U.S. Passport Application in Mexico: Detailed Guideline

If you're someone who often travels for business or pleasure, keeping your passport current is crucial for hassle-free journeys. But what if you find yourself in need of renewing your passport while outside the United States? Specifically, can you renew a US passport in Mexico?

This article will address this question and provide comprehensive information about applying for and renewing a U.S. passport in Mexico, including necessary documents, fees, and photo regulations.

Table of contents

• Can you get an American passport in Mexico?
• What happens if you lose your U.S. passport in Mexico
• U.S. passport application in Mexico: step-by-step process
• Documents required for the U.S. passport renewal in Mexico
• U.S. passport photo format
• Get your U.S. passport photo online!
• U.S. passport photo app
• Where to print out a 2x2 photo in Mexico?
• How much does it cost to renew a U.S. passport in Mexico?
• How long does it take to renew a U.S. passport in Mexico?

Can you get an American passport in Mexico?

Yes, U.S. citizens can obtain a U.S. passport in Mexico through the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City or a U.S. consulate. This applies to first-time applicants, renewals, and replacements for lost or stolen passports. The process involves submitting the required forms, proof of citizenship, identification, and applicable fees.

What happens if you lose your U.S. passport in Mexico

If you lost an American passport in Mexico, follow these steps:

1. File a Police Report. Head to the closest police station to report your passport as missing or stolen. Make sure to get a copy of the report for your records.
2. Notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico of the loss. They will assist you with the necessary procedures.
3. Report the loss to the U.S. State Department by completing Form DS-64. It officially registers your passport as lost or stolen and can be submitted online, by phone, or through mail.
4. Collect all needed documents and arrange an appointment at the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Mexico. You can find these offices in cities such as Mexico City, Ciudad Juárez, Guadalajara, and others.
5. Await the renewal of your passport.

For urgent travel needs, you may apply for a temporary passport that can be issued quickly, sometimes within a few hours.

Does Mexico accept a US passport card? — Mexico accepts a U.S. passport card for land and sea travel between the U.S. and Mexico. However, it is not valid for air travel to or within Mexico. For flying, you will need a U.S. passport book.

U.S. passport application in Mexico: step-by-step process

How do I renew my US passport in Mexico? — For a US passport renewal in Mexico city, follow the instructions below:

1. Collect all the necessary documents, which are detailed later in this guide.
2. Book a U.S. Embassy Mexico passport appointment. You can find them in major cities like Mexico City, Ciudad Juárez, and Guadalajara. Schedule your appointment via the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico's website.
3. Attend your appointment with all the required documents in hand.
4. Pay the applicable fee.
5. Submit your documents and application to the consular officer. They will review everything and might ask additional questions.
6. Once your application is processed, your passport will be sent to you by mail. Make sure you provide a reliable address in Mexico for delivery.

Documents required for the U.S. passport renewal in Mexico

To renew your US passport in Mexico City, you'll need the following:

• A completed renewal application Form DS-82. Ensure it is signed before your appointment. If you are a first-time applicant, or if you are applying for your child under the age of 16 — use Form DS-11. All of the required forms can be downloaded from the Passport Forms page of the Travel.State.Gov website.
• Your current U.S. passport. It needs to be undamaged, issued when you were at least 16 years old, and issued within the last 15 years.
• A copy of your passport’s photo page.
• A recent color passport-sized photo.
• Payment for the application fee. You can pay in USD, Mexican Pesos, or with a major credit card.
• Proof of name change (if needed).
• A prepaid return envelope (e.g., DHL or FedEx) for mail-in renewals to receive your new passport.

U.S. passport photo format

Here are the specifications for a compliant American passport photo:

• The photo must be taken within the last six months, showing how you currently look.
• The background should be plain white, free of shadows or any objects.
• The size should be 2x2 inches (5x5 cm) in print, with 600-1200 pixels for digital versions.
• The head should be centered and measure between 1 and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm).
• Eyeglasses are not allowed in the photo.
• Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons, with a signed declaration.
• Your expression should be neutral, and you must be looking straight at the camera.

Here is an example:

Get your U.S. passport photo online!

Getting a U.S. passport photo that meets all requirements is easy using online tools. Visafoto.com can quickly adjust your photo to comply with official standards. Since 2013, Visafoto has been transforming pictures for various documents worldwide, including passports, visas, and driver's licenses.

To get started, simply take a photo in natural daylight and upload it to our tool below. We'll take care of the format, background, and sizing for you.

Use a selfie taken under daylight, like this one:

You'll receive both a digital copy for online submissions and a print-ready version. If you're not delighted with your photo, we offer free replacements. Additionally, if your photo is rejected by officials for any reason, we provide a full refund.

U.S. passport photo app

For an even smoother process, try out the 7ID app by Visafoto.com, compatible with both iPhone and Android platforms. This app uses cutting-edge algorithms to refine your photo effortlessly.

With 7ID, simply upload your image and choose your document type and country. The app automatically tailors your photo to fit official guidelines, taking care of size, format, and background, while ensuring your face and eye line are perfectly centered.

You'll receive a digital file plus a print template compatible with standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. If you need assistance, our technical support is available 24/7.

Where to print out a 2x2 photo in Mexico?

Visafoto and 7ID simplify the printing process by providing a file with four individual photos on one sheet. Here's how to print it:

At home:

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

At a printing center:

1. If you don't have a printer, visit a local print shop.
2. Request a print on 10×15 cm (4×6 inches) photo paper.
3. Many services offer online ordering and payment with in-store pickup.

How much does it cost to renew a U.S. passport in Mexico?

Renewing your U.S. passport costs:

• USD 130 (approximately MXN 2647) for a Passport Book
• USD 30 (approximately MXN 611) for a Passport Card

The price includes standard USPS priority mail delivery.

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

The processing time for a US citizen passport renewal in Mexico is typically 4 to 6 weeks for standard processing.