Passport renewal in Iran

Start 90 days ahead

This lead time accounts for potential waiting periods for appointments at embassies/consulates, time needed to gather all required documents, and the processing duration once the application is submitted. Processing times can vary significantly depending on the location and specific circumstances.

The process

1. 1Locate the nearest Iranian Embassy or Consulate if residing outside Iran, or the Passport and Visa Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if within Iran, and check their specific requirements and procedures for passport renewal.
2. 2Obtain and accurately complete the passport renewal application forms provided by the authority.
3. 3Gather all necessary supporting documents, which typically include the expiring passport, National ID Card (Shenasnameh), Iranian National Code Card (Kart Melli), and proof of residency.
4. 4Prepare passport-sized photographs according to the specified requirements (e.g., background color, head covering for women).
5. 5Pay the prescribed passport renewal fee. The method of payment should be confirmed with the relevant office.
6. 6Submit the completed application, documents, photographs, and payment, either in person (often by appointment) or through a designated mail service, as instructed by the embassy, consulate, or office.
7. 7Track the application status if a tracking mechanism is provided, and collect the new passport once it is ready.

What to bring

• Original expiring Iranian Passport
• Original Iranian National ID Card (Shenasnameh)
• Original Iranian National Code Card (Kart Melli) for applicants over 15 years old
• Several recent passport-sized photographs (specific requirements for size, background, and head covering for women should be confirmed)
• Proof of residency (for applicants abroad, e.g., visa, residence permit)
• Document confirming military service status for men aged 18-50 (e.g., service completion card, exemption card), or special permission to exit the country for those eligible
• Marriage certificate (for married women, if applicable and required to reflect marital status changes)
• Statement of consent from husband (for married women, if required for passport renewal/exit permission, confirm local regulations)
• Birth certificate for children (for renewal of children's passports)

Who handles it

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran (وزارت امور خارجه جمهوری اسلامی ایران), or the relevant Iranian Embassy or Consulate abroad.

The fee for Iranian passport renewal varies and should be confirmed directly with the specific Iranian embassy, consulate, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Passport and Visa Office. Fees are typically paid in the local currency of the country where the application is submitted or in Iranian Rials within Iran.

What commonly goes wrong

• Military service status: Iranian men between 18 and 50 years old must have their military service status clarified (completed, exempted, or holding special exit permission) to renew their passport.
• Women's consent: Married Iranian women may require their husband's written consent for passport renewal or exit permission, depending on specific regulations and the location of application. It is crucial to confirm this requirement.
• Document completeness and accuracy: Ensure all forms are filled out correctly and all required original documents and photocopies (if requested) are presented, as incomplete applications can cause significant delays.
• Photo specifications: Adhere strictly to the photo requirements (size, background, head covering, facial expression) to avoid rejection.

Sources

• خدمات الکترونیک کنسولی - گذرنامه econsulate.mfa.ir
• سفارت جمهوری اسلامی ایران - برلین berlin.mfa.ir
• Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran - London iranembassy.org.uk
• Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran - Ottawa iranembassy.ca