How To Renew An American Passport When Living in Spain

Expat Tips Published: 19 September 2014 11:30 CET Updated: 04 August 2025 11:30 CET

If you're an American citizen living in Spain, knowing how to renew your U.S. passport — or replace it if it's lost or stolen — is essential. Whether you’re traveling soon, applying for Spanish residency, or simply staying compliant, this detailed 2025 guide covers every step: from postal renewals and in-person applications to urgent cases requiring an emergency passport. Let’s break it all down so you’re prepared, no matter your situation.

Finding Your Local U.S. Embassy in Spain

Passport services for U.S. citizens in Spain are provided at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid and the U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona. You can find the correct location by visiting https://www.usembassy.gov/spain/.

Once on the site, select either the Madrid or Barcelona office based on your location. Each has its own contact info, appointment scheduler, and information on current services and hours.

Registering with the U.S. Embassy

All U.S. citizens living abroad are encouraged to register with the Embassy via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service enables the Embassy to contact you during local emergencies and provides safety updates relevant to your region in Spain.

You can sign up here: https://step.state.gov/step/

Renewing an American Passport While Abroad

Passport renewal while living in Spain cannot be completed online. Instead, U.S. citizens must either:

Book an appointment and apply in person
Or — if eligible — submit their documents via mail

Renewing by mail is more convenient, but not everyone qualifies. Read on to see if you're eligible.

Eligibility for Mail-In Passport Renewal

You can renew your passport by mail from Spain using Form DS-82 if all of the following are true:

Your current passport is undamaged and can be submitted with your application
It was issued when you were age 16 or older
It was issued within the last 15 years
It was issued in your current name, or you can provide legal proof of a name change

If you meet these conditions, you can avoid the in-person appointment and renew by post.

Full instructions can be found here: https://es.usembassy.gov/adult-passport-renewals/

Form DS-82 and Where to Get It

The DS-82 form is the standard renewal application for adults who qualify. You can download it and fill it out online or by hand:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html

If You Don’t Qualify for DS-82

If your situation doesn't meet DS-82 criteria — for example, if your last passport is too old, was lost, or was issued before you turned 16 — you'll need to use Form DS-11 and apply in person at the Embassy or Consulate.

This also applies to first-time applicants and children.

What to Bring With You

If applying in person using DS-11, or submitting a postal DS-82, you’ll need:

Your most recent U.S. passport (even if expired)
A completed DS-82 or DS-11 application
One recent passport photo (2x2", white background, no hats or sunglasses)
Proof of legal name change, if applicable
Payment (see next section)

Note: Both Embassy locations have passport photo booths available, though it’s best to come prepared.

Passport Fees for 2025

DS-82 mail-in renewal: $130 (approx. €133)
DS-11 new/replacement passport: $165 (approx. €169)

Fees can be paid by credit card or cash in person, or online for certain services via:

https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/607957567

Passport Validity

Once issued, U.S. passports are valid for:

10 years for adults (16+)
5 years for minors (under 16)

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports

If your passport is lost or stolen while living in Spain, make an appointment with the Embassy. You’ll be required to fill out:

Form DS-11: Application for a new passport
Form DS-64: Statement regarding the lost/stolen passport

Bring any police report you filed, along with:

Proof of citizenship (e.g. expired passport, birth certificate)
A valid photo ID
One passport photo
Payment for the new passport

Emergency Passport for Urgent Travel

In a genuine emergency — such as a family death or medical crisis — you can request an emergency passport. These are issued the same day, but only cover short-term travel.

Appointments are usually required, but the Embassy in Madrid and Consulate in Barcelona may assist walk-ins from 08:00 to 13:00 if it is urgent.

Once you return from your trip, you’ll need to exchange the emergency passport for a full-validity version.

More info: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/need-passport/outside-us.html

Third-Party Submissions

You are allowed to have someone else deliver your documents to the Embassy — as long as your form has been signed by you in advance. However, only the applicant can sign the form and consent to the application.

Extra Tip: Double-Check Processing Times

While routine processing times are generally under 4 weeks, delays do happen — especially during peak holiday seasons. It’s a good idea to renew your passport at least 6 months before it expires to avoid any complications with travel plans or visa renewals.

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