Passport in France – How Do I Renew My Passport in France?

Question & AnswerQuestion: I currently live in France. Paris to be specific. I am a US citizen and my passport will be expiring in about two months. Prior to that I will be coming home to the US. Where do I renew my passport in France and must I obtain new visas to return to France? Can I apply for the visas here as I did in the past?

Answer: Renewing your passport in France is very simple and straight forward. Simply obtain the Form DS-82 at this LINK and submit it to the National Passport Processing Center here in the U.S.

You can do it by mail if you meet the following guidelines:

Check your current or most recent passport.

  • It should in good condition before submitting it with Form DS-82.
  • Your name is identical tp that on the passport (you have not changed your name or assumed a married name). If your name was changed you will have to provide legal documentation of the name change.
  • It was given in the last 15 years
  • If you had it when you were 16 years of age or older.The form contains a mailing address where to send the following:
  • Your current passport
  • The From DS-82 completely filled out
  • A recent passport photo
  • Payment for the fees in the form of:
    • Checks (personal, certified, cashiers, travelers), payable to “Department of State”
    • Money orders (U.S. Postal, international, currency exchange), payable to “Department of State”

The entire process takes 4 to 6 weeks. You will receive by mail your old passport as well as the new passport at different times.

If you do not meet the above mentioned conditions than you will have to file for a new passport using Form DS-11.

If you wait until your passport is going to expire sooner than 2-3 weeks you will have to visit a Regional Passport office and request “expedited service” at an additional cost of $60. So it is far more convenient to plan ahead.