Services Passports

Requirements to Obtain a Replacement for a Lebanese biometric Passport in the United States

Obtaining a replacement for a Lebanese biometric passport in the United States involves several steps and requires specific documents to ensure a smooth process. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate through this procedure:

Document Requirements

To apply for a replacement (new) Lebanese passport, you will need to gather the following documents:

• Completed Application Form: Contact the relevant consular mission to obtain an application form (contact details can be found on the official website of the Lebanese Embassy covering the South Eastern states www.lebanonembassyus.org or Consulate in Detroit covering the Mid-western states www.lebanonconsulategdetroit.org or Consulate in New York City covering the North Eastern states www.nylebcons.org or Consulate in Los Angeles covering the West Coast www.lebanonconsulatela.org ).
• Proof of Identity: Provide your original or a certified copy of your Lebanese identity card (National ID card or a recent individual record extract (Ikhraj Qayd) or previous passport.
• Proof of Status in the United States: Submit a valid visa, Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), or any other document that proves your legal status in the U.S. or a copy of USCIS letter describing your status)
• Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photographs (typically 2x2 inches), which should conform to the biometric photo standards.
• Police Report: In case of a lost passport, a police report documenting the loss must be submitted.
• Consular Fee: Payment of the applicable fee for the passport replacement (check the most recent fee schedule on the embassy or consulate'''s website). On January 1 st , 2025, the fee for a biometric passport is 600 USD for a biometric passport valid for 10 years or 300 USD for a biometric passport valid for 5 years (issued solely to minor children under 18 years); for non-biometric (old version navy blue passports) 60 USD per one year validity extension or 120 USD for a two-year validity extension. All fees shall be paid to the order of the relevant consulate (ex: “Consulate General of Lebanon”) in the form of money orders or cashier checks (Cash or card payments are not accepted)
• Caveat: Any application related to a minor requires notarized parental consent from both parents.

Application Process

For walk-ins during office hours or by appointment:

1. Schedule an appointment (if by appointment): Contact the nearest Lebanese Embassy (202) 939-6300 or Consulate in the United States (ex: Consulate General in Detroit: (248) 200-7007 or (248)200-7077) to schedule an appointment for submitting your passport application.
2. Visit the Embassy/Consulate: Attend your scheduled appointment with all the required documents. You may need to provide additional information or complete further forms during your visit.
3. Submit signature: You will need to provide your signature on a barcoded form provided by the consulate and possibly other biometric data as part of the application process. Fill out an xerox copy of the form and sign the original form in the indicated signature box and the consulate staff will copy and type the information you provide on the xerox copy.
4. Processing Time: The processing time for the replacement passport can vary. It is advisable to check with the embassy or consulate for current processing times and plan accordingly. On average, completed applications are forwarded to DGSG via DHL (cost paid directly by applicant on the DHL website www.fasttracklb.dhl.com upon preparation of the final application by the consulate staff)
5. Collection: Once your passport is ready, you will be notified to collect it in person from the embassy or consulate (bring along the old passport to be cancelled in order to receive the new passport); if the applicant wishes to receive the new passport by he or she must send the old passport by mail along with a prepaid certified mail envelope or a prepaid courier label).
6. For initial processing by mail (applicants residing in distant states): To have the requested original application and ALL needed information, kindly mail a request letter to the embassy or relative consulate, include in your contact information along with a copy of your passport and a self-addressed prepaid LARGE envelope.

Additional Tips

• Keep Copies: Always retain copies of all documents submitted and proof of payment for your records.
• Stay Updated: Check the official website of the Lebanese Embassy or Consulate for any updates or changes in the application process and requirements.
• Emergency Travel: If you need to travel urgently, inquire about obtaining an emergency travel document while your passport application is being processed.
• Accepting applications for replacement and obtaining biometric passports (number is preceded by LR and has a chip) is technically available only to those who have previously obtained a biometric passport, as their fingerprints and photo are electronically archived in the database of the DGSG in Lebanon, but this is not available to those who have not previously obtained it, with the exception of Lebanese citizens under the age of sixteen (16) and those over the age of fifty nine (59) who are excluded from this restriction, that is, in terms of the possibility of accepting applications for biometric passports at the embassy, even if they had never obtained them before, and without having to travel personally to Lebanon to apply.
• Lebanese citizens aged between sixteen (16) and fifty nine (59) years old, holding a Lebanese machine readable passport (passport number is preceded by RL and cover color is navy blue), may get exceptionally  a one year (fee: 60 USD) or two year (fee:120 USD) passport validity extension under the condition of signing in person the following affidavit affirming that they are  fully aware and commit to the following:
  
  “I shall apply and obtain a new biometric passport within one year from the application date, from the Directorate General of General Security (DGSG) during my travel to Lebanon. I understand that this is an exceptional one- time extension of the validity of my passport and that it shall not be renewed furthermore after this date.”
  
  This declaration must be signed and notarized if the application is presented by mail.

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Procedures to renew (extend the validity) a Lebanese Machine-Readable Passport in the United States (Navy blue cover and no chip, passport number preceded by the RL, see cover picture below) reminder: this does not apply to biometric passport which number starts with LR and has a chip sign printed on its cover in the right lower corner.

1. Schedule an Appointment

Contact the nearest Lebanese Embassy or Consulate in the United States to schedule an appointment for submitting your passport renewal application. During this call, confirm the necessary documents, fees, and any additional requirements specific to the embassy or consulate. You may schedule an appointment (if by appointment): Contact the nearest Lebanese Embassy (202) 939-6300 or Consulate in the United States (ex: Consulate General in Detroit: (248) 200-7007 or (248)200-7077) to schedule an appointment for submitting your passport application.

Caveat: Any application related to a minor requires notarized parental consent from both parents.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Gather all necessary documents for your passport renewal application. This typically includes:

• Completed passport renewal application form: Contact the relevant consular mission to obtain an application form or download the application found on the official website of the Lebanese Embassy covering the South Eastern states www.lebanonembassyus.org or Consulate in Detroit covering the Mid-western states www.lebanonconsulategdetroit.org or Consulate in New York City covering the North Eastern states www.nylebcons.org or Consulate in Los Angeles covering the West Coast www.lebanonconsulatela.org ), under scroll down menu of consular service, passport renewal icon.
• Current or expired Lebanese passport
• Proof of residence in the United States (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
• Three recent passport-sized photographs (1.37” x 1.77”)
• Proof of payment for the application fee (money order or cashier check payable to the order of “Consulate General of Lebanon”
• Lebanese citizens aged between sixteen (16) and fifty nine (59) years old, holding a Lebanese machine readable passport (passport number is preceded by RL and cover color is navy blue), may get exceptionally  a one year (fee: 60 USD) or two year (fee:120 USD) passport validity extension under the condition of signing in person the following affidavit affirming that they are  fully aware and commit to the following:
  
  

  “I shall apply and obtain a new biometric passport within one year from the application date, from the Directorate General of General Security (DGSG) during my travel to Lebanon. I understand that this is an exceptional one- time extension of the validity of my passport and that it shall not be renewed furthermore after this date.”

  This declaration must be signed and notarized if the application is presented by mail.
• Other documents as required by the embassy or consulate

3. Visit the Embassy/Consulate

Attend your scheduled appointment with all the required documents. Be prepared to provide additional information or complete further forms during your visit. It is advisable to arrive early to account for any unexpected delays.

4. Submit Right Thumb print

As part of the application process, you will need to provide your right thumbprint on a special card provided by the embassy or consulate (card must be notarized if the application is presented by mail). This step ensures the security and authenticity of your passport.

4. Submit Right Thumb print

As part of the application process, you will need to provide your right thumbprint on a special card provided by the embassy or consulate (card must be notarized if the application is presented by mail). This step ensures the security and authenticity of your passport.

5. Processing Time

The processing time for the renewal of your Lebanese passport can vary depending on several factors, including the specific embassy or consulate and the current demand; In rare cases when the consular officer is on leave, the application process will be managed by the embassy in Washington-D. C. It is advisable to check with the embassy or consulate for current processing times and plan accordingly. Keep in mind that processing times may be longer during peak travel seasons.

6. Collection

Once your passport is ready, you will be notified to collect it in person from the embassy or consulate. Make sure you bring the necessary identification and receipt of payment when collecting your renewed passport; if the applicant wishes to receive the new passport by mail, he or she must send the old passport by mail (along with a prepaid certified mail envelope or a prepaid courier label).

Additional Tips

Keep Copies

Always retain copies of all documents submitted and proof of payment for your records. This can be useful in case of any discrepancies or issues that may arise during the application process.

Stay Up to date

Regularly check the official website of the Lebanese Embassy or Consulate for any updates or changes in the application process and requirements. Staying informed can help you avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure a smooth application process.

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Emergency Passeport (Laissez-passer document)

If you need to travel urgently, inquire about obtaining an emergency travel document (Laissez- passer) while your passport renewal application is being processed. The embassy or consulate can provide information on the eligibility and process for obtaining such a document.

In the unfortunate event where you are presumably a Lebanese citizen subject to deportation by court order, any request for an emergency passport must be presented by an ICE officer on your behalf or have your lawyer or legal representative contact the designated ICE case officer to present an application for an emergency passport on your behalf according to the rules in practice. ICE may contact the relevant consular mission to obtain an application form (contact details can be found on the official website of the Lebanese Embassy covering the South Eastern states www.lebanonembassyus.org Tel: (202) 939-6300 or Consulate in Detroit covering the Mid-western states www.lebanonconsulategdetroit.org Tel: (248) 200-7077 or Consulate in New York City covering the North Eastern states www.nylebcons.org or Consulate in Los Angeles covering the West Coast www.lebanonconsulatela.org ).

Caveat: Any application related to a minor requires notarized parental consent from both parents.

A step-by-step guide

1. Schedule an Appointment:

   Contact the nearest Lebanese Embassy or Consulate in the United States to schedule an appointment for submitting your laissez-passer application. Confirm the necessary documents and fees (currently, 60 USD in money order or cashier check payable to the order of “Consulate General of Lebanon” but kindly call to inquire about any change) required for the application process during this call.

2. Visit the Embassy/Consulate:

   Attend your scheduled appointment with all the required documents. You may need to provide additional information or complete further forms during your visit.

3. Submit Biometrics:

   You will need to provide your right thumb print on a specific card provided by the embassy or the consulate (must be notarized if the application is presented by mail). 3 photos size 1.37”x 1.77” with a white background and dark color cloths and no sunglasses or head gears except for women head cover for religious purpose- face must be showing. Clerics with head dress must present a certificate from their religious competent authority indicating their status.

4. Processing Time:

   The processing time for the laissez-passer can vary depending on the background check in Lebanon and the security clearance issued by the DGSG. It is advisable to check with the embassy or consulate for current processing times and plan accordingly.

5. Collection:

   Once your laissez-passer is ready, you will be notified to collect it in person from the embassy or consulate. If the applicant wishes to receive the new passport by mail, he or she must send the old passport by mail (along with a prepaid certified mail envelope or a prepaid courier label).

6. Additional Tips

   Keep Copies: Always retain copies of all documents submitted and proof of payment for your records.

   Stay Updated: Check the official website of the Lebanese Embassy or Consulate for any updates or changes in the application process and requirements.

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Photo requirements

As a rule, Lebanese citizens applying to extend the validity of a Lebanese machine -readable passport or obtaining a laissez-passer (emergency documents) must provide 3 personal photos respecting the following requirements:

1. A recent color photo (not withdrawn from a previous photo) on a white undecorated background, dating back no more than six months unless there is a noticeable change in the face, measuring 1.37” x 1.77” and the face should be 70% to 80% of the image.
2. The image should highlight the entire face from the top of the head hair to the bottom of the chin, and the head should be in the center of the image and the head should form a right angle with the shoulders.
3. The eyes should be open (without colored lenses) that can be seen clearly and not obscured by the hair on the head, and that there is no shine or reflection of light or redness in them.
4. The facial expressions should be relaxed, natural, without frown and with no shadows on the face or in the background of the image.
5. The printing of the image must be of high quality without luster or gloss and be clear and spotless.
6. If wearing prescription eyeglasses, make sure that they do not obscure the vision of the eye clearly and that there is no reflection of light on the lens and that its frame is not prominent in a way that hides part of the eye.
7. Headgear of all kinds is not accepted, except for:
   1. Women wearing hijab, provided that the facial features are clearly defined.
   2. Clerics, provided that a statement from the competent authority stating that the applicant is a cleric is included.