How to Renew Your Malaysian Passport in the USA

If you are a Malaysian citizen living in the United States, renewing your passport might be more convenient at an embassy or consulate within the U.S. rather than traveling back to Malaysia.

Continue reading to learn the steps and timing for renewing a Malaysian passport in the U.S., along with tips for obtaining the perfect passport photo.

Table of contents

• Malaysian passport validity and renewal rules
• Where to renew a Malaysian passport in the USA? Embassies and consulates
• Malaysian passport renewal in the USA: step-by-step process
• Documents required for a Malaysian passport renewal
• Malaysian passport photo requirements
• Get your Malaysian passport photo online
• Malaysian Passport Photo App
• Do you need to print out a photo for a Malaysian passport application (online and offline)?
• Where to print out a Malaysian passport-size photo in the USA
• How much does it cost to renew a Malaysian passport in the USA?
• How long does it take to renew a Malaysian passport in the USA?

Malaysian passport validity and renewal rules

A Malaysian passport remains valid for five years from the date of issue.

Can I renew Malaysian passport before it expires? And if so, how early can I renew Malaysia passport? — You can renew your Malaysian passport at any time, but it's recommended to do so at least six months before expiry to avoid travel complications. Note that in this case, the new passport will only include an additional six months of validity from the current passport's expiration date.

If you’re outside Malaysia, you can renew your passport at Malaysian embassies, high commissions, or consulates.

Malaysian citizens with an e-passport featuring a microchip who are over 13 years old can renew Malaysian passport online in the USA. However, you must pick up your new passport in person at a Malaysian embassy or consulate. Online applications are not accepted for lost or damaged passports.

Where to renew a Malaysian passport in the USA? Embassies and consulates

To renew your Malaysian passport in the U.S., the Consulate General of Malaysia in New York is your go-to location. This office is the primary location for processing Malaysian passport renewals in the U.S.

To renew a Malaysian passport in New York, visit the Consulate General of Malaysia at this address:

• 313 East 43rd Street, New York, NY.
• Office Hours:
  • Submission: Monday to Thursday (9:30 am - 12:30 pm), Friday (9:30 am - 11:30 am).
  • Collection: Monday to Thursday (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm), Friday (2:45 pm - 4:00 pm).
• Jurisdiction: This office serves 17 states including Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

If you are not in New York, the Malaysian Consulate General Los Angeles or the Malaysian Embassy Washington DC passport renewal options are available. Bear in mind, they accept applications but don't process them directly — applications are sent to Malaysia’s Immigration Department, which may extend processing times.

To renew a Malaysian passport in Los Angeles, visit the Consulate General of Malaysia at this address:

• 777 South Figueroa Street, Suite 600, Los Angeles, CA 90017.
• Phone: (213) 892-1238.
• Email: lax.info@kln.gov.my

For a Malaysian passport renewal in Washington DC, visit the Malaysian Embassy at the following address:

• 3516 International Court NW, Washington, D.C. 20008.
• Phone: (202) 572-9700.
• Email: malwashdc@kln.gov.my or consularwdc@kln.gov.my for consular services.

Malaysian passport renewal in the USA: step-by-step process

How do I renew my expired Malaysian passport in the USA? — Renewing a Malaysia passport expired in the USA involves some steps you can complete online and others you need to do in person. The process varies depending on where you are located and individual circumstances. Here’s a detailed guide:

For Applications via Consulate or Embassy:

1. Collect the required documents, which are listed below in the article.
2. Go directly to the Malaysian consulate or embassy of your choice and submit the documents.
3. Pay the fee.
4. Wait for approval.
5. Collect your passport.

For Online Applications:

1. Access the MyOnline Passport portal.
2. Fill out all the required information in the online application form.
3. Upload a passport-sized photo that meets official requirements.
4. Pay online using a credit card, direct debit (FPX), or online banking.
5. Schedule an appointment for collection via the STO link given.
6. Visit the designated collection office for fingerprinting and to pick up your new passport. When collecting your passport, bring your expired passport, MyKad, and payment receipt. Applicants under 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian and must present a birth certificate. Also, bring a receipt for your online payment confirming the submission of your application.
7. To track the status of your passport renewal, visit the MyIMMs - eServices website. Use the 'Pertanyaan Status Permohonan – Inquiry of the application status' feature, and input your personal and application information to check the progress of your renewal.

Documents required for a Malaysian passport renewal

To renew a Malaysian passport after the expiry date or before it expires, make sure you have the following paperwork ready:

• A filled and signed Registration of Malaysian Citizens in the USA form.
• Proof of your legal status in the USA, such as a Permanent Resident Card or a valid U.S. Visa.
• Your original Malaysian Identification Card (MyKad).
• The original passport that’s expired or about to expire.
• A recent passport-sized photo.

For children under 18:

• The child’s original and a copy of their Malaysian Registration of Birth (Borang W or Borang H) or birth certificate.
• The child's MyKid or MyKad.
• The original and a copy of one parent’s Malaysian Identity Card.

For damaged passports:

• A recent color passport-sized photo.
• A copy of the damaged passport.
• A duly completed Form IM.42.

For individuals from Sabah/Sarawak:

• A parent’s birth certificate.
• A parent’s marriage certificate.
• A parent’s passports.

For a name change:

• An approval letter from the Identity Card Division, National Registration Department, Putrajaya.
• A copy of your Malaysian Identity Card (IC) or Temporary IC KPPK 09.
• Relevant documents, such as a marriage or baptism certificate.

Malaysian passport photo requirements

To make sure your image meets Malaysian passport renewal photo requirements, here’s what you need to know:

• For paper applications, the photo size should be 35×50 mm.
• For digital submissions, the photo should also be 35×50 mm, with a digital ratio of 7:10. The resolution should be 600 DPI, with a file size between 100 kb and 1 MB. Acceptable formats are JPG, JPEG, PNG, or BITMAP.
• The head in the photo should measure between 25-30 mm, with a 10 mm gap from the top of the hair to the frame.
• Use a plain white background without shadows.
• The photo must be in color, not black and white.
• Your face should be centered with a neutral expression, looking straight at the camera.
• Ensure your hair does not cover your forehead or ears.
• If you wear a hijab or veil, your facial features must remain visible.
• Glasses are not allowed, unless you provide a doctor’s note stating they’re needed for medical reasons.
• The photo should be taken within the last six months.

Here is a photo example:

Get your Malaysian passport photo online

A quick way to get a compliant Malaysian passport photo is by using online tools like Visafoto.com. This service will instantly format your photo to adhere to the official standards. Visafoto has been offering photo services since 2013 and understands the requirements for passports, visas, and other official documents worldwide.

To start, simply take a well-lit photo and upload it to the tool. The service will handle the format, background, size, and dimension adjustments for you.

Example of the photo you can upload:

You'll get a digital copy for online applications and a version ready for printing. If you're unsatisfied with the result, we offer free replacements. In case a photo is rejected by officials, we provide a full refund.

Malaysian Passport Photo App

For even more convenience, try the 7ID app from Visafoto.com. Available for both iPhone and Android, this app uses advanced technology to optimize your passport, visa, or ID photo to meet official requirements.

Simply upload your photo, choose the document type and country, and the app will automatically adjust it to meet the necessary specifications. It will handle size, format, and background color, ensuring your face and eye line are perfectly aligned. You’ll get both a digital file and a print-ready template suitable for common paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5.

If you need help, our technical support is ready to assist you 24/7.

Do you need to print out a photo for a Malaysian passport application (online and offline)?

For an online passport application, you only need a digital photo. However, if you're submitting your application in person or by mail, you'll need printed photos.

Where to print out a Malaysian passport-size photo in the USA

Visafoto and 7ID provide you with a printable template that includes four separate pictures. Here’s how you can get them printed:

Printing at home:

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

Printing with a service:

1. Find a local printing store if you don’t have a printer.
2. Request a print on 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) paper.
3. Many services allow online ordering and payment for easy pick-up. Popular choices in the USA include Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, and Storefront.

How much does it cost to renew a Malaysian passport in the USA?

Renewing a Malaysian passport usually costs RM 200 (around USD 45) for adults aged 13-59, and RM 100 (about USD 23) for children under 13, as well as for senior citizens aged 60 and over.

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

If you renew in person at the Consulate General of Malaysia in New York, the passport is usually ready within 5 working days. At the Consulate General in Los Angeles and the Embassy of Malaysia in Washington, D.C., it generally takes about 8-9 weeks.

For individuals from Sabah or Sarawak, the application may take roughly 2 months, as it needs processing by Immigration Offices located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, or Kuching, Sarawak.