Passport renewal in Morocco
Renewing a Moroccan passport generally involves submitting an application at a local administrative office (Pachalik or Caïdat) or, for citizens abroad, at a Moroccan consulate. The process typically requires completing a form, providing updated photographs, and presenting identification documents along with the expiring passport.
It is advisable to begin the passport renewal process several months before the current passport's expiration date. This allows ample time for scheduling appointments, processing the application, and receiving the new document, especially considering potential variations in processing times and administrative office queues.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time is recommended to accommodate potential delays in appointment scheduling, administrative processing, and delivery of the new passport, preventing issues with travel plans.
The process
- 1Verify the expiration date of the current passport and confirm eligibility for renewal.
- 2Obtain the required application form, which may be available online or at the administrative office/consulate.
- 3Gather all necessary supporting documents, including identification and proof of residence.
- 4Take recent passport-sized photographs that meet official specifications (often biometric).
- 5Pay the applicable passport renewal fee.
- 6Submit the completed application form and all supporting documents to the designated administrative office (Pachalik or Caïdat) or Moroccan consulate.
- 7Collect the new passport once processing is complete, often requiring presentation of the receipt and the old passport.
What to bring
- Original expiring Moroccan passport
- National Electronic Identity Card (C.N.I.E. or C.N.I.)
- Two recent, color, biometric passport-sized photographs (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm) on a light background
- Proof of residence (for certain situations or if applying from abroad)
- Application form (to be completed)
Who handles it
Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (DGSN) / المديرية العامة للأمن الوطني in collaboration with local administrative services (Pachalik or Caïdat) within Morocco, or Moroccan Consulates abroad.
The fee for a Moroccan passport renewal is generally 500 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD). This fee is usually paid at the time of application submission, often at a designated counter or bank teller within the administrative office or consulate. It is advisable to confirm the exact amount and acceptable payment methods with the relevant authority prior to application.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure photographs strictly adhere to biometric standards; non-compliant photos are a common reason for application rejection.
- Verify the exact required documents and any specific local requirements with the administrative office or consulate before visiting.
- Be aware that processing times can vary, especially for applications submitted abroad or during peak periods.
- The physical presence of the applicant is often required for both submission and collection, particularly for fingerprinting or identity verification.
Sources
- Renouvellement du passeport biométrique passeport.ma
- Conditions de délivrance passeport.ma
- Formalités pour les MRE passeport.ma
Other documents in Morocco
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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