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The Ultimate Guide to Passport Renewal and Replacement: Navigating the Ever-Changing Landscape with Ease

The procedure for renewing or extending a passport that has been lost or is about to expire is a straightforward process. It involves a few simple steps, starting with gathering the necessary documents and filling out the appropriate forms.

Administrator

23 July, 2024

A passport is a vital document for international travel and smooth cross-border movement. However, many people misplace their passports or find themselves with an expired passport and need to apply for a new one. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on the passport renewal and replacement process, ensuring a seamless experience for all.

1Passport Renewal and Replacement Procedures

Renewing an Expiring or Fully Used Passport

According to Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC, the dossier for renewing an expiring or fully used passport includes:

Application form X01 for passport issuance
Valid old passport
2 photos sized 4×6 cm, with a white background, taken straight-on with no glasses or headwear
Valid ID card/Citizenship Identification Card for verification (presented when submitting the application)

Replacing a Lost or Damaged Passport

As per Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC, the dossier for replacing a lost or damaged passport includes:

Application form X01 for passport issuance
4 new photos sized 4×6 cm, taken straight-on with no headwear, and a white background
In case of a lost passport, submit Form X08 reporting the loss as stipulated in Circular No. 29/2016/TT-BCA. This must be certified by the local police station, and you need to clearly state the reason, time, and location of the loss.
For damaged passports or those with a validity of less than 30 days, submit the passport for replacement.
Valid ID card/Citizenship Identification Card for verification (presented when submitting the application)

If your passport is expiring soon, you need to initiate the renewal process.

Learn more about the procedures and fees for these services on our website!

2Passport Renewal and Replacement Procedures

Replacing a Lost Passport

If you have lost your passport, follow these four steps:

Step 1 File a Report

Submit Form X08 as stipulated in Circular No. 29/2016/TT-BCA to report the loss. This must be certified by the local police station, and you need to clearly state the reason, time, and location of the loss.

Form X08 is issued along with Circular No. 29/2016/TT-BCA regarding lost passports.

Step 2 Prepare the Required Documents

Step 3 Submit the Application for Passport Renewal

This step is similar to Step 2 in the case of an expiring passport.

Step 4 Receive Your New Passport

To receive your new passport, follow the same procedure as Step 3 for an expiring passport.

Form X08 for reporting a lost passport

Renewing an Expiring Passport

Step 1 Prepare the Required Documents

Step 2 Submit the Application for Passport Renewal

To submit your application for passport renewal, you can choose one of the following three methods:

Direct Submission:

The applicant must go in person to the Exit and Entry Management Office and present their ID card or Citizen Identification Card for verification.

Authorization of an Organization or Enterprise with Legal Status:

The authorized person fills out and signs the application form for passport issuance or amendment (with a sealed photo) and has it certified by the head of the authorized organization or enterprise.

The authorized organization or enterprise sends an official dispatch to the police, requesting the passport issuance. If applying for multiple people, a list of authorized persons with the signature and seal of the head of the organization or enterprise is required.

When submitting the application, the staff of the authorized organization or enterprise must present their introduction letter, ID card or Citizen Identification Card, and the ID card or Citizen Identification Card of the authorized person for verification.

Submission via Postal Services:

The application form must be certified and sealed by the local police station, along with a copy of the ID card or Citizen Identification Card.

Step 3 Receive Your New Passport

The new passport can be collected at the Exit and Entry Management Office of the provincial-level Public Security Department.

The applicant must present the receipt, payment slip, and ID card for verification. The staff of the authorized organization or enterprise must present their introduction letter, ID card or Citizen Identification Card, and the ID card or Citizen Identification Card of the authorized person for verification when collecting the passport.
The officer will check the documents and ask the applicant to sign the receipt before handing over the new passport.

Alternatively, you can now receive your passport directly from the postal service provider you registered with.

There are three steps to follow when your passport is expiring.

3Frequently Asked Questions about Passport Renewal

Where Can I Renew My Expiring Passport?

You can renew your expiring passport at the Exit and Entry Management Office of the provincial-level Public Security Department where you are residing or at the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security.

If your passport expires while you are abroad, you must apply for a new one at the Vietnamese representative agency in that country.

In Ho Chi Minh City: You can go to the Immigration Office of Ho Chi Minh City Police Department or the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security for passport renewal.

In Hanoi: You can process your passport renewal at:

Immigration Department – Branch 2, located at No. 2 Phung Hung, Ha Dong District, Hanoi.
Immigration Department – No. 44 Pham Ngoc Thach, Trung Tu Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi.

Make sure to visit the relevant authorities to renew your expiring passport.

Reference:

When Should I Renew or Replace My Passport?

The timing of passport renewal depends on the type of passport, and you can refer to the following cases according to Clause 1, Decree No. 94/2015/ND-CP:

Diplomatic and official passports are valid for a maximum of 05 years from the date of issuance. Diplomatic and official passports with a remaining validity of less than 01 year can be extended once, up to a maximum of 03 years. When they expire, a new passport must be issued.
Ordinary passports are valid for a maximum of 10 years from the date of issuance and cannot be extended. Ordinary passports with remaining validity can be reissued, but the remaining period is maintained, and the 10-year validity is not applied as in the case of a new issuance. Therefore, when they expire, a new passport must be issued.
The validity of national passports issued to children under 14 years old or to citizens accompanying children under 09 years old is as follows:

+ Ordinary passports issued to children under 14 years old are valid for a maximum of 05 years from the date of issuance and cannot be extended.

+ For children under 09 years old who are included in their parent’s ordinary passport, the passport is valid for a maximum of 05 years from the date of issuance and cannot be extended.

+ Diplomatic passports issued to children under 18 years old of persons specified in Clause 10, Article 6 of this Decree, and official passports issued to children under 18 years old of staff of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad, correspondents of Vietnam News Agency, and correspondents of central radio and television stations of Vietnam are valid from 01 to 05 years from the date of issuance until the child reaches the age of 18 and cannot be extended.

The timing of passport renewal depends on the type of passport.

How Can I Check My Passport Information?

To check your passport information, you can do the following:

Visit the Immigration Department in person if you want to inquire about your passport number.
Access the Electronic Declaration Portal to request a passport and choose to look up the passport result status.

Look up the passport result status online.

How Long Does It Take to Renew or Replace a Passport?

For applications submitted to the Exit and Entry Management Office: the processing time shall not exceed 08 working days from the date of receipt of valid dossiers as prescribed.
For applications submitted to the Immigration Department: the processing time shall not exceed 05 working days from the date of receipt of valid dossiers as prescribed.
In cases of urgent need for a passport, the earliest possible processing time within the prescribed period will be applied.
If the working day falls on a weekend, holiday, or public holiday: The processing time shall be extended by the number of those days as stipulated by the Government.

The processing time may vary depending on where you submit your application.

How to Renew a Passport for a Child Under 14 Years Old?

According to the 2019 Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Vietnamese Citizens, children under 14 years old are not allowed to extend their passports. Instead, they must apply for a new passport.

The procedure for obtaining a new passport for a child under 14 years old is as follows:

Step 1 Prepare the Required Documents

Application form X01 for passport re-issuance must be certified and sealed by the local police station where the child resides or temporarily resides.
In case of applying for a separate passport, submit a copy of the birth certificate or birth certificate extract (if it is a copy, the original must be presented for verification) and 02 photos sized 4cm x 6cm. The form must be filled out and signed by the mother or father. If neither parent is available, the guardian or foster parent (with valid guardianship or foster care documents) must fill out and sign the form.

* For children under 9 years old applying for inclusion in the passport of their mother or father:

Submit a copy of the birth certificate or birth certificate extract (if it is a copy, the original must be presented for verification) and 02 photos sized 3cm x 4cm.

Step 2 Submit the Application

Parents can submit the application at the Exit and Entry Management Offices. The results will be received in person or via postal services. The processing time is approximately 5-7 days from the date of receiving the valid dossier.

How to Renew a Passport for a Foreigner?

Step 1 Prepare the Required Documents

Frequently asked questions

The passport renewal process in the US typically involves completing Form DS-82, which can be done online or by printing and mailing it in. You’ll need to provide an updated passport photo, your current passport, and any name change documents if applicable. The standard processing time is 6-8 weeks, but expedited services are available for an additional fee.

Yes, you can renew your passport in person at designated acceptance facilities or post offices. This option may be convenient if you need faster processing, as some facilities offer expedited services. You’ll need to bring all the required documents and fees, and you may need to make an appointment in advance.

To renew your passport by mail, your most recent passport must be intact and submitted with your application. It should also have been issued when you were aged 16 or older and within the last 15 years. Additionally, your name must not have changed since your last passport was issued, or you must be able to legally document your name change.

In cases of a lost, stolen, or damaged passport, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must apply for a new passport using Form DS-11, following the process for first-time applicants. This typically involves appearing in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency and providing proof of citizenship and identification.

The passport renewal fee for a standard 10-year passport book is $110. If you need a passport card as well, the fee is an additional $30. Expedited services incur an additional $60 fee. These fees are subject to change, so it’s always best to check the official US Department of State website for the most up-to-date information.