The U.S. Mission in Japan is pleased to announce a convenient way to renew passports for adult U.S. citizens in Japan.
Effective June 22, passport renewals by mail will include an online fee payment option.
Since Japan Post stopped issuing international money orders in late 2019, most passport applicants renewing in Japan had to pay in person at the U.S. Embassy or one of the consulates. Now, U.S. citizens living anywhere in Japan who qualify for renewal by mail will be able to pay online and send their applications to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. The convenient new online payment option is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To renew your passport by mail, please follow the steps listed online here.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about passport renewal by mail.
Question: Who is eligible to pay online and renew their passport by mail?
Answer: You may be eligible to apply via online payment if you are an adult (16 years and older), who already has a 10-year U.S. passport book issued no more than 15 years ago. You also must have a mailing address in Japan.
Question: Can minors (younger than 16 years) renew by mail?
Answer: No. Online fee payment and mail-in renewal is only available for adults (16 and older). To apply for a minor’s passport, both parents/guardians must authorize in person the issuance of the child’s passport. For more information, click here. Children under age 16 cannot apply for a passport by themselves.
Question: What if I don’t have a passport book because it was lost or stolen? Can I still pay online and mail my application to the Embassy?
Answer: No. You will need to apply for a new passport in person at the U.S. Embassy. Instructions can be found online here.
Question: What payment methods are available for use via Pay.gov?
Answer: You can pay the $110 fee by electronic check/transfer, credit/debit card, PayPal, or Amazon Pay on Pay.gov. This amount cannot be altered. You must pay the fee in U.S. dollars.
Question: Do I need special software or computer equipment to pay for my U.S. passport via Pay.gov?
Answer: No. All you need is a computer or mobile device with Internet access and a browser.
Question: How do I know that my payment information is secure?
Answer: Pay.gov is a secure portal used by more than 40 U.S. government agencies use to collect forms and payments. Pay.gov uses 128-bit SSL encryption to protect your transaction.
Question: What if I want to pay in person or I already have a U.S. postal money order?
Answer: Payments made in person or by U.S. postal money orders are still accepted. Please follow the instructions online here
Question: I live far away from Tokyo. Can I just send (or bring) my application and pay.gov payment confirmation to the nearest consulate?
Answer: No. Doing so could result in unanticipated delays. Please mail the application to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.
Question: How long will it take to receive my passport in the mail?
Answer: You should receive your passport by mail/courier within 4-6 weeks, the Department’s current processing time for routine service. If you have a need for immediate international travel, we may be able to issue you a limited validity emergency passport that will be valid for one year. Please make an appointment and come to the Embassy or nearest consulate in person (link to appointment page). We are unable to process requests for expedited service through the online payment process via Pay.gov.