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: Passport applicants who can apply by mail MUST apply by mail. Please see Passports Renewals to obtain information on By-Mail applications.
Come early. We recommend that you come early since passport applications and notarial services are taken on a first come first serve basis.
During the peak season for passport applications (May, June and July) come on Tuesday or Thursday. These are our least busy days. However, if you can make applications requiring a personal appearance before May or after July, your application process may be more rapid.
Bring something to entertain yourself and to entertain your children. Your visit could last three hours, even for simple notarials.
For passport applicants: Complete (but don’t sign) your passport application before you arrive.
For passport applicants: Bring two photos that meet our requirements. Please click in the box on the right for a list of photographers.
For passport applicants: bring a self-addressed Chronopost envelope (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.)
For notarial clients: If your document requires an oath (e.g., if the document says “swear,” “sworn,” “affirm,” “affirmed,” or “affidavit”), do not sign the document, but make sure that all other blanks are filled in before coming to the Embassy. If your signature must be notarized and witnessed, you must bring witnesses with you.
For notarial clients: If your document is to be acknowledged (e.g., if the part where the notary is to sign says “acknowledged” or “acknowledges”), complete the entire document and sign it (in front of witnesses, if necessary) before coming to the Embassy.
For report of birth applicants: Call 01.43.12.26.71 to schedule an appointment
For security reasons, do not bring luggage--including large backpacks--laptop computers, or large cameras. Security guards will hold small tourist cameras and cell phones until your departure, but there is no storage available for luggage, large backpacks, laptop computers, or large cameras—please do not bring them to the Embassy.