Renewing Austrian Passports In The Us: A Guide

Austrian citizens living in the United States can renew their passports by applying in person at the Austrian Consulate General in New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. The application process for passport renewal may vary depending on the consulate, but some standard requirements include proof of residence, birth certificate, proof of Austrian citizenship, and a consular fee. The processing time for a new Austrian passport can take between four to six weeks, and applicants should schedule an appointment before visiting the consulate.

Where to apply for Austrian passport renewal in the US

Austrian citizens living in the United States can apply for an Austrian passport renewal in several ways. The first option is to apply through the local authorities (city or county government) while in Austria. Please note that processing may take up to 5 weeks from the time of a complete application, as biometric passports and ID cards can only be produced in Austria.

The second option is to apply through the Austrian Consulate General in New York if you are a resident of the following states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, or New Hampshire. The Consulate General in New York also serves the Honorary Consulate in Chicago, holding regular Consular Days 1-2 times per year.

The third option is to apply through the Austrian Consulate General in Los Angeles. This option is for those who reside in the consular district of the Austrian Consulate General New York, which includes the following states: New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Regardless of the application method, certain documents must be presented when applying for an Austrian passport. These include a filled-out and signed application form, proof of primary residence (valid residence permit, visa, green card, or US passport for dual citizens), consular fee, notification of retention of Austrian citizenship and US naturalization certificate for dual citizens, and proof of academic degree if issued in an EU member state or Switzerland.

It is important to note that minors (up to the age of 18) must apply in person with prior appointment, and a legal representative must be present for minors under the age of 14.

What documents are required

To renew an Austrian passport in the US, you must be an Austrian citizen, either by birth or naturalization. Austrian citizenship can be acquired by descent, award, extension of the award, etc. Children automatically become Austrian citizens at the time of their birth if their mother is an Austrian citizen. If the parents are married and only the father is an Austrian citizen, the child is also considered an Austrian citizen.

If you are an Austrian citizen living in the US, you can apply for an Austrian passport at the Austrian Consulate General in New York or Los Angeles. The Honorary Consulate in Chicago also accepts applications, but only in cases of special consideration, such as for applicants who are unable to travel to New York for health reasons.

The documents required for an Austrian passport application include:

• A filled-out and signed application form
• Two recent passport photographs (not older than 6 months)
• Original Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or valid visa (unless you are a US citizen)
• Proof of current residence (US driver's license, utility bill, etc.)
• Birth certificate (US certificates long version with Apostille)
• Proof of Austrian citizenship
• Approval of dual citizenship and a copy of the US naturalization certificate (original and copy)
• Notification of retention of Austrian citizenship and US naturalization certificate for dual citizens (original and copy)
• Proof of academic degree (original and copy) – only if issued in an EU member state or Switzerland
• Proof of primary residence: valid residence permit (visa, green card) or US passport for dual citizens (original and copy)
• Consular fee (paid in cash, by "certified check" titled "Austrian Consulate General New York" or by "money order". Personal checks and credit cards cannot be accepted!)
• A FedEx envelope if you wish to have your passport returned via mail, which has to be addressed from yourself to yourself

Please note that if you are applying for a passport for a minor (under the age of 18), the application must be made in person and after a prior appointment. The minor must also be present in person at the application to establish their identity. For minors under 14 years of age, the passport application must be filled out by the legal representative, and both parents must sign the application form.

How to apply for minors

To renew an Austrian passport for a minor in the US, you must apply in person at the Austrian Consulate General in New York or Los Angeles, depending on your state of residence.

Application process for minors under 14:

Minors under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, and the application form must be signed by both parents at the Consulate. The minor must be present to establish their identity. The passport is free of charge for minors under the age of two and has a validity of two years. For minors between the ages of two and twelve, the passport is also free and has a validity of five years.

Application process for minors over 14:

Minors over the age of 14 can apply for a passport themselves with the written consent of both parents. If the parents' marriage has ended, the divorce decree must be submitted.

Required documents:

• Filled out and signed application form
• Proof of primary residence: valid residence permit (visa, green card), or US passport for dual citizens (original and copy)
• Consular fee (paid in cash, by certified check, or money order)
• Notification of retention of Austrian citizenship and US naturalization certificate for dual citizens (original and copy)
• Proof of academic degree (original and copy) – only if issued in an EU member state or Switzerland
• Two recent passport photographs, not older than 6 months, according to EU criteria
• Original Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or valid visa (does not apply to US citizens)
• Proof of current residence (US driver's license, utility bill, etc.)
• Birth certificate (US certificates long version with Apostille, documents from other countries may require authentication/legalization); if applicable, "Certificate of Birth Abroad"
• Proof of Austrian citizenship

Additional information:

The processing time for a new Austrian passport is typically between four to six weeks, but it may take longer if citizenship needs to be confirmed. If you have lost your passport, the Consulate General can issue an emergency passport with limited validity for travel home.

Processing time

The processing time for an Austrian passport renewal in the US depends on several factors, including the method of application and the specific circumstances of the applicant. Here is an overview of what you can expect:

Regular Passport Renewal

If you are renewing your Austrian passport through the standard procedure, the processing time can take up to four to six weeks. This timeline may vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of individual cases. It is always a good idea to initiate the renewal process well in advance of any planned travel to avoid any last-minute complications.

Emergency Passport

In urgent cases, such as lost or stolen passports, the Austrian Consulate can issue an emergency passport. These passports are typically valid for a limited period, often up to one year. The processing time for emergency passports can vary, but they are generally issued on the same day as the application is received, provided all the necessary documents are submitted. This option is suitable if you have immediate travel plans and need a temporary solution.

Express Passport

If you require expedited processing, you can apply for an express passport. This option utilizes an accelerated production process by the Austrian State Printing Office, and the passport is then sent to the Consulate General via DHL Express. Optimally, delivery takes place 3-4 business days after the application is submitted. However, it is important to note that this timeline is not guaranteed and may be influenced by external factors.

Location-Specific Information

The processing time may also depend on your location within the US. For instance, if you are applying through the Austrian Consulate General in Los Angeles, you will need to factor in the time it takes to courier the passport from the processing centre to the consulate. Additionally, some consulates, such as the Honorary Consulate in Chicago, have limited staff capacity, which may result in longer processing times or limitations in accommodating all appointment requests.

Passport photos requirements

Facial Expression and Pose

You must maintain a neutral facial expression with a closed mouth. Avoid smiling, frowning, or any exaggerated expressions. Ensure that your head is directly facing the camera, with your face fully visible and centred within the frame. Do not tilt or turn your head. Keep both eyes open and visible. If you require glasses for medical reasons, you may keep them on, but ensure there is no glare on the lenses. If not, glasses must be removed.

Clothing and Accessories

Wear everyday attire—clothing that you would normally wear daily.

Photo Quality

The photo should be clear and sharp, with all facial features and details easily distinguishable. The entire photo, especially your face, should be in focus. The photo must be in colour, accurately representing your natural skin tones and hair colour. Do not alter or retouch your passport photo in any way. This includes removing blemishes, wrinkles, or other imperfections. The photo should present your natural appearance without any enhancements or modifications.

Background

The background should be plain white.

Size and Head Size

The required photo dimensions are 35mm x 45mm. The head size should be less than 36mm, and the face must take up about 70-80% of the photo area. The photo must show the applicant's head, including both face and hair, from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin on the top and bottom and from hairline side-to-side. It is preferable that ears be exposed.

Number of Photos

Three photos will need to be submitted.

Frequently asked questions