Passport Renewals

Good afternoon,

Thank you for contacting us to request information regarding the renewal of your Panamanian passport.

Please review the following instructions carefully, as the process has recently been updated. Failure to follow all instructions thoroughly may result in delays. All forms are available in Spanish only.

Our office only processes the following:

Renewal of Adult Passports
Renewal of Minor Passports
Lost or Stolen Passports

We do not process Passport for the first time if the applicant is an adult. For first-time adult passport, you will need to request the document personally at the Autoridad de Pasaporte.

Note: An appointment is required to visit the Consulate. You may also complete your renewal by mail.

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PANAMANIAN PASSPORT RENEWAL

Regular Processing Time: 6–9 Weeks

Expedited Processing

Expedited requests are processed in person only by appointment.

Urgent appointment requests must be submitted by email to:
consulate.pty.lax@outlook.com
ggarcia@mire.gob.pa

Subject line: URGENT PASSPORT RENEWAL

Additional expedited fee: $100.00
Expedited processing time: 10–15 business days

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STEP ONE – REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Copy of your Panamanian cédula (national ID), current or expired

Note: If you have never had a Panamanian cédula, you may attempt to renew your passport. However, if Panama requires you to present a cédula, you will need to travel to Panama to obtain one and complete your passport renewal there. In that case, you must apply for a Salvoconducto, and no refunds will be issued.

Copy of your current state-issued ID
Recent copy of your Panamanian birth certificate with QR code

If you do not have an updated birth certificate, you must arrange for someone in Panama to obtain one and send you a copy. If you do not have anyone available to assist you, you may request instructions from our office.

Copy of your most recent passport

If your passport has been lost or stolen, you must complete the form titled “Denuncia de Pérdida de Pasaporte.”

Two (2) passport photos (2x2) with white background

Please review the photo requirements below.

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STEP TWO – PASSPORT PHOTO REQUIREMENTS

Photo must be taken facing straight forward
Background must be completely white (gray backgrounds will be rejected)
Do not wear white clothing or low-cut tops; shoulders must be covered
Mouth closed; teeth must not be visible
No hair accessories
Wigs are not permitted (except for medical reasons)
Small earrings only (no larger than a penny)
No facial piercings
Men may not wear earrings
Hair must not cover the forehead
Hair must be tied back or placed behind the ears and may not fall forward over the shoulders
No high or elaborate hairstyles
No eyeglasses or sunglasses

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STEP THREE – FORM OF PAYMENT

Payment must be made by:

Money Order
Cashier’s Check

We do not accept personal checks.

Applicable fees:

Regular (Ages 0–55): $280.00
Retiree – Women (55+): $230.00
Retiree – Men (60+): $230.00

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RENEWAL OF A MINOR PASSPORT

The application packet includes the following forms:

Autorización para Expedición de Pasaporte Electrónico a Menores de Edad en Ausencia de Uno de los Padres
Autorización para Expedición de Pasaporte Electrónico a Menores de Edad por Ambos Padres

These forms must be included in the packet and signed before a Consular Officer.

If the minor is under 12 years old, they do not sign.
If the minor is 12 years old or older, they must sign their own forms.

Important

Both parents must sign an authorization form.

If one parent is currently in Panama, that parent must complete the same authorization form at the Passport Agency in Panama and indicate that the minor is renewing their passport through the Consulate of Panama in Los Angeles.

If one parent is outside Panama, that parent must visit the nearest Panamanian Embassy or Consulate to complete the authorization form and indicate that the renewal is being processed through the Consulate General of Panama in Los Angeles.

If one parent does not have contact with the other parent for any reason, the renewal may only be processed if the applying parent provides court-issued documentation confirming full legal custody or explicit authorization to renew the minor’s passport.

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Completing the Forms

All pages must be completed prior to your appointment.
Do not sign the forms before your appointment.
Signatures and fingerprints will be taken during your appointment.

For minors:

Both parents and the minor must be present when signing before a notary.
If one parent is absent, please refer to the minor authorization instructions above.

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Mailing Your Documents

Once all documents are ready, you must mail:

Copies of all required documents
Notarized passport forms
Passport photos
Payment

Mailing address:

Consulate General of Panama
111 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 1120
Long Beach, CA 90802

When mailing your documents, use a courier service that provides a tracking number so you can monitor delivery. Please do not call to confirm receipt.

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Important Information

Ensure that all required documentation is submitted.

Incomplete submissions may result in processing delays.

Panama may require you to travel to Panama to verify your identity with the Tribunal Electoral.

If this occurs, no refunds will be issued. You will have one (1) year from the date you initiated your process with our office to travel to Panama and complete it. If you travel after one year, you will be required to pay the full fees again in Panama.