This has become a significant topic as of late and I’d like to thank a woman named Vick for explaining the process many months ago on Facebook as it helped as a member of my family has recently gone through the process. Thanks Vick!
First things first. This is BEST option if you have several weeks to worry about your renewal and I will only be covering this but if you are one of those that flew to TJ or Guadalajara and experienced positive results for an even faster service, PLEASE leave a comment below.
You will need to get your picture taken. I prefer the Fuji store https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100059965345339 as they have been doing school, passport photos, etc for a very long time and I think the cost was like, shoot I don’t recall but it was under 100 pesos and only takes a few minutes.
CLICK HERE as your first step: https://mx.usembassy.gov/passports/ as it will walk you through the process. Look for this section where it says click here to see if you are eligible. It is all very self-explanatory once you are online but I will try to walk you through the process to the best of my recollection.
It will lead you through a series of questions, however, if you live in Los Cabos, you are most certainly eligible. You will eventually be directed to this link https://pptform.state.gov/PassportWizardMain.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1#%7B%22__s%22%3A%22Eambfa8Kki13oZeVHe7NaTmjYaLOu%2BISQqIHIuZ57MR302J8CmpBZ2ClaErfuM0vqFpkyT0SfIcjC3ujIxaMzv9Lp9W2F09ggWRa3KsGY3p%2BR1QXUyWmNyMjdog%3D%22%7D
Look for the section where it says “Fill out online and print” and when you hover over it with your mouse, it will look like this and click on submit.
It will then lead you to an online form to fill out. Ensure that all of your details are correct including your address here in Mexico (even though it will not be the address that your renewed passport as it will be delivered to the DHL office)
Once you have filled out the form, it will give you the opportunity to verify everything is correct and you must print out several copies. One to turn in along with your passport, and one for your own records. If you notice a mistake, no worries! You can just start over and make changes and do it again. Then you should get directed to pay online and while this link was the one I saved when we went through the process, it doesn’t seem right. https://www.pay.gov/public/home so go with the one you are prompted to. I believe the cost was $130.00 USD and you cannot expedite. PRINT OUT TWO COPIES. One for you, and one to submit.
You will also be given a special code to get a discount for DHL. I think the usual cost for one way to the Consulate General in Guadalajara, Mexico is about 500 pesos each way. Still, with the discount code it was less than 200 pesos each way as yes, you must pay in advance to send, and return/receive. Since we are talking about renewing online from Los Cabos, they will also direct you to the page that shows how the DHL Waybill should be addressed both TO and FROM. DHL already knows how to do this but bring the printout anyways, as it has your discount code on it. They will issue you a receipt that shows your waybill to Guadalajara, and a second back to DHL. We used DHL Express ServicePoint located at Blvd. Lazaro Cardenas esquina Ignacio Zaragoza S/N, Centro, 23450 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S.
Before you head to DHL: Ensure you have made two copies of your passport for them, (and several for yourself), one of the two copies of the online form you filled out that you have properly stapled one of your new passport pictures in the correct box, a copy of your paid receipt to .gov, as well as your passport.
It’s really THAT simple. Passport renewals are taking up to 8-10 weeks but those of us abroad do get ours in about 4 weeks.
One thing to keep in mind is that just because your passport application and supporting documents have been received, they will not automatically begin the process. In the case of my family member, it was mailed out on the 17th of May and took longer than the standard two weeks to show in their online system as being received (I believe the end of the first week of June), and a scary that processing times could take up to 13 weeks. However, it was available to pick up by the 18th Of June at DHL. Go ahead and sign up for the alerts to be emailed to you.
Bring a copy of your Waybill and a second form of ID when you go the DHL office, and both your old and new passports will be there and yes, DHL Express validates parking so you should only pay about 10 pesos.
I hope this was helpful!
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