Important Passport Information

To apply for a U.S. passport at the Embassy or Consulate, applicants will need to provide their Social Security numbers. Questions related to this requirement should be directed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

All non-emergency passports are processed in the United States. The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Kazakhstan accept passport applications and then forward them electronically to the United States for printing. Processing time averages two weeks, but delays can occur in some cases. Accordingly, we urge everyone to renew their passports at least several months prior to their expiration.

Under certain urgent circumstances, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate can issue emergency passports, typically within 24 hours. These emergency passports are limited in validity and cannot be extended. Emergency passports must be exchanged for full-validity passports upon completion of emergency travel.

Passport for children under 16

A child’s identity must be verified to the satisfaction of the consular officer before he or she can receive a U.S. passport. As a child’s appearance may change significantly over time, the consular officer may ask for additional proof of identity. Please bring as much evidence of a child applicant’s identity as possible. Examples of items that can be used to establish a child’s identity include:

Passport issued by another country (original and a copy)
School ID card with photo
Police/immigration registration record with attached photo
Age progression photos (i.e., a series of family photographs taken at various ages since the child’s last passport was issued–for example, if the child is now five years old and the passport was issued shortly after his/her birth, bring family photos showing the child at ages one, two, three and four).

Please note: you will not be able to bring any electronic devices into the Consular Section, so please have photos printed out for review.

In general, both parents and the child need to appear in person to apply for both first and renewal passports. Applicants must bring with them to their appointments:

DS-11 Passport Application Form
One two inch by two inch (five cm. by five cm.) professional quality color photo taken against a white background (eyeglasses are not permitted)
Child’s birth certificate (original and a copy)
Child’s expiring passport, if relevant (original and a copy)
Both parents’ passports (original and a copy)
Application fee ($135)
(Optional) Pre-paid FedEx or DHL airway bill and return envelope, if you would like your child’s passport returned by courier service. Applicants must prepay all courier shipping fees for this service. (Note that if you prefer to have the new passport returned by courier, your child’s current passport will either be cancelled and returned to you during the passport appointment, or will be retained at the Embassy/Consulate, cancelled, and returned to you with the new passport. U.S. citizens considering courier delivery should carefully consider whether they are able to stay in Kazakhstan without a valid passport during the processing and delivery time of the new passport, which could take up to four weeks.)

Note: Original passports and birth certificates are returned to applicants immediately after their interviews.

If a parent or guardian is unable to appear in person with a child applicant, they must provide a Statement of Consent (form DS-3053).

In such cases, the signature of the absent parent on Form DS-3053 must be notarized.
The notary who notarized the absent parent’s signature must properly notate the parent’s ID information on Form DS-3053.
A photocopy of the non-present parent’s identification is required along with their written consent.
The Statement of Consent must have been signed and notarized within 90 days of the passport appointment.
Parents applying for their child’s first U.S. passport should also review the section on Birth registration.

Renew an Adult Passport

In general, applicants are required to bring the following to their appointments:

DS-82 passport application form*
Applicant’s expiring passport (original and a copy)
One two-inch by two-inch (five cm. by five cm.) professional quality color photo taken against a white background (eyeglasses are not permitted)
Application fee ($130)
(Optional) Pre-paid FedEx or DHL airway bill and return envelope, if you would like your new passport returned by courier service. Applicants must prepay all courier shipping fees for this service. (Note that if you prefer to have your new passport returned by courier, your current passport will either be cancelled and returned to you during the passport appointment, or will be retained at the Embassy/Consulate, cancelled, and returned to you with the new passport. U.S. citizens considering courier delivery should carefully consider whether they are able to stay in Kazakhstan without a valid passport during the processing and delivery time of the new passport, which could take up to four weeks

Note: Original passports are returned to applicants immediately after their interviews.

*NB: If an applicant’s last passport was issued before he/she reached the age of 16 or the passport was issued more than 15 years ago, the applicant is required to complete the DS-11 passport application instead of the DS-82. The fee for this service is also slightly higher, at $165 instead of $130.

Replace a Damaged or Mutilated Passport

U.S. passports that are damaged or in poor condition must be replaced, as they are no longer valid for travel. For security reasons, damaged passports may be retained by the passport units. Please be aware that your damaged U.S passport is not proof of citizenship or identity.

If your U.S. passport is damaged, you must apply for a new passport in person by making an appointment.

The following documents are required to submit during the application:

DS-11 form passport application form. You must print the form but DO NOT sign.
Your damaged/mutilated U.S. Passport (original and a copy)
Proof of U.S. citizenship (original and a copy) – such evidence may include but is not limited to U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Expired U.S. passport, U.S. passport card.
Signed statement explaining the damaged or mutilated condition of your passport book and/or card.
One new photo;
Passport application fee $165.
(Optional) Pre-paid FedEx or DHL airway bill and return envelope, if you would like your new passport returned by courier service. Applicants must prepay all courier shipping fees for this service. (Note that if you prefer to have your new passport returned by courier, your current passport will either be cancelled and returned to you during the passport appointment, or will be retained at the Embassy/Consulate, cancelled, and returned to you with the new passport. U.S. citizens considering courier delivery should carefully consider whether they are able to stay in Kazakhstan without a valid passport during the processing and delivery time of the new passport, which could take up to four weeks).

Please note:

Do not sign your application until instructed to do so by the consular officer or acceptance agent.
You must provide a Social Security Number (SSN), if you have been issued one. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please see our FAQs here.
For applicants under 16, both parents must attend with the child and present evidence of parentage (such as child’s birth certificate or consular report of birth abroad, listing parents’ names) and government-issued photo identification
Applicants aged 16-17 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The accompanying adult must present government issued photo identification”

Report and Replace a Lost or Stolen Passport

In order to replace a lost or stolen passport you are required to apply in person by attending a pre-arranged appointment.

The following documents are required to submit during the application:

DS-11 form passport application form. You must print the form but DO NOT sign.
DS-64 Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport. Complete the form online and bring it to the interview.
Proof of U.S. citizenship (original and a copy) – such evidence may include but is not limited to U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Expired U.S. passport, U.S. passport card.
Police report.
One new photo;.
Passport application fee $165.
(Optional) Pre-paid FedEx or DHL airway bill and return envelope, if you would like your new passport returned by courier service. Applicants must prepay all courier shipping fees for this service. (Note that if you prefer to have your new passport returned by courier, your current passport will either be cancelled and returned to you during the passport appointment, or will be retained at the Embassy/Consulate, cancelled, and returned to you with the new passport. U.S. citizens considering courier delivery should carefully consider whether they are able to stay in Kazakhstan without a valid passport during the processing and delivery time of the new passport, which could take up to four weeks).

Please note:

Do not sign your application until instructed to do so by the consular officer or acceptance agent.
You must provide a Social Security Number (SSN), if you have been issued one. If you have questions regarding this requirement, please see our FAQs here.
For applicants under 16, both parents must attend with the child and present evidence of parentage (such as child’s birth certificate or consular report of birth abroad, listing parents’ names) and government-issued photo identification
Applicants aged 16-17 should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The accompanying adult must present government issued photo identification

Name Changes and Other Amendments

If you have changed your name, or have a mistake in your passport, you may apply for a new passport to correct the mistake or to have this change reflected in your U.S. passport.

When completing the relevant application form, you should complete the form in the name you wish to appear in your passport.

The following documents are required to submit during the application:

If your most recent U.S. passport was issued less than 1 year ago –

DS-5504 Application for a U.S. Passport – Corrections, Name Change within 1 Year of Passport Issuance, and Limited Passport Holders.
Your current U.S. passport (original and a copy)
One new photo.
Your original marriage certificate or a U.S. Court Order( for name change) – (original and a copy)
There is no fee for a passport application.
(Optional) Pre-paid FedEx or DHL airway bill and return envelope, if you would like your new passport returned by courier service. Applicants must prepay all courier shipping fees for this service. (Note that if you prefer to have your new passport returned by courier, your current passport will either be cancelled and returned to you during the passport appointment, or will be retained at the Embassy/Consulate, cancelled, and returned to you with the new passport. U.S. citizens considering courier delivery should carefully consider whether they are able to stay in Kazakhstan without a valid passport during the processing and delivery time of the new passport, which could take up to four weeks).

If your passport was issued more than 1 year ago-

DS-11 Passport Application Form or DS-82 Passport Application Form.
Your current U.S. passport (original and a copy)
One new photo.
Your original marriage certificate or a Court Order (for name change) – (original and a copy)
Passport application fee ($130 for DS-82 to replace an adult passport and $135 for DS-11 Passport application for children under 16).
(Optional) Pre-paid FedEx or DHL airway bill and return envelope, if you would like your new passport returned by courier service. Applicants must prepay all courier shipping fees for this service. (Note that if you prefer to have your new passport returned by courier, your current passport will either be cancelled and returned to you during the passport appointment, or will be retained at the Embassy/Consulate, cancelled, and returned to you with the new passport. U.S. citizens considering courier delivery should carefully consider whether they are able to stay in Kazakhstan without a valid passport during the processing and delivery time of the new passport, which could take up to four weeks).

Exchange a Limited-Validity Passport for Full-Validity

If you were issued a limited-validity passport for a travel emergency, we encourage you to replace it with a full-validity passport immediately upon completion of your travel. If your application for a replacement is made within one year from the date of issuance of the emergency passport no fee will be charged.

The following documents are required to submit during the application:

1. DS-5504 Application for a U.S. Passport – Corrections, Name Change within 1 Year of Passport Issuance, and Limited Passport Holders.
2. Your Limited U.S. Passport.
3. One new photo.
4. (Optional) Pre-paid FedEx or DHL airway bill and return envelope, if you would like your child’s passport returned by courier service. Applicants must prepay all courier shipping fees for this service. (Note that if you prefer to have the new passport returned by courier, your child’s current passport will either be cancelled and returned to you during the passport appointment, or will be retained at the Embassy/Consulate, cancelled, and returned to you with the new passport. U.S. citizens considering courier delivery should carefully consider whether they are able to stay in Kazakhstan without a valid passport during the processing and delivery time of the new passport, which could take up to four weeks.)

Payment Methods & Details

Fees for passport services can be paid at the Embassy/Consulate cashier on the day of the applicant’s scheduled appointment. Fees can be paid in U.S. Dollars or with a major debit/credit card.

Appointments & Locations

Please make an appointment before you visit the Consular Section.

U.S. Embassy in Astana
Rakhymzhan Koshkarbayev Avenue, No. 3.
Astana, Kazakhstan, 010010
Phone: +7 (7172) 70-21-00
Fax: +7 (7172) 54-09-14

Schedule an Appointment in Astana

U.S. Consulate General Almaty
Samal-2, 97 Zholdasbekov Street,
Almaty, Kazakhstan, 050051
Tel: +7 (727) 250-48-02

Schedule an Appointment in Almaty

Passport Delivery Information

Newly issued U.S. passports are mailed to the Embassy/Consulate and must be picked up from the Embassy/Consulate by the applicant or by their representative. The Embassy/Consulate does not provide courier services nor deliver passports to applicants inside or outside of Kazakhstan. If desired, a passport applicant may arrange courier delivery themselves, but it is the applicants’ responsibility to contact the courier and make appropriate arrangements. Passport pick up time will be indicated in the notification an applicant receives when the passport is ready for pick up.

Security Information

We suggest arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for security checks at the Embassy entrance.

When you arrive, let the guards know that you have an appointment with the American Citizen Services Unit. You will be asked to show photo ID.
Our guards will check your belongings. Cameras, mobile phones and other electronic devices are not allowed inside the Embassy.

Consulate guards are not allowed to store laptops or other large electronic devices. Please do not bring any laptops or other large electronic devices to your appointment.

Reasonable Accommodation

If you need reasonable accommodation for your appointment, we encourage you to request your accommodation immediately once you schedule your appointment. We make every effort to provide accommodations to persons with disabilities and medical conditions. Reasonable accommodations vary, depending on the situation and the person’s needs.
Examples of accommodations include, but are not limited to:

- If you require a private appointment due to a medical condition or disability, we may schedule an alternative time for you to come in for your interview.
- If you or your child has special needs that requires a private appointment in a quiet space without distractions, we may schedule an alternative time for you or your family to come in for your interview.
- If you are unable to speak, you may be allowed to respond to questions in an agreed-upon nonverbal manner such as using pen and paper.
- If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may bring a sign language interpreter to translate during the interview if needed.
- If you have low vision, we may provide you with communications in large print.

If you are unable to provide fingerprints because of a medical condition, including birth defects, physical deformities, skin conditions, you may qualify for a fingerprint waiver for certain fingers.

Interview waivers are only granted in extreme situations, such as having a medical condition that requires flying in an air ambulance.

The waiting room of the Consular Section and its restroom is wheelchair-accessible.

U.S. Embassy & Consulate
in Kazakhstan