Passports

Passport FAQ

Does my child really have to come in to see you?
Yes. Your child, even a newborn, must appear in person at our offices at the time you make the application.

There are no exceptions or waivers possible for this requirement for newborns and other first time applicants, and waivers only in cases of serious illness for some younger children.

I'm confused about personal appearances...

Q: I'm 13 and want to renew my passport. How do I do it?

A: You'll need to apply in person, accompanied by a parent. The two parent agreement rules apply.

Q: I'm 25 now, but my last passport was issued when I was 15.

A: You must also apply in person. You can only apply via a third party if you can present a full validity passport issued on/after your 16th birthday.

Q: I'm 44 years old. Can I apply via a third party?

A: Most likely yes. You can apply via a third party if you can present a full validity passport issued on/after your 16th birthday. An exception would be if you were a first-time applicant, or if you were replacing a lost or stolen passport, in which case you must apply in person.

My spouse is going to the Consulate to renew our sons' passport. Do we need to provide a "two parent consent form"?

All applicants under the age of 16 must meet the requirements listed in the Law on Passport Applications for Minors.

For those parents who are required to apply in person on behalf of their child, such as a new born baby's first passport, one parent signs in person and submits a copy of the second parent's passport and signed consent (download the affidavit form at http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/ds3053/ds3053_846.html).
The form must be notarized. A FAX copy of the notarized consent form is acceptable.

Do my newborns' passport photos have to show her eyes open?

How do I take the pictures? How long do I have to apply? The childs' eyes need to be open. One way is to do this is to place the child on a white blanket on the floor and take the photo while standing over him/her. You can also go to a professional photographer if you prefer.

You can learn more about your babys' first passport and Report of Birth.

On the back of the passport application form in tiny, tiny print it says "Enclose the passport fee in the form of personal check or money order". Can I use my personal check?

Sorry, that refers to applications made in the U.S. Here in Hong Kong, we accept US or HK dollars, or VISA, Mastercard, Discover, Diners Club or American Express card. We cannot accept personal checks in any instance or case.

     

Can I use black and white photos for my passport?

No. The photos must be in color. The photos must be 2" x 2" (5 cm x 5 cm) with a white
or very light colored background. Blue backgrounds are not acceptable. Be careful with the size -- "passport photos" you get at a local photographer's shop are usually too small and are intended for a Hong Kong passport. You can learn more about applying for a passport, including details on the photos, elsewhere on our site.

What About A-4 size paper?

When I download a passport application, can I use A4-size paper? I can't get 8.5 x 11 paper in Hong Kong. You can use A4 paper. The forms you print must be clear and sharp, printed in black on white paper, with no holes or perforations, at least medium (such as used in most photocopiers) paper weight, and with a matte surface. Thermal paper, dye-sublimation paper, special inkjet paper, and other shiny papers are not acceptable. You can download the passport applications forms you'll need at travel.state.gov.

Should I staple one of the two photos needed for a passport to the application form?

No, don't staple them. Just write the applicant's name on the back of the photos with a felt tip pen (ball point can press through and mar the picture) and include them with the application.

On the passport application form it asks for an address to mail the passport to. What should I write?

Write your mailing address in Hong Kong, where you would normally receive mail.

On the passport application form it asks for a "permanent address."

I live in Hong Kong now, but may move back to the U.S. someday. What should I write? It is up to you. If you reside in Hong Kong, you can write your Hong Kong street address. Even if they live in Hong Kong, some people prefer to write a U.S. address, such as their parents' home or company headquarters.

I live in Hong Kong for the time being. What should I write on the passport application under "Departure Date?"

Departure Date is optional, so you can leave it blank if you wish.

I applied for passport in the U.S. but came to Hong Kong before receiving the passport. Where can I call to ask about its status?

The Consulate does not have information on passport applications in-process in the U.S. You can check your application status online, or call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778, a toll-free call. You can also email them at npic@state.gov.

 

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Last modified: February 1, 2008