German Passport Renewal in the U.S. — 2026 Guide

German passports for citizens living in the United States are applied for in person at the embassy, a consulate general or, in states with no German mission, at certain honorary consuls. Every application is printed at the Federal Printing Office in Berlin, which is why the realistic timetable is six to eight weeks rather than days.

Quick facts

Fees are set in euros and can be paid by credit card, which is charged in euros, or in U.S. dollars in cash or by money order. Personal checks are not accepted and euro cash is not accepted either.

Fees breakdown

The national identity card is a separate document with its own schedule: €89.00 from age 24 and €70.60 below it, with a smaller out-of-district surcharge.

How to renew

1. Find which mission covers your state, since applying elsewhere triggers a surcharge of up to €70.
2. Book an appointment online. Applications are only accepted in person and during opening hours.
3. Assemble the documents in original. Incomplete applications are refused outright.
4. Attend, give fingerprints and pay. Prints are kept only briefly and then deleted.
5. Wait for printing in Berlin, normally six to eight weeks.
6. Collect the passport at the mission, or pay the mailing fee to have it sent.

Required documents

• Completed application form, signed at the appointment.
• Current or most recent German passport or identity card.
• Biometric photograph meeting the German specification, which is stricter than the U.S. one.
• Proof of U.S. address.
• For dual citizens: evidence of how U.S. citizenship was acquired, such as the naturalisation certificate.
• Civil status records where the name has changed: marriage certificate, divorce decree or name declaration.
• For children: birth certificate and consent of both parents.

Where to apply

Nine German missions serve the United States, supported by honorary consuls who are equipped to take passport applications in states without a consulate general. That option saves a long drive, though fees and payment methods there follow the honorary consul’s own rules.

Additional notes

Name declarations change the timetable

If your name as recorded in Germany does not match the name on your U.S. documents, a name declaration has to be resolved first, and that can add months to the process. Deal with it before the passport is urgent.

Temporary passports

A temporary passport costs €80, is valid for a year and can often be issued the same day, but it is not accepted for visa-free travel to some destinations, so check before relying on it.

Honorary consuls

Not every honorary consul offers the service, and those who do publish their own appointment arrangements. Confirm before travelling.

Children’s passports

Passports for people under 24 are valid for six years and carry the lower fee, but they are not extended: a new application is required each time.