Vietnam Passport Renewal in the U.S.

If you’re a Vietnamese citizen living, studying, or working in the United States, renewing your passport through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate is usually much more practical than traveling back to Vietnam for the process.

To renew your passport in the U.S., you’ll need to follow the requirements set by the Vietnamese authorities. The exact procedure and document list may vary depending on your location.

Vietnamese Passport Renewal in the U.S.

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Is it possible to get a new Vietnamese passport in the U.S.?

Yes, it is possible for Vietnamese citizens to renew their passport in the United States. The process typically involves visiting a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the United States and submitting the required application, documentation, and fee.

Is it possible to renew a Vietnamese passport online?

No, applying for a Vietnamese passport online is not currently possible. The Vietnamese government requires passport renewal applicants to submit their applications at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, along with the necessary documentation and fee. This process cannot be completed entirely online at this time.

How to apply for a new Vietnam passport in the U.S.?

Vietnamese citizens in the United States can renew their passports through the Embassy of Vietnam in Washington, D.C., or at Vietnamese consulates in New York, San Francisco, and Houston. Depending on the office, applications may be submitted either in person (usually by appointment) or by mail using a trackable courier service such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx.

Application process

You can renew your Vietnamese passport either by visiting the nearest embassy or consulate or by submitting your application by mail. The process generally includes the following steps:

  1. Download and complete the passport renewal application form from the website of the Vietnamese embassy or consulate responsible for your area.
  2. Prepare the required documents, which usually include your current passport and a copy of its main pages, 2–3 recent passport photos (2x2 inches), proof of legal U.S. residence (such as a visa, green card, or U.S. passport copy if applicable), proof of Vietnamese citizenship, and any additional forms requested by the consular office.
  3. Pay the renewal fee, typically by money order or cashier’s check payable to the relevant Vietnamese diplomatic mission. Fees generally range from $110 to $180 depending on the location and service requested.
  4. If applying by mail, include a prepaid return envelope with tracking. If applying in person, contact the office in advance to confirm whether an appointment is required.
  5. Submit your application and monitor its progress. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days for routine renewals, although applications requiring verification with authorities in Vietnam may take several months.

Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the U.S.

Because requirements and processing procedures can change, it is always a good idea to check the official website of the embassy or consulate handling your application before submitting your documents.

Documents needed for Vietnam passport renewal

Here are the documents required for Vietnamese passport renewal:

Additional documents may be required in certain cases, such as proof of a legal name change, a birth certificate for citizenship verification, or extra paperwork for minors and special circumstances.

Applications can usually be submitted either in person by appointment or by mail, depending on the consular office. Standard processing often takes 3–5 business days for routine renewals, though more complex cases may take longer. Since requirements can change, always confirm the latest instructions on the official embassy or consulate website before submitting your application.

Vietnam passport photo requirements

Make sure that your photos comply with the parameters as follows:

Here is an example:

Vietnam passport photo to apply from the USA

Get a Vietnam passport photo online

No matter which way you’re applying for your Vietnamese passport, a valid passport photo is key to ensuring that your application is processed as efficiently as possible. A valid photograph needs to fulfill all the requirements explained above.

One convenient way to prepare a compliant photo is to use Visafoto. It is a budget-friendly alternative compared to most traditional photo services in the U.S., such as Walmart photo centers or post office booths, which can be more expensive and less flexible.

With Visafoto, you simply take a photo with your smartphone in good lighting, following basic posing and clothing guidelines. The tool then automatically adjusts the image to meet official specifications, handling cropping, background correction, and formatting for you.

Take an image with a smartphone against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.
Additional options
Upload photo & Continue

Source

Source photo example that you need to take in order to make a passport or visa photo at visafoto.com

Result

Result example: a correct visa or passport photo that you will receive

First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this one:

Оriginal photo

You will have two types of photos: a digital one for electronic applications and another one suitable for printing.

Here they are:

Example photo for Vietnam passport renewal from the USA
Photos for Vietnam passport renewal from the US suitable for printing

In addition, Visafoto can also improve the quality of an existing photo. For example, you don’t always need to take a new picture—you can upload a recent ID photo taken on your phone, and the system will enhance it, correct lighting and resolution issues, and format it according to official passport requirements.

Read more: Follow this guideline to print out your passport photo for less than $0,50.

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

Here are the addresses of Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the US:

Embassy: 1233 20th St NW, Ste 400, Washington, DC

Consulates:

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

Passport renewal fees for Vietnamese citizens in the United States depend on the type of application, the diplomatic mission (Embassy in Washington, D.C., or consulates in New York, San Francisco, and Houston), and whether the case is standard or requires additional processing. In most standard cases, fees typically range from $110 to $180 and are paid by money order or cashier’s check made out to the relevant embassy or consulate.

In-person and mail-in applications generally have similar base fees. However, certain cases—such as lost, damaged, or long-expired passports—may involve higher costs. Third-party or expedited services, where available, can also significantly increase the total price. Because fees may be updated periodically, it is important to confirm the exact amount with the relevant consulate before submitting your application.

Fee breakdown by application type

General notes on payment

Most Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the U.S. accept payment only by money order or cashier’s check. Cash and personal checks are often not accepted. All payments must be made payable to the specific embassy or consulate handling your application.

Important recommendation

Fees and procedures may vary between locations and can change without prior notice. Always verify the latest information directly with the official embassy or consulate before submitting your application to avoid delays or incorrect payment.

When to start a passport renewal process?

Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the United States (including the Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the Consulates in New York, San Francisco, and Houston) generally accept passport renewal applications for documents that are either already expired or close to expiration. In most cases, there is no strict minimum remaining validity period required to apply.

Renewal can usually be initiated at any time before or after expiration, including in cases where the passport has been expired for an extended period. However, eligibility and processing details may vary depending on individual circumstances and the consular office.

It is also important to note that many airlines, transit countries, and hotels require at least six months of passport validity for international travel. For this reason, it is often recommended to renew your passport around 6–12 months before it expires to avoid potential travel disruptions.

FAQ

Can I renew my Vietnamese passport if it is lost or damaged?

Yes. In cases of a lost or damaged passport, you will typically need to provide a police report issued or certified by U.S. authorities, along with any remaining copies of the old passport if available. An additional affidavit explaining the circumstances of the loss or damage is also usually required. These cases often involve higher fees (around $320 or more) and may take longer to process due to additional verification.

What if I need to change my name on the new passport?

If you are changing your name, you must submit legal supporting documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order (original and/or certified copies). The application form should be completed with the updated information. In most cases, no additional fee is charged beyond the standard renewal cost, and the new passport may include both the previous and updated name depending on the situation.

How do I renew a Vietnamese passport for a child or minor?

For minors, a parent or legal guardian must complete and sign the application form. Required documents usually include the child’s birth certificate, passports or IDs of both parents, and a consent letter if only one parent is submitting the application. Passport photos are also required, while the biography form is typically not needed for newborns. Fees are generally similar to adult applications.

Is expedited passport renewal available?

Expedited processing is limited and depends on the specific consular office. In urgent situations, such as imminent travel, applicants may be asked to provide proof (for example, flight tickets). In some cases, applications may be forwarded for faster processing, though this is not guaranteed and may involve additional fees. Standard processing usually remains 3–5 business days for straightforward cases.

Can I track my Vietnamese passport renewal application?

There is generally no dedicated online tracking system for applications. Status updates are usually provided through the return mailing envelope or by email in some consulates. Processing typically takes a few business days for standard cases, but applicants are advised to contact the relevant consulate directly if there are significant delays.

Last update: May 2026