How to renew a Polish passport in the U.S.?

If you are a Polish citizen living in the United States and your passport has expired or is about to expire, renewing it is essential to maintain your ability to travel internationally and confirm your legal status as a Polish national. This guide will walk you through the steps to renew your Polish passport in the U.S., including required documents, where to apply, processing times, photo requirements, and other essential details.

Table of contents

• Can I apply for a Polish passport in the U.S.?
• Is it possible to apply for a Polish passport online?
• How to start a passport renewal process?
• Documents required for a Polish passport application
• Polish passport photo requirements
• Instantly get a Polish passport photo online
• Polish passport renewal fees
• Addresses of the Polish embassy and consulates in the U.S.
• How long does it take to renew a Polish passport in the U.S.?
• When to start a passport renewal process?

Can I apply for a Polish passport in the U.S.?

Yes, Polish citizens living in the United States can renew their passports at any Polish consulate or the Embassy of Poland. These diplomatic missions are authorized to issue new passports to Polish nationals residing abroad.

Is it possible to apply for a Polish passport online?

No, it is currently not possible to apply for or renew your Polish passport online, as you must have your biometric fingerprints taken. But to speed up the process, you can make an appointment through the e-konsulat service. This online system allows you to choose a date and time for your visit and provides information on required documents, fees, and processing times..

How to start a passport renewal process?

To renew a Polish passport in the USA, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the Gov.pl portal website to obtain the required application forms and instructions.
• Complete the application form and gather the required documents, including your current passport, two recent passport-sized photos, and proof of legal residency in the USA.
• Pay the passport renewal fee and make an appointment with the Consulate General or Embassy to submit your application in person. To schedule an appointment, head to e-konsulat website, choose the country you are currently in, and select "passport matters".
• At the appointment, you will need to provide your documents, sign the application form, and have your biometric data (photograph and fingerprints) collected.
• Your new passport will be ready for pick up in person.

Documents required for a Polish passport application in the U.S.

When applying for a Polish passport at a consulate or the Embassy of Poland in the United States, you must provide specific documents to confirm your identity, Polish citizenship, and eligibility for a new passport.

Mandatory documents

• Completed passport application form
  • Available at the consulate or online via the e-Konsulat system.
  • Must be filled out legibly and signed during your appointment.
• Current or expired Polish passport
  • If renewing, bring your most recent Polish passport.
  • If lost or stolen, you may need additional documentation to confirm your identity and citizenship.
• One biometric passport photo
  • Must meet official Polish passport photo requirements (35mm x 45mm, white background, neutral expression, no shadows, etc.).
  • The photo should be recent (taken within the last six months).
• Proof of Polish citizenship (if required)
  • In some cases, you may need to confirm your Polish citizenship with one of the following:
  • Polish birth certificate (if born in Poland).
  • Certificate of Polish citizenship (if your status is unclear).
  • Valid Polish national ID card (dowód osobisty).
• Proof of legal name change (if applicable)
  • If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or other legal reasons, provide:
  • Marriage certificate (if the marriage was conducted outside Poland, it must be registered with Polish authorities).
  • Court-issued name change documents (translated into Polish if issued abroad).
• Valid U.S. visa, green card, or other legal status document (if applicable)
  • Some consulates may request proof of your current legal status in the United States.
• Passport fee payment

Additional documents (if applicable)

• Parental consent form (for minors under 18) signed by both parents/legal guardians.
• Police report (if replacing a lost or stolen passport).

It’s always best to check with your specific Polish consulate or embassy, as document requirements may vary slightly. Ensure all documents are original copies, and bring certified translations if any documents were issued outside of Poland and are not in Polish.

Polish passport photo requirements

The picture used for a Polish passport must fulfill requirements that ensure that the photo works as biometric identification:

• Your photo must not be older than six months;
• The Polish passport photo size must be 35x45 mm (1.38 x 1.77 inches);
• Your picture must be in color;
• The photo’s background has to be plain white;
• Your head should occupy 70-80% of the photo;
• Keep the expression in the photo neutral and look straight into the camera;
• Religious headwear like the hijab is allowed but must not obscure facial features;
• Do not retouch the photo or wear makeup in a way that alters facial features.

Here's an example of the photo:

Instantly get a Polish passport photo online

For your application to be successfully processed, your submitted portrait must satisfy biometric requirements, which are needed for smooth identification.

Follow the dress code and posing rules in your photo. Make sure you take your photo in decent lighting. Then, you can simply upload your portrait or selfie to our tool, and Visafoto will edit your photo based on the requirements, from the big details like background color and size down to the subtler ones like head tilt, contrast, and head proportion.

Source photo (example)

Polish passport photo in two formats: for printing and online submission:

To print out the photos, use the online printing service of the nearest pharmacy store like Walgreens or CVS. The 4x6” print with 4 separate pictures will cost you less than $0.50.

Read more: Detailed passport photo printing instructions

Polish passport renewal fees

As of January 1, 2025, the cost to renew a Polish passport in the United States depends on the applicant’s age and specific circumstances.

The standard fee for an adult passport is $115. For children under 12 years of age, the passport fee is $37, while a temporary passport costs $42.

Certain applicants may be eligible for reduced fees or fee exemptions. Students aged 18-26, pensioners, and individuals with disabilities may qualify for discounted rates. Additionally, Polish citizens over the age of 70 are often exempt from paying passport fees.

Payments can typically be made by credit or debit card, cash, money order, or cashier’s check, but accepted payment methods vary by consulate. It is recommended to verify the preferred payment options at your chosen Polish consular office before your appointment.

For the most up-to-date details on passport fees and possible reductions, visit the official website of the Polish Embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction.

Addresses of the Polish embassy and consulates in the U.S.

Embassy: 2640 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009

Consulates:

Chicago: 1530 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60610

Houston: 3040 Post Oak Blvd, suite 525, 5 floors Houston TX 77056

Los Angeles: 12400 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 555, Los Angeles, California 90025

New York: 233 Madison Avenue (Jan Karski Corner), New York, NY 10016

How long does it take to renew a Polish passport in the U.S.?

The processing time for your passport application depends on the workload of the consular office to which you’re applying to. Upon application, the consular employee will tell you the estimated processing time. You can track the status of your application using the data on the confirmation given to you after submitting the application.

When to start a passport renewal process?

It is recommended to apply for a renewal as your passport’s validity has a few months left to go, especially if you’re planning international travel in the future. As the processing time of Polish consular offices may vary, it is recommended to check with them about the recommended renewal period.

Last Update: February 2025