An American in Germany
Because of my recent experience renewing my American passport at Frankfurt (which I have done twice in-person in Frankfurt), I decided to share this information for those looking to do the same thing so you don’t have to spend hours looking for the most up-to-date information.
REQUIREMENTS for renewing your passport
Bring completed Passport application form (DS-11, DS-82, DS-5504) completed online and printed with the barcode in the upper left hand side.
Photo: 2 in x 2 in or 5 cm x 5 cm, set against a white background, taken within the last 6 months. Eyeglasses are not permitted in the photo. More information can be found here.
PASSPORT FEE is now paid online. The non-refundable Passport fees must be paid ONLINE before your appointment. If you filled out the DS-82 like me, please click here to pay the online fee. Pay the $130 passport book and/or card application fee via the U.S. government’s secure payment site. You must print the electronic payment confirmation you receive via email after successfully paying the fee and bring a copy of your confirmation payment.
Photocopies: Please bring all original documents and 1 photocopy of each original document. There is not copy machine available. I brought copies of everything and they did not ask for them. This is your call.
Adult Applicants: click here for more info.
DHL EXPRESS EASY LABEL
You must provide a pre-paid return DHL label which they will use to return your passport book, card, and/or CRBA. Other commercial couriers or forms of postage are NOT accepted. I read in one place that the label must be attached to a DIN C5 envelope and another said just a printed label. I offered both to the woman at the window and she wanted the label already attached to the envelope I bought from the Post Office. Please note:
You cannot purchase the DHL label or envelope at the Consulate.
You can only purchase the DHL Express label online and not at the German Post Office.
When purchasing the label, it will ask you for the "Absender" phone number, please provide your phone number and not the Consulate’s number.
Absender address is: Attn: Passport Section, Giessener Str. 30, 60435 Frankfurt am Main.Processing time for the passport book is 7-8 weeks. The card will be mailed 3-4 weeks after the passport book has been delivered to you. The DHL Express shipping label you can only purchase DHL Express Easy shipping label online. (choose “Expressversand”) attached to a non-padded A5 or C5 size envelope using your own email address for the “Absender”.
And you will have to leave your expired (or soon-to-be expired) passport which you will receive later with your updated passport.
***CONFIRMING YOUR APPOINTMENT
After setting up an in-person appointment online, you will receive an email that you have successfully scheduled an appointment but you also have to click on the link in the email to confirm your appointment.
On the morning of your appointment
Upon arrival, you will see TWO lines in front of the consulate. One is for VISA applicants and the other is for U.S. Citizens. Wait in the proper line with your Passports and confirmation sheet (they did not ask for mine but I brought a copy with me!). The guard will confirm your appointment and you will be allowed through the FIRST DOOR to…
SECURITY
You will have to go through a standard security line. Behind the metal detector, there is a shelf filled with small cubbies to store phones or other items not allowed in the consulate. Space is limited so I would advise to not bring anything - no laptops, no phones, no large bags and even no smartwatches. I left my belongings at the IMBISS KIOSK and simply carried a folder with my materials and a credit card, just in case.
WINDOW 2
Once you are done with your security screening, you will walk outside (briefly) and through the SECOND DOOR into the main Consulate building. Line up at "Window 2" and wait for the passport agent to review your required documents. If your documents are in order, you will receive a receipt and a service ticket to visit the consular section for your appointment service. If you do not have the required documents, you will not be admitted and will need to reschedule. So please have a seat and wait for your service ticket to be called to be seen by consular staff for your final interview.
KIOSK
I found the IMBISS KIOSS am US Konsulat at the GIESSENER STRASSE tram station ( Waze or Google Maps) which is about a 5 minute walk to the Consulate.
Address is Gießener Strasse 58, 60435 Frankfurt am Main
Costs: 4 euros per bag—to be paid after your appointment
You will receive a laminated card with your bag number as “insurance” and your belongings will be kept behind the counter and waiting for you after your successful appointment at the consulate. I left a purse (with all of my electronics) and a travel bag. Easy breezy lemon squeezy.
BONUS: If you forget your latest physical photo (requirements here), there are two photo booths inside the consulate. It costs 10 euros for 4 pictures
TOTAL TIME on October 1, 2024: 1 hour
which includes check-in, security, line for Window 2, a short wait and then final interview
GOOD LUCK!
** This is not an official US Consulate affiliated website. All information is what I have collected from emails from the US Consulate, government websites and from my own personal experience.
** Information regarding social security numbers, name changes and passport application for children were not applicable to me and therefore not included.