the list of all the required documents you’ll need before your appointment.

Core documents:

• Your current or expired German passport (original).
• A completed passport renewal application form (downloaded from the German embassy/consulate website).
• Two recent biometric passport photos (35×45 mm).
• Birth certificate detailing the exact place of birth (include a hospital proof letter if needed with U.S. certificates).

Residence and status proof:

• Proof of current U.S. residence, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or recent utility bill.
• Valid U.S. residence permit for non-EU citizens (e.g., Green Card).
• For dual German-U.S. citizens, provide proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate) and a retention permit if naturalized after 2000.

Family/name change documents:

• Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or spouse’s death certificate if applicable.
• Name declaration certificate from German authorities or proof of current name usage if your name has changed from the previous passport.
• For first-time adult applicants by descent, include parents' passports/ID, marriage certificate, and proof of the German parent's prior U.S. residence.

Ensure you bring photocopies for each original document (often two sets, single-sided, and uncertified unless specified).

German passport photo requirements

Passport photos must meet strict specifications to be accepted by German authorities. Here, we explain the exact size, background, and quality standards required for your application.

• The German passport photo size must be 3.5 × 4.5 cm (1.37 × 1.77 inches).
• Your face should occupy 70-80% of the photo, with head height from chin to crown between 32 mm and 36 mm. For children under 10, the face should be 22-36 mm (50-80%). Although infants under 5 have relaxed posing rules, the size remains consistent.
• Ensure your head is centered and you are looking directly at the camera to avoid angled shots.
• Use a plain, light grey, or off-white backdrop.
• The photo must be sharp and clear, printed on high-quality paper with at least 600 dpi resolution.
• Ensure even lighting to avoid shadows on your face or background; avoid photos that are too dark or too bright.
• Maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed, avoiding smiles or exaggerated expressions. Eyes should be open and clearly visible.
• You can wear glasses only if they don’t cause reflections or obscure your eyes. Tinted glasses and sunglasses are not allowed.
• Head coverings are permitted solely for religious or medical reasons, provided the face is fully visible.
• Your photo must be taken within the last six months to accurately reflect your current appearance.

Here is a photo example:

Get your German passport photo online!

Learn how to take a professional-quality German passport photo at home in minutes.

Thanks to modern online tools, there’s no need to visit a photo studio for professional document photos. Here’s how you can quickly create a compliant German passport photo using Visafoto, a trusted photo service:

1. Upload a daylight photo to the Visafoto tool below.
2. Select the country and document type (e.g., Germany, passport).

That's all! Visafoto will handle the rest - automatically adjusting the background, size, and head position to meet official requirements. You’ll receive a digital copy perfect for online submissions and a format ready for printing.

Example of the photo you can upload to Visafoto:

Result by Visafoto:

With a 99.7% acceptance rate and over 500,000 approved photos, Visafoto ensures compliance with official standards or provides a full refund. Our 24/7 tech support is ready to assist you with any issues.

How to print out a passport-sized photo at Walgreens or CVS

You don’t need a professional studio to get a valid passport photo. Below, we explain how to use popular U.S. retailers like Walgreens or CVS to print photos that meet German passport standards.

Visafoto.com offers two formats: a digital photo for online use and a 10×15 cm (4×6 inches) print template containing four passport photos. To print, visit a local service that handles 10×15 cm prints. In the U.S., Walgreens and CVS offer online ordering and payment, with local pickup. Printing costs typically don't exceed USD 0.50 per sheet.

Here's how to order your prints online using Walgreens as an example:

1. Visit Walgreens' website.
2. Choose 4×6 prints.
3. Upload the image file provided by Visafoto.
4. Pay approximately USD 0.35, select a pickup store nearby, and collect your prints, usually within an hour.

Read more: Passport Photo Printing Guideline

Fees to renew a German passport in the U.S.

Renewing your German passport comes with mandatory fees, which vary depending on age and passport type. Here, you’ll find a cost breakdown.

Note: Fees are set in Euros (EUR). On your appointment day, you’ll pay in U.S. dollars (USD) according to the current exchange rate used by the mission.

Standard 32-page passport renewal fees for applicants abroad are:

• Age 24 and over: EUR 101.00
• Under 24: EUR 68.50
• Expedited service (4-6 working days delivery): additional EUR 32.00.
• For applications outside designated areas: up to EUR 70.00
• For a temporary passport valid for 1 year: EUR 70.00.

Payment methods include credit card (Visa or Mastercard, charged in euros), cash in U.S. dollars, or money order in U.S. dollars.

For up-to-date fees, visit the Fee Page on the German Missions' website.

How to collect your new passport

Once your renewal is approved, collecting your passport is straightforward but may differ by location. Here’s how you can pick up your passport or have it delivered securely.

To collect in person, visit the issuing mission or an authorized honorary consul during their operating hours. Bring a photo ID and possibly your appointment confirmation or receipt. You’ll usually receive your old passport back along with the new one. Verify and sign the new passport on-site if required. For child applicants, attendance is often mandatory.

Many missions also offer secure mail delivery via USPS or FedEx. Provide a prepaid, self-addressed stamped envelope at your appointment. You can track the shipment through the mission’s system or via email. Note that refusing delivery could lead to return fees. Expedited options might allow for quicker collection.

Emergency German passport in the U.S.

I lost my German passport in the USA. What should I do? If your passport is lost, stolen, or urgently needed, Germany offers temporary emergency passports. Here, we cover how to request one and what to expect in terms of processing and validity.

German missions in the U.S. issue Provisional Travel Documents ("Notpass") for urgent travel needs when a standard passport cannot be issued on time. Valid for a limited period (often up to 1 year, and single-entry in many cases), these documents aren’t accepted by all countries, like no visa-free U.S. entry under ESTA. Always check with airlines and destinations first.

Emergency passports are available for immediate family deaths, medical emergencies, or unexpected work/travel requirements — not routine renewals.

Here is how to apply for an emergency passport in the USA:

1. Schedule an urgent appointment through the mission’s online system or call during business hours.
2. Visit your German consulate/embassy or authorized honorary consul with your expired/lost passport (or police report), biometric photos, German citizenship proof, U.S. residence, emergency justification (e.g., flight tickets or doctor’s note), and applicable fees.
3. You might receive your passport the same day if your documents are complete. All applicants, including children, must attend in person for biometrics. Mail-in applications aren’t permitted.

German passport processing times abroad

How long does it take to get a German passport? Abroad passport processing is slightly longer since the passport is printed at the Federal Printing Office in Berlin and shipped to your residence. Here’s what to expect:

From submission at a U.S. consulate or authorized honorary consul, expect a 6-8 week processing window. This is due to the need to ship passport blanks from Germany after biometric verification. Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or name declarations are pending. Track progress via your mission’s portal or email.

Express service aims to complete processing in 3-5 weeks but isn’t guaranteed, especially during high demand. For true emergencies, such as life-or-death travel situations, provisional passports might be available within days through urgent appointments. Always verify current processing times with your mission, as they can vary based on location and workload.

FAQ

Can I renew my German passport by mail in the U.S.?

No, you must apply in person at a German mission or authorized honorary consul in the U.S. for biometrics and identity verification.

How early can I renew my German passport?

You may renew your passport up to 12 months before it expires. Missions require the current or recently expired passport to be presented.

Can I renew my German passport if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired German passport in the USA. Bring the expired passport to your appointment. Very old passports (more than 10-15 years) may need additional citizenship proof.

Are fingerprints required every time I renew my German passport?

Yes, fingerprints are required with each passport renewal to update the biometric data stored in the passport chip.

Do US documents need to be translated into German?

No, US documents don’t need translation for passport renewal. German missions accept English documents like birth certificates or driver's licenses if they are clear originals or certified copies.

What if my passport is lost or stolen?

Report a lost or stolen passport immediately to the local police for a report. Then, contact your German consulate or embassy to schedule a priority appointment to obtain a replacement.

Can I travel while my passport is being renewed?

No, international travel is not possible during passport renewal in the U.S. The old passport is kept during processing, and no temporary travel document is issued for standard renewals unless there’s a confirmed emergency.