Passport renewal in Moldova
Renewing a Moldovan passport generally involves submitting an application at a Public Services Agency office in Moldova or a diplomatic mission/consular office abroad, providing necessary documents, and paying the applicable fees. The process ensures that citizens maintain a valid travel document.
Most people consider renewing their passport several months before its expiration date. This allows sufficient time to schedule an appointment, prepare all required documents, and account for processing times. Processing times can vary depending on the chosen service (standard or expedited) and the location of application (Moldova or abroad).
Start 60 days ahead
This lead time accounts for potential appointment waiting times, standard processing periods which can be up to 30 days or more, and potential unforeseen delays, especially when applying from abroad.
The process
- 1Check the validity period of the current passport. Renewal is typically possible up to 12 months before expiration, or sooner if necessary due to damage, loss, or changes in personal data.
- 2Gather necessary documents, which usually include the expiring passport (if applicable), identity card, and proof of civil status if personal data has changed.
- 3Schedule an appointment at a Public Services Agency office in Moldova or a Moldovan diplomatic mission/consular office abroad. For applications abroad, confirm specific procedures with the respective consulate.
- 4Submit the application in person, providing all required documents and biometric data (fingerprints, photo).
- 5Pay the state fee and any additional service fees. Fees can vary based on the desired processing time and application location.
- 6Await notification for collection, or track the application status online if such a service is available.
- 7Collect the new passport in person at the designated office.
What to bring
- Applicant's identity card (Buletin de identitate) or valid travel document.
- The expiring or expired passport (if available).
- Documents confirming changes in personal data, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or name change certificate, if applicable.
- Proof of legal residence (for applicants living abroad, if required by the consulate).
- Proof of payment of applicable fees.
Who handles it
Agenția Servicii Publice (Public Services Agency)
https://asp.gov.md/en/passport
The standard state fee for issuing a passport is 700 MDL for a processing time of 30 calendar days when applying in Moldova. Expedited services are available at higher fees (e.g., 1000 MDL for 15 days, 1200 MDL for 10 days, 1500 MDL for 5 days, 2000 MDL for 1 day, 2500 MDL for 6 hours). Fees for applications submitted through diplomatic missions or consular offices abroad may differ and include additional consular charges. It is advisable to confirm the exact fees with the relevant office.
What commonly goes wrong
- Verify the specific document requirements and fees with the Public Services Agency or the relevant consular office, as these can vary based on application location and processing speed.
- Ensure all personal data on supporting civil status documents matches the desired data for the new passport. Any discrepancies may require prior rectification.
- Be aware that processing times can be longer for applications submitted through consular offices abroad compared to those submitted directly in Moldova.
- For minors, specific rules and documents apply, generally requiring the presence and consent of both parents or legal guardians.
Sources
Other documents in Moldova
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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