Vietnamese Passport Renewal (in the US)

If you hold a Vietnamese passport and are living in the United States, you can renew it through the Vietnamese Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate General in Houston — either in person or by mail.

What you will need:

• Completed passport application form (available for download from the Embassy website)
• Your current Vietnamese passport (original plus a photocopy of personal details, passport number, issue date, and US visa/entry pages)
• Three passport photos (2×2 inches, white background, no glasses, direct frontal view)
• A copy of your US residency documentation (green card, US passport, or valid US visa)
• Payment by money order or cashier’s check made out to “Consulate of Vietnam” (fee is approximately $70 for a standard passport or $35 for a simplified passport)
• A prepaid self-addressed return envelope with tracking (USPS Certified, UPS, or FedEx recommended)

Good to know:

The Houston Consulate is located at a convenient distance for our clients — our team can help you prepare your documents before your visit.

Your current passport must still have at least 30 days of validity remaining at the time of application. If it is already expired, you will need to apply for a replacement rather than a standard renewal.

Processing typically takes 3–5 business days after all documents are received, though additional time may be required for background verification.

If your passport was lost, you will need to include a police report or self-proclaimed loss report certified by a relevant US authority.

Vietnam now issues chip-embedded passports, which support faster border clearance and automated immigration systems. Older non-chip passports remain valid until they expire, but upgrading is recommended.

US Passport Renewal

US citizens can renew their passport by mail using Form DS-82, online through the State Department portal, or in person at a passport acceptance facility if they do not qualify for mail or online renewal.

What you will need:

• Completed Form DS-82 (available online at travel.state.gov or through the digital filler tool)
• Your most recent US passport (must be undamaged, issued when you were 16 or older, issued within the last 15 years, and in your current legal name)
• One recent passport photo (2×2 inches, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
• Payment of $130 for a standard passport book renewal. Add $60 for expedited processing, $30 for an optional passport card, and $22.05 for 1–2 day return delivery if needed.

Good to know:

We recommend starting the renewal process at least 3–6 months before any planned international travel to account for processing times and potential delays.

Routine processing currently takes 4–6 weeks, plus up to 2 weeks for mailing each way, for a total door-to-door time of approximately 8–10 weeks. Expedited processing shortens the agency processing time to 2–3 weeks.

If your passport is damaged, lost, stolen, or was issued before you turned 16, you cannot renew by mail. You must apply in person using Form DS-11, which requires an additional $35 execution fee.

Many countries and airlines require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date. Even a passport that has not technically expired may not be accepted for entry.

Name changes require supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Missing this is a common reason for application delays.

Travelers departing within 14 days can schedule an urgent appointment at a regional passport agency. Those needing a foreign visa within 28 days may also qualify for expedited in-person service.