Passport renewal in Romania
Renewing a Romanian passport involves submitting an application, providing necessary documents, and capturing biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) at a designated passport office in Romania or a diplomatic mission abroad. The new passport is then issued after processing.
It is generally advisable to initiate the passport renewal process several months before the current passport's expiration date, especially if international travel is anticipated. This allows sufficient time to secure an appointment, complete the application, and account for potential processing delays. Some countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure.
Start 90 days ahead
This lead time accounts for potential appointment waiting times at passport offices or consulates, as well as the standard processing duration for a new passport, which can vary depending on the application location (in Romania or abroad) and the type of service requested (normal or expedited).
The process
- 1Check the validity of the current passport and determine if renewal is necessary.
- 2Gather all required documents, including the expiring passport, identity card, and proof of legal status if applicable.
- 3Schedule an appointment at a local passport office in Romania or a Romanian diplomatic mission/consulate abroad. Some locations may offer walk-in services or online scheduling.
- 4Attend the appointment, submit the application form along with the collected documents, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph).
- 5Pay the applicable passport fee. The fee amount and payment methods should be confirmed with the specific issuing authority.
- 6Receive notification when the new passport is ready for collection, or have it delivered if that option is available.
What to bring
- Current Romanian passport (even if expired)
- Romanian identity card (Carte de Identitate) or temporary identity card (Carte de Identitate Provizorie) for adults residing in Romania, or an equivalent document proving Romanian citizenship and identity if residing abroad.
- Proof of payment for the passport fee (receipt, depending on local payment methods).
- For minors, the birth certificate of the minor, identity cards of both parents, and potentially the minor's previous passport; consent from both parents or legal guardian(s) is typically required.
Who handles it
Ministerul Afacerilor Interne (Ministry of Internal Affairs), Direcția Generală de Pașapoarte (General Directorate for Passports)
https://www.passapoarte.mai.gov.ro/
The cost for a Romanian passport renewal varies based on the type of passport (e.g., electronic, temporary) and the location of application (in Romania or at a diplomatic mission abroad). Applicants should consult the official website of the Directorate for Passports or the relevant diplomatic mission for current fee schedules and accepted payment methods.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure all required documents are valid and original, as copies may not be accepted without presentation of originals.
- Confirm the specific appointment scheduling procedures and availability for the chosen application location, as these can vary significantly.
- Be aware of different processing times for passports issued in Romania versus those issued at diplomatic missions, and plan accordingly.
- For minors, specific rules apply regarding parental presence and consent; verify these requirements in advance to avoid delays.
Sources
- Direcția Generală de Pașapoarte passapoarte.mai.gov.ro
- Acte necesare eliberării pașaportului simplu electronic passapoarte.mai.gov.ro
Other documents in Romania
Passport renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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