Call the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and set up an appointment for processing your renewal. There is an Embassy in almost every country and usually one or more Consulates. The Embassy is usually located in the capital city or near the largest group of U.S. population, while Consulates can be located in smaller cities. Check online at the U.S. Travel website (see Resources) for phone numbers and locations of these offices, or ask at local police division of the foreign country in which you are located. The office might require an appointment before you can enter, so check in advance.
Bring proof of your identity to the appointment, including your current passport and a secondary form of identification such as a birth certificate copy or a photo license. You will be asked personal questions to confirm your identity, so answer the questions as truthfully and accurately as possible.
Complete a passport application at the Embassy or Consular office. You will be given a DS-11 form to fill out at the office. Officials will also take a picture of you to include in the passport.
Pay for the passport renewal fees. These vary depending on age and exemptions, and if you pay them in full, you will receive a normal 10-year passport. If you do not have the funds to pay for the passport and cannot get funds sent to you before your planned departure, the Consular office might waive the fees and issue you a temporary three-month passport. You can then re-apply for the standard 10-year passport once you are back in the U.S.
