Mailing or dropping off your application to the U.S. Embassy allows qualifying adults to renew their passports without the need to personally appear at the Embassy. Qualifying adult passport renewal applicants may pay the $130 passport renewal fee online via U.S. or international credit or debit card, electronic funds transfer from a U.S. based bank account, Amazon Pay, or PayPal.
The processing time is approximately two to three weeks from the date we receive your application and payment.
We strongly encourage you not to make an appointment at the Embassy if you are eligible to for courier/drop-off service.
How do I know if I meet the mail-in/drop-off requirements?
You may pay online and renew by courier/drop-off service if all the following applies:
- You can submit your most recent passport.
- You were at least 16 years old when your most recent passport was issued. Please note: if your most recent passport was issued when you were under 16 years old, you must apply as a first-time applicant.
- Your most recent passport was issued no more than 15 years ago. Please note: if your most recent passport was issued more than 15 years ago, you must apply as a first-time applicant.
- You use the same name as on your most recent passport; or have had your name changed by marriage or court order and can submit proper documentation to reflect the name change.
How do I submit the application?
Step 1: Complete the passport application form. Please complete the entire form and print it. Be sure to sign and date the form where indicated.
Step 2: Obtain one color passport photo 2” x 2” (5 x 5 cm) taken within the past 6 months; full face, frontal view against a plain white or off-white background. Do not staple or glue the photo to the application. See more information on photo requirements.
Step 3: Include the passport you are renewing in the package you mail to the Embassy (this passport will be canceled and returned to you along with the new passport). Please make sure that your passport is signed.
Step 4: Include one photocopy (color or black and white) of the data page of your current passport.
Step 5: If your current passport is issued more than a year ago and you would like to change the name on your new passport due to marriage, divorce, or court order, please include proof of your name change. Documents must be originals with an English translation, if applicable. The documents will be returned to you along with your new passport.
Step 6: Pay the $130 passport application fee via the U.S. government’s secure payment site. After successfully paying the fee, you must print out the electronic payment confirmation you receive via email and include it in the package you send to the Embassy. In the name fields, please use your current legal name, even if it is different from the name that appears on your prior passport. If you are submitting a payment on behalf of another passport renewal applicant, please enter their name. All fields are required. Note: You can only use this form to pay for one passport application at a time. Fee payments for multiple renewal applications must be submitted separately.
Step 7: Visit http://92.247.68.203/ to request DHL delivery of the new passport. The Embassy will receive a waybill for you. Current cost for delivery is about 10,00 BGN.
Step 8: Request a DHL courier pick up by calling 0700 17 700 (press 1) and provide DHL account number 316103248.
If you are in Sofia, you may use the Document Drop off box for U.S. Citizen Services located at the U.S. Embassy Service Entrance from 8:30 – 15:30 (Monday – Friday).
Requirements: Items should be enclosed in a plain, unpadded envelope, or clear plastic sleeve, with the name of the applicant on the outside, and the name of the person dropping the document (if different). Individuals should follow any instructions provided by embassy security personnel at drop off.
Prohibited Items: Minor passport applications, Consular reports of birth abroad, liquids, non-paper items, hazardous materials, electronic devices, money, regular embassy mail, or padded envelopes.
