Renewing US Passport

[SamSanuk]

I will be renewing my US Passport shortly and I understand that this process requires mailing my passport to Bangkok.

 

I was curious if there is any services in Chiang Mai that help you complete the process. 
 

If not, it does seem rather straightforward BUT I did get confused by the Courier Pass Back envelope. Can I go to my local Thai Post and get this envelope?

 

Also, a passport CARD is offered. Any reason to get this?

 

Any suggestions or advice is appreciated. 🙏

[CMBob]

As you say, the procedure is rather straightforward....so just follow the instructions to the letter and you'll be fine.  Ought to get your new passport (and old punched one) back in less than 4 weeks.

Last time I did the mailing for a new passport (3 years ago), sent it to Bangkok via DHL on a Monday and got the new one back in the mail 11 days later.  But I understand it takes a bit longer now.

 

I don't see any point to the passport card and didn't get one.  Only time I use my passport is for immigration, bank stuff, or travel....and I don't believe any of them would accept only seeing the passport card.  But up to you.

[Bill97]

Pp number not on the pp card.  Card has different number so limited use.

[Jingthing]

I think the passport card is mostly for people crossing the Mexico and Canada borders frequently. 

[Jingthing]

Officially they say expect a wait of 6 to 8 weeks but reports generally say it's more like a month.

HOWEVER, nobody knows yet who's still working at the passport office after the Musk-Doge effect.

ALSO, the government may be shutting down soon.

So there are some Twitter "X" factors in play that haven't been before the election.

[adisornc]

we are in the process of renewing my passport now. Following the instruction from the embassy web site is not accurate. There is NO courier pass back envelope per se that you can buy from any post office. I went to 2 post offices and they did not know anything about it. You have to buy it from the Thailand Post online using the link provided in the instruction (mailing the passport section). Once you paid the 100 Baht, at the bottom of the page, the purchase invoice number will appear (starting with  THP...).

 

You then write this number in the "check list" page that must be included in the package that would contain all the check listed items and send by courier to the embassy. Courier must be either DHL or Thailand Post only.

 

I hope this helps. I wasted two trips to the post offices plus one more trip to mail the package.

[SamSanuk]

3 hours ago, adisornc said:

we are in the process of renewing my passport now. Following the instruction from the embassy web site is not accurate. There is NO courier pass back envelope per se that you can buy from any post office. I went to 2 post offices and they did not know anything about it. You have to buy it from the Thailand Post online using the link provided in the instruction (mailing the passport section). Once you paid the 100 Baht, at the bottom of the page, the purchase invoice number will appear (starting with  THP...).

 

You then write this number in the "check list" page that must be included in the package that would contain all the check listed items and send by courier to the embassy. Courier must be either DHL or Thailand Post only.

 

I hope this helps. I wasted two trips to the post offices plus one more trip to mail the package.

Very helpful. You probably saved me some trips to the Post Office. 😊🙏

 

Two questions:

*The 100 baht fee covers the postage on the courier pass back envelope?

*Thailand Post Online sends the envelope to Bangkok?

[SamSanuk]

6 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Officially they say expect a wait of 6 to 8 weeks but reports generally say it's more like a month.

HOWEVER, nobody knows yet who's still working at the passport office after the Musk-Doge effect.

ALSO, the government may be shutting down soon.

So there are some Twitter "X" factors in play that haven't been before the election.

Good points. I have some time so I will then wait to see if our impeccable government will shut down.

[CMBob]

 Have read nothing hinting at any change or slowdown for issuing new US passports so I'm doubtful there's any issue there (or even if there would be a so-called "government shutdown").  A CM Consulate official explained a couple years ago that passport renewals from here (and anywhere else outside the US) go to a separate facility and that's why it's actually quicker to get a US passport renewed from abroad than if applied for within the US.

Up to you but I'd get it sooner rather than later (i.e., don't want to get anywhere near to a time within 6 months of expiration given some/many countries require a minimum of 6 month's validity to be useable).

 

[flare]

I did it three years ago following the online instructions and got it back in ten days (which amazed me- it must have been a slow week).  I was able to get the required envelope at the post office no problem (I used the one near Makro Hang Dong).

[bamnutsak]

23 hours ago, SamSanuk said:

Two questions:

*The 100 baht fee covers the postage on the courier pass back envelope?

*Thailand Post Online sends the envelope to Bangkok?

 

Yes.

Yes.

 

https://th.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/90/Checklist-for-DS-82-Online-Payment-2.pdf

 

All is explained here... https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/instructions-for-ds-82-processing-by-mail-and-online-fee-payment-for-u-s-citizens-residing-in-thailand/

 

Step 7: Return envelope, pay Thailand Post Courier Pass Back envelope fee 100THB here. (If the page appears in Thai, you may use a translate function into English at the top right corner of the page.)   Then, includes a payment confirmation email in your application package.

 

An actual envelope will be delivered to U.S. Embassy in Bangkok and U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai for returning your document.
The fee is non-refundable, and the mailing information cannot be amended after paid; ensure providing the applicant’s full name and accurate returning address on both shipping and billing address.

The tracking number will be provided in a separate email from the vendor. You may trace your passport after the processing time has passed by using the tracking number here https://track.thailandpost.co.th/

NOTE: Prepaid envelope cannot be accepted when you are applying for a U.S. passport in Thailand.

 

 

 

A Passport Card, for $3/year, renewal price, is a government-issued ID which is RealID compliant. It's been handy for me a few times.

 

I'll stipulate that it is in no way a substitute for a Passport.

[Iron Tongue]

The Passport Card is intended for use by Americans travelling through most nations of North, Central, and South America , as well as many Caribbean nations.

It would be completely useless in Thailand and the rest of Asia.

[Luuk Chaai]

Unless you plan on being in the Continental US

The card is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, and has the same length of validity as the passport book. The card is for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries. The card is not valid for international travel by air and is cheaper than the passport book.

[Yagoda]

On 3/7/2025 at 3:47 PM, SamSanuk said:

I will be renewing my US Passport shortly and I understand that this process requires mailing my passport to Bangkok.

 

I was curious if there is any services in Chiang Mai that help you complete the process. 
 

If not, it does seem rather straightforward BUT I did get confused by the Courier Pass Back envelope. Can I go to my local Thai Post and get this envelope?

 

Also, a passport CARD is offered. Any reason to get this?

 

Any suggestions or advice is appreciated. 🙏

I got mine in 10ish days in PP but I had to make two trips.. I did not get that card this time, its primarily for going to Mexico or Caribbean and is useless over here.

 

Im not mailing my passport through foreign mail.

[NickyLouie]

https://passportstatus.state.gov/

 

You can check the status of your application here