Since 2021, the process for Chinese passport renewal has been completely moved online, allowing citizens to apply without having to visit the embassy or one of the consulates.
In the paragraphs below, we’ll guide applicants through the steps necessary to renew a Chinese passport in the U.S. and explain how PhotoAiD®—an app used by over a million people worldwide—can get you perfect passport photos from home.
In this article you’ll find:
- Documents to renew a Chinese passport
- How to renew a Chinese passport for children in the U.S.
- Chinese passport renewal in 3 steps
Documents to renew a Chinese passport
Before proceeding with the renewal application, Chinese citizens should get a hold of all the necessary documents and make digital copies.
Specifically, Chinese authorities require:
- a Chinese passport photo;
- the current Chinese passport, with a copy of the data page;
- proof of U.S. residence containing the applicant’s full name and address, such as:
- credit card or bank statement
- utility bills
- driver’s license.
Additionally, Chinese passport holders are advised to gather other documents that may be required for processing. These materials may not be necessary but the authorities might ask for it on a case-by-case basis.
So, also get originals and copies of:
- proof of Chinese citizenship (birth certificate, Chinese Household Registration Book)
- U.S. permanent resident visa (Green Card);
- documents for a name change (if applicable)
- additional form for lost, stolen, or damaged passports.
All digital copies of the documents mentioned above have to be provided in a JPEG format with files not larger than 5MB.
How to renew a Chinese passport for children in the U.S.
If the applicant is a Chinese citizen under the age of 16 (sixteen), it’s necessary to provide additional documents.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates the following:
- a copy of the applicant’s birth certificate;
- copies of both parents’ passports;
- a declaration of consent signed by both parents.
If one parent cannot provide a signed declaration, the authorities require a written explanation.
In case only one parent has legal custody, it’s also necessary to provide a copy of the court order.
If the legal guardian is not a parent, the application needs to be accompanied by:
- a copy of the guardian’s passport;
- a notarized copy of a power of attorney.
In the event that a minor cannot provide proof of residence, it’s possible to include documents reporting a parent’s name and address, accompanied by the following materials:
- the minor’s birth certificate or an authorization agreement granted by a power of attorney to the legal guardians;
- a written statement from a parent including the address and information on the minor’s living situation.
Chinese passport renewal in 3 steps
After gathering all the required documents, it’s possible to proceed with the application process. As mentioned before, Chinese passport renewals are now handled online through a dedicated app.
Step#1. Download the China Consular Affairs App
This mobile app is a platform for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to release consular information and provide consular documents and services. It also releases overseas security alerts, consular news, and announcements, and opens online passport and travel card processing for Chinese embassies and consulates abroad.
To install the app, just proceed to the app store and download it. All instructions are currently provided only in Mandarin.
Step#2. Lodge the application
After getting the consular app, just initiate the renewal process and follow the instructions. Applicants will have to fill out all the required fields and provide the documents in digital form.
To conclude the process, the app will ask to confirm the application with facial recognition and provide instructions to mail the material to the Chinese Consulate General holding jurisdiction in the area of residence.
Step#3. Mail the additional documents
At this stage, the app will mark the application status as “under review“. Once this happens, the Chinese national will have to mail their materials. The State name, full Chinese name, and the HZ replacement have to be clearly written on the front of the envelope.
The package will have to include:
- the old passport;
- 2 (two) 48 x 33 mm Chinese passport photos;
- a printout of a screenshot of the order information page from the Chinese Consul App;
- a Commitment letter of application for a Chinese Passport/Travel Permit;
- physical copies of all supporting documents (proof of residence, additional material for minors, etc…);
- proof of payment of $23 (money order/ cashier’s check made payable to “Chinese Embassy”);
- a USPS return envelope with tracking and paid postage.
The new passport will arrive in 10 (ten) to 15 (fifteen) days. The passport application status can be checked on the app and the delivery can be tracked with the USPS system.
PhotoAiD®—Chinese passport photos from anywhere
Since the pictures required for a Chinese passport application have a different format than the ones necessary in the U.S., not many services provide the appropriate size.
Luckily, Chinese citizens residing in the United States can just use PhotoAiD® and take them wherever is most comfortable. Our app—featured by publications such as National Geographic and Forbes— allows applicants to snap perfect passport photos with an Android or iOS device.
Here’s what we offer:
- Immediate resizing. The software can adapt a digital photo to the required size automatically and maintain the head dimensions in the process. Just pick the document you need—we’ll take it from there.
- Automatic background replacement. Our app can clear anything from the background and provide the required plain color. Applicants can take pictures from home or anywhere they prefer without having to find a specific place.
- Compliance check. An advanced AI system scans the image for discrepancies with the requirement. Then, one of our biometric photography experts double-checks everything. An approved picture is 100% guaranteed to follow all the guidelines.
- Unlimited attempts. PhotoAiD® allows customers to try until they get the perfect result. There will be no additional costs. With us, taking photos for a baby’s travel document can be a completely stress-free experience.
We’ll provide the digital photo on the spot and the printouts can be ordered on demand.
Related reading:
- How to Make a Passport Size Photo from Mobile
- How to Take Passport Photo at Home
- Passport Photo Vs. Professional Headshot
- How to Take a Passport Photo With An Android Phone?
- Taking Passport Photos with Your iPhone
Renew a Chinese passport in the U.S.: FAQ
To conclude, we’ll go over some of the most common questions about renewing a Chinese passport overseas.
Can you renew an expired Chinese passport?
Yes, if a Chinese travel document expired less than 2 (two) years before the application, it can be renewed with the standard process.
How long does it take to renew my Chinese passport?
Renewing a Chinese passport in the United States takes from 10 (ten) to 15 (fifteen) business days.
How do I renew my Chinese passport in Chicago?
Chinese passports are now only renewed online with the Consul App. Then, the documents will have to be mailed to the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago.
Can I renew my China passport online?
Yes, renewals are handled with the China Consular Affairs App.
Do I need to make an appointment to renew my Chinese passport?
No, Chinese passport renewal can be done online through the Consul App.
I am waiting for the interview for citizenship. Should I renew my Chinese passport?
Not necessarily, the USCIS does not require a valid passport from Green Card holders. However, it’s always advisable to keep your passport up-to-date as additional identification.
Can I live in the U.S. but renew my Chinese passport in Vancouver, Canada?
No, a Chinese passport has to be renewed online and the documents required for the application need to be sent to the Consulate that holds jurisdiction in your area of residence.
What application form do I need for Chinese passport renewal?
The form is provided by the Chinese Consul App, additional papers are available through the Embassy’s website.
Where can I renew my Chinese passport in the U.S.?
Applicants need to submit the renewal application with the China Consular Affairs App and ship the documents to the Consulate that has jurisdiction in their state.
How can I renew a Chinese passport immediately?
There is no fast-track or expedited process for renewal, in case of an emergency, contact the nearest Chinese Consulate for assistance.
What do I need to renew my Chinese passport?
The standard process requires:
– the previous Chinese passport;
– 2 (two) passport pictures;
– proof of residence.
All the other documents are required depending on the specific case.
How early can I start to renew a Chinese passport in the U.S.?
Passport renewal can be accessed from 6 (six) months before the expiration date.
How to renew a Chinese passport in the U.S.—summary
Chinese citizens residing in the U.S. can renew their passports online with the help of the Consul App. The majority of the process is handled online and the supporting materials have to be mailed to the Chinese foreign office that holds jurisdiction over the applicant’s state of residence.
To get Chinese passport photos with a 100% guarantee of compliance directly from home, use PhotoAiD® on your smartphone or computer, we are available 24/7.
Riccardo Ollmert is a multilingual writer and travel expert. He studied Languages, Literature and Publishing Industry at La Sapienza University of Rome. His passions include traveling and learning new skills.
