Renewal of U.S. passport at the U.S. Embassy in Italy

If you are a U.S. citizen residing in Italy and your U.S. passport has expired or is about to expire, it is important to know how to renew it. In this guide, you will find all the essential information you need to properly begin the renewal process at one of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate offices located throughout Italy.

Why It’s Important to Renew Your Passport on Time

The U.S. passport is the primary form of identification for U.S. citizens living abroad. In Italy, it is essential for a wide range of administrative and legal procedures. For example, it is required for:

• Obtain, renew, or convert a residence permit of any kind (study, work, family reunification, pending employment, etc.);
  
• enter into lease agreements;
  
• register with the registry office with the Municipality of residence;
  
• apply for an Italian ID card for foreigners.
  

Whenever possible, it’s best not to wait until the last minute to renew the document, in order to avoid bureaucratic complications or delays in your personal or professional plans. Later in this article, we’ll also discuss exceptional cases, such as loss or theft.

Apply for a U.S. Passport Renewal in Italy

For adults who are eligible for renewal using Form DS-82, the renewal application must be submitted by mail, following the instructions provided by the relevant consular office. Alternatively, when specified in the consular office’s instructions, the package may be deposited directly into the designated mailbox at the consular office.

The applicant may, however, be summoned in person by the Consulate if the consular officer deems it necessary to conduct further verification of the applicant’s identity or the application.

Step 1: Check the renewal requirements using Form DS-82

The first step in the renewal process is to verify that you are eligible to use Form DS-82. In general, this procedure is intended for adults who need to renew a 10-year passport and who meet the requirements set by the Department of State.

If you meet the requirements, you do not need to make an appointment to submit your application: the application is sent by mail according to the instructions provided by the relevant consular office.

The cities in Italy where U.S. consular offices are located are:

• U.S. Embassy in Rome – 121 Via Vittorio Veneto;
  
• U.S. Consulate in Milan – Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10;
  
• U.S. Consulate in Florence – Lungarno Vespucci, 38;
  
• U.S. Consulate in Naples – Piazza della Repubblica.
  

All the latest information on how to submit an application is available on the official website of the U.S. Embassy in Italy.

Step 2: Fill out Form DS-82

The official form to fill out for passport renewal is the DS-82, which is intended for renewals only, not for initial issuances. The form must be filled out carefully, signed, and dated by the applicant before being mailed. It is not necessary to have the signature notarized.

Documents Required for U.S. Passport Renewal

To renew your passport, you must submit the following documents:

• DS-82 form completed and signed;
  
• expired or soon-to-expire passport (original);
  
• digital ID (original and copy);
  
• proof of U.S. citizenship (original and copy);
  
• two recent photographs, passport-size (with a white background, without glasses, neutral expression);
  
• Payment of the renewal fee.
  

U.S. Passport: Cost

Payment of the applicable fee for renewing a U .S. passport using Form DS-82 is made online through the U.S. government platform Pay.gov. The payment receipt must be printed and included in the package containing the application and other required documents.

To renew a standard adult passport using Form DS-82, the application fee is currently $130.

Payment must be made before submitting the application and, therefore, cannot be made in cash or by credit card on the day of an interview at the Embassy or Consulate.

Processing Times and Receipt of the New Passport

Once the entire process is complete, the new passport will be mailed to the address provided or can be picked up at the consulate, depending on the options available at the time of application. Processing times may vary, but on average they are around 5 weeks.
It is important to note that, once the application is received, the Consulate may request additional documentation or ask the applicant to appear in person if further verification is necessary.

How long does it take to get an emergency U.S. passport?

In exceptional cases, if you are stolen or if you lose your passport, you can obtain a temporary passport (limited validity). This emergency passport is issued the same day if you submit your application before 12:00 PM, or on the next business day.

If you have any other questions about renewing your U.S. passport or are looking for assistance with the paperwork required to live or travel in Italy, you can contact the Welcome Association Italy.