Citizen Services
Tips For a Smooth Visit to the Consular Section
Don’t come unless you have to: While we are always happy to see our American citizen clients, we have limited waiting room space and long lines. If you can conduct your business by mail or on-line, please do so. NOTE: Adult passport applicants who can apply by mail MUST apply by mail. Please see Passports Renewals to obtain information on By-Mail applications.
Appointments and requirements for passport applications requiring a personal appearance:
If you need to make an online appointment, please follow instructions carefully, and select the correct time:
- Children: Appointments for passport renewals for children under 16 are provided Monday through Friday at 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday afternoons (1:30 and 2:00 p.m.).
- Adults: Appointments for adult passport services are provided Monday through Friday at 9:00 and 9:30 a.m.
- Applicants aged 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 may currently schedule appointments during children or adult appointment times except during two-week holidays, when they must take adult appointments.
If you do not select the correct time, your appointment may be cancelled.
Application forms, photos and Chronopost envelope:
Complete (but don’t sign) your passport application before you arrive.
Bring two photos that meet U.S. passport requirements.
Renew your passports early before the peak season (May, June and July).
Bring a self-addressed Chronopost envelope for France métropolitaine (available at all French post offices) for the return of newly issued passports. Please note the tracking number for your records. (Exception: if your travel plans are imminent and you are applying for an emergency passport, you will not need to submit this envelope.)
Bring something to entertain yourself and to entertain your children.
Appointments to register the birth of your child and obtain a first passport must be made by scheduling an online appointment in Paris, weekdays, except on French and American holidays.
Security at the Embassy
Please do not bring any electronic devices, such as laptop computers, Blackberries, iPods, or large bags, such as backpacks, suitcases or packages to the Consular Section as there are no storage facilities on Embassy grounds. Security guards may hold small tourist cameras and cell phones until your departure, but there is no storage available for any other large items or electronic devices — please do not bring them at the time of your appointment.