by Renewing your Bangladeshi passport in the United States involves specific procedures that vary depending on your location and the type of passport you hold. As of February 2025, the Government of Bangladesh has been phasing out Machine Readable Passports (MRPs) in favor of e-Passports. Therefore, it’s essential to determine whether you need to renew your MRP or apply for an e-Passport.
1. Determine Your Jurisdiction and Passport Type:
- Residents of Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Ohio: These states are excluded from MRP reissue services. Residents must apply for an e-Passport. citeturn0search1
- Residents of Other States: Depending on your state, you may be eligible to renew your MRP or apply for an e-Passport. It’s advisable to check with the nearest Bangladeshi consulate or embassy for specific guidelines.
2. Applying for an e-Passport:
The e-Passport offers enhanced security features and a validity of up to 10 years. To apply:
- In-Person Application: Applicants are typically required to appear in person at the designated consulate or embassy to provide biometric data.
- Required Documents:
- Duly filled e-Passport application form.
- Original Bangladeshi passport and a photocopy of the photo and information pages.
- Recent passport-sized photograph(s).
- National Identification Card (NID) or Bangladeshi digital Birth Registration Certificate with a 17-digit number.
- Proof of valid U.S. residency (e.g., valid visa, Green Card).
- For dual citizens, a copy of the Bangladesh Dual Citizenship Certificate.
- Marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable.
- Fees: Fees vary based on processing time and are payable to the respective consulate or embassy. For instance, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington, D.C., charges $220 for express processing (expected within 30 working days). citeturn0search1
- Application Form: The e-Passport application form can be accessed through the E-Passport Online Registration Portal.
3. Renewing a Machine Readable Passport (MRP):
If you’re eligible to renew your MRP:
- Application Submission: Some consulates accept MRP renewal applications by mail. For example, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington, D.C., provides MRP reissue services by mail for residents of certain states and territories. citeturn0search1
- Required Documents:
- Completed MRP Reissue Application Form.
- Original MRP and a photocopy of the photo and information pages.
- One recent passport-sized photograph.
- Photocopy of NID or Birth Registration Certificate.
- Proof of legal status in the U.S. (e.g., valid visa, Green Card).
- For dual citizens, a copy of the Dual Nationality Certificate.
- Marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable.
- Fees: The standard fee is $220 for express processing (expected within 30 working days). citeturn0search1
- Application Form: The MRP Reissue Application Form can be downloaded from the Embassy’s official website.
4. General Guidelines:
- Mailing Applications: When submitting applications by mail, include a self-addressed return envelope with proper postage and tracking. The preferred mailing service is USPS Priority or Express Mail. citeturn0search3
- Processing Times: Processing durations are approximate and can vary. Delays may occur, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance of any planned travel.
- Contact Information: For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact the Bangladeshi consulate or embassy responsible for your jurisdiction. They can provide specific instructions tailored to your situation.
By following these guidelines and consulting the appropriate consular authorities, you can ensure a smooth renewal or application process for your Bangladeshi passport in the United States.