Mexican Passport in the US: Requirements, Cost and Renewal
The Mexican passport is the most important identity and travel document for any Mexican citizen living in the United States. It is the only valid document for international travel, it proves your nationality and serves as official ID for many procedures. In this guide we explain, step by step, how to get it or renew it at the Mexican consulate, what documents you need, how much it costs in 2026 and how to book an appointment.
Contents
Who can apply for the Mexican passport in the US?
Anyone who can prove their Mexican nationality can apply for their passport at a Mexican consulate in the United States, regardless of their immigration status in the country. This includes:
- Mexicans born in Mexico.
- Mexicans born in the US who have been registered as Mexican (dual nationality).
- Naturalized Mexican citizens.
- Minors (with a specific procedure and the parents present).
This guide focuses on the passport for adults. If you need one for a minor, see our guide on the Mexican passport for minors.
Mexican passport types and validity periods
The ordinary Mexican passport is issued with different validity periods. You choose the one that suits you best at the time of the appointment:
- 3 years — ideal if you only need a document for a short time.
- 6 years — the most common intermediate option.
- 10 years — the cheapest long-term option (adults only).
- 1 year — reserved for protection cases and children under 3.
Since the introduction of the biometric passport, the document includes a chip with your data and requires that you have a certified CURP. If you don't have one, check our CURP guide.
Requirements and documents for the passport
To apply for an adult passport at the consulate you need to present, in original and copy:
- Mexican birth certificate (certified copy). If you don't have it, see how to get your birth certificate.
- Valid official photo ID: INE voter ID, consular ID, previous passport or driver's license.
- Certified CURP (required for the biometric passport).
- Previous passport, if it's a renewal (handed in and returned cancelled).
- Proof of the corresponding fee payment.
Note: the photo is taken at the consulate itself; you don't need to bring photos. Show up well-presented, without dark glasses or accessories covering your face.
Cost of the Mexican passport in 2026
These are the consular fees in US dollars in effect at the Mexican consulates in the US in 2026 (Federal Law of Fees). Payment is usually accepted in cash or by card, depending on the consulate:
- 3-year passport: 101 USD
- 6-year passport: 137 USD
- 10-year passport: 209 USD
- 1-year passport (protection / children under 3): 44 USD
Discount: people over 60 get a 50% discount on any validity period.
Surcharge: the emergency passport carries a 30% surcharge on the fee for the validity period requested.
Fees may be updated every year. Always confirm the current price on your consulate's official website before going.
How to apply for the passport step by step
- Book your appointment: go to citas.sre.gob.mx or MiConsulado, call MEXITEL 1-877-639-4835 or use WhatsApp +1 (424) 309-0009. The appointment is free.
- Gather your documents: birth certificate, ID, CURP and, if renewing, the previous passport.
- Go to the consulate: arrive on time for your appointment. There they review your documents and take your photo and biometric data.
- Pay the fees: you pay the fee according to the validity period you chose.
- Pick up your passport: at most consulates the passport is delivered the same day of the appointment if your paperwork is complete.
Passport renewal and expired passport
Renewing the Mexican passport is a simple procedure: the process and requirements are practically the same as for a first issuance. Key points:
- You can renew it even if it's expired; there is no penalty for letting it lapse.
- You must hand in the previous passport, which will be returned hole-punched (cancelled) as a keepsake and proof.
- Take advantage of the renewal to choose a longer validity (10 years) if you want to save in the long run.
- If you changed your name or corrected your data, bring the document that proves the change.
Emergency passport
If you have imminent travel due to an urgent situation (a relative's illness or death, for example) and can't wait, consulates can issue an emergency passport. Keep in mind that:
- It carries a 30% surcharge on the fee for the validity period you request.
- You must explain and, as far as possible, document the urgency when booking the appointment.
- Availability depends on each consulate; let them know as soon as possible.
If your situation is a serious emergency (detention, accident, death), the consular protection department can also assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mexican Passport in the US
Can I renew the Mexican passport if it is expired?
Yes. There is no penalty for renewing an expired passport. You just need to hand in the previous passport (it's returned cancelled) along with your birth certificate, a valid official ID and your CURP. The process is the same as a normal renewal.
Can I get the passport regardless of my immigration status in the US?
Yes. The passport is issued by the Government of Mexico to its citizens, so your immigration status in the United States doesn't matter. You only need to prove your Mexican nationality with your birth certificate and an ID.
How long does it take to receive the passport?
At most consulates, if you bring all the complete paperwork and make the payment, the passport is delivered the same day of the appointment. During high-demand days or at mobile consulates, the timeframe may vary; confirm it when booking.
Do I need the CURP for the passport?
Yes. The biometric passport requires that you have a certified CURP. You can look it up and print it for free at gob.mx/curp. If you have questions, check our CURP guide.
Which ID works to apply for the passport?
The INE voter ID, the consular ID, a previous passport or, in some cases, a US driver's license all work. The important thing is that it's a valid official photo ID. Confirm with your consulate which one it accepts if you have questions.