What is the process to renew my 17 year old son's passport in Mexico?

by Mario
(Villahermosa, Mexico)

Question: I only have his old passport and social security card as a proof of citizenship. He has lived in Mexico with me since he was two years old and I am a Mexican citizen. He is American.

We had his birth certificate changed and added my last name about 5 years ago but his old expired passport showed his old name.

Answer: Passports issued to minors cannot be renewed by mail. Your son must apply for a new passport in person. For those between aged 16-17, only one parent needs to accompany the child. In order to get the passport in Mexico, you need to submit:

* your son's original or certified birth certificate that shows the parent(s') name(s);

A certified birth certificate has a registrar's raised, embossed, impressed or multicolored seal, registrar's signature, and the date the certificate was filed with the registrar's office, which must be within 1 year of your birth. Please note, some short (abstract) versions of birth certificates may not be acceptable for passport purposes.

* proof of your son's U.S. citizenship such as an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization certificate;

* current photo identification of the child and both parents.

* a photocopy of the identification documents.

* a recent passport-style photo that are 2X2 inches.

* by federal law, applicants must provide a Social Security number if they have one.

You must schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. Consulate General and submit the documents above.

For more information, contact the U.S. Citizen Services of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Services in Mexico by email.

Email: VirtualConsulateMexATstate.gov