Romanian Passport Renewal In USA (2026) Cost & How

Posted on Author Brian Geek

Renewing a Romanian passport while living in the United States can seem overwhelming — especially with evolving consular regulations, appointment systems, varied document requirements, and fees that may change with exchange rates and legal updates. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to successfully renew your Romanian passport in the USA  — from eligibility and costs to steps, documents, processing times, tips to avoid delays, and frequently asked questions.

Whether you’re renewing a passport that is about to expire, already expired, or lost/stolen, this article provides step-by-step guidance, real cost details, preparation checklists, and insider tips to make your passport renewal as smooth as possible.

Romanian Passport Renewal In USA

Romanian passport renewal is the official process in which a Romanian citizen living in the United States applies to issue a new passport to replace an expiring or expired one. Unlike in some countries where passports can be renewed by mail or online, Romanian citizens must generally appear in person at a Romanian Embassy or Consulate for biometric capture and document validation.

Romanian passports issued abroad are biometric and valid for 10 years for adults.

Step-by-Step Guide to Romanian Passport Renewal in the USA

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

  • Verify you are still a Romanian citizen.
  • Make sure you have your old passport and other supporting documents.
  • If you have changed your civil status (e.g., marriage/divorce), ensure your status is properly transcribed in Romanian civil records before renewal — applications with mismatched civil data may get rejected.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Common documents needed include:

  • Your current Romanian passport (expired or not) — photo page and entire document.
  • Romanian identity card (if issued) — optional but often recommended.
  • Proof of legal residence in the USA — e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, lease, etc.
  • Passport application form — provided or filled online prior to appointment.
  • Original civil status documents — such as Romanian birth certificate, and if applicable, Romanian marriage certificate. If your civil status has changed abroad, these changes must be transcribed into Romanian civil records first.

Note: If documents from the USA are required (e.g., marriage certificate), you may need to have them notarized, apostilled, and translated into Romanian before submission.

Step 3: Register and Schedule Your Appointment

Romanian consulates no longer accept walk-ins for passport services. Instead, you must:

  1. Visit the E-Consulat online platform (www.econsulat.ro).
  2. Create an account and upload scanned copies of your documents.
  3. Book your in-person appointment — appointments can fill rapidly, so plan well ahead.
  4. Wait for confirmation and any requests for missing documentation.

Consulate officials may review your uploaded documents ahead of time to ensure completeness prior to your visit.

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment

At the consulate:

  • Bring originals of all documents.
  • The consulate official will verify documents, administer biometric data, and capture your digital photo and fingerprints — this is required for the new passport.
  • You will pay the passport fee at the appointment.

Step 5: Processing and Passport Delivery

After your visit:

  • Your passport application is sent electronically to Romanian authorities for production.
  • Processing typically takes up to 90 working days (about 3 months).
  • You will be informed when the passport is ready for pickup — usually at the same consulate where you applied.

Many consulates offer home delivery by mail if you provide a prepaid USPS priority or express shipping envelope with tracking.

Special Cases

1. Lost or Stolen Passport

If your Romanian passport was lost or stolen, you’ll need to report it to the consulate and may be issued a replacement passport. Procedures may vary slightly; contact your consulate directly.

2. Child Passport Renewal

Children’s passports have their own validity terms (shorter than adults), and both parents often need to be present or provide consent, depending on the child’s age.

Romanian Diplomatic Missions in the USA

Before starting the renewal process, it’s crucial to know where you need to apply:

Romania has an embassy in Washington, D.C. and multiple consulates across the U.S., each covering specific states.

Key locations include:

  • Embassy of Romania – Washington, DC
  • Consulate General of Romania – Chicago, IL
  • Consulate General of Romania – Los Angeles, CA
  • Consulate General of Romania – New York, NY
  • Consulate General of Romania – Miami, FL
  • Plus additional career and honorary consulates in other U.S. cities.

Important: You must apply at the mission that has jurisdiction over your U.S. state of residence (i.e., consular district).

Who Needs to Renew a Romanian Passport?

You need to renew a Romanian passport if:

  • It is about to expire (passport holders must renew well before expiry if planning international travel).
  • It is already expired and you are still a Romanian citizen.
  • It is lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable.
  • You have a partial name change, new civil status, or other updates (in some cases renewal includes changes to data).
  • You need a passport with a broader validity period or updated biometric requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

To renew a Romanian passport in the USA in 2026, you must:

  1. Be a Romanian citizen — You cannot renew a passport if your citizenship is unclear. If your status is uncertain, contact the consulate for clarification or for a citizenship certificate.
  2. Be physically present at the consulate/embassy on the day of your appointment for biometrics and submission.
  3. Have proof of residency in the consular district — documents like a driver’s license, utility bill, lease, or similar evidence.
  4. Bring valid supporting documents — including the old Romanian passport (even if expired).

Passport Renewal Costs (2026)

Consular Fees

Romanian passport renewal fees depend on forex exchange rates and 2026 consular fee legislation. Although Romania is reintroducing consular service fees effective January 1, 2026, fees specific to passport services abroad can vary by consulate and might be specified in USD equivalent.

As of the last available official updates:

  • Standard 10-year Romanian passport issuance: Approx. $67 (USD) at certain consulates.
  • Some consulates list passport issuance fees near this range (but subject to exchange rate updates monthly).

Important Tip: Fees can change due to exchange rate adjustments between the Euro and USD because Romanian fees are set in Euros but collected in U.S. Dollars.

Additional Potential Costs

  • Document apostille and translation costs for U.S. civil documents.
  • Mailing/shipping costs if you choose delivery rather than pickup.
  • Missed appointment fee or rescheduling inconvenience if late or incomplete.

Processing Time Expectations (2026)

Once all documents are accurately submitted and biometrics are collected:

  • Standard processing time: ~90 working days (approximately 3 months).
  • Rush or expedited options are typically not standard in most consular services, so early application is key.

Because consulates send your application to the central Romanian passport production authority, delays may occur during peak seasons.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Waiting too long to schedule an appointment: Many Romanian consulates book out weeks to months in advance due to high demand.
  2. Not transcribing life events: Marriage or divorce outside Romania must be properly recorded in the Romanian civil registry or the application may be rejected.
  3. Incomplete paperwork: Always double-check document lists before your appointment.
  4. Missing proof of residency: Bring an acceptable local U.S. document as evidence.
  5. Not using E-Consulat early: Requiring a last-minute physical visit without pre-approval can waste time.

Useful Tips for a Smooth Renewal

  1. Start Early: Begin the renewal process at least 4–6 months before travel.
  2. Track Appointments Carefully: Keep E-Consulat account reminders and check email for updates.
  3. Bring Originals + Copies: Have both originals and photocopies of documents.
  4. Plan for Shipment: Pre-purchase a tracked USPS envelope if you want delivery.
  5. Check Consulate Website: Fees and exact requirements may vary; always consult the site of the consulate covering your state.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I renew my Romanian passport by mail?

No — you must attend an in-person appointment at a Romanian consulate due to biometric capture requirements.

How soon should I renew before travel?

Apply 3–4 months before planned travel, as processing generally takes ~90 working days.

Can someone else renew my passport for me?

No — personal presence is required for biometric capture. Only in specific cases (e.g., serious medical disability) may special arrangements apply.

Can renewal be denied?

Yes — if documents are incomplete, civil status information mismatches, or citizenship is unclear.

Can I book my appointment by phone?

Some consulates may allow phone inquiries if the online system proves difficult, but E-Consulat is the primary booking platform.

Conclusion

Renewing your Romanian passport in the USA in 2026 requires careful preparation, early scheduling, organization of original documents, and a clear understanding of consular procedures. By following this guide’s step-by-step process, checking updated fees with your specific consulate, and preparing well before your passport expires, you’ll ensure a smooth renewal experience.

Remember — appointments, document accuracy, and timely action are key to avoiding delays and ensuring you receive your new Romanian passport in time for travel or identification needs.