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Getting a Russian Internal Passport Abroad
Here at Russian Agency USA, we are often asked about how to get or renew Russian internal passports while living or staying abroad. As you might know, Russian citizens obtain their internal passport in the following situations:
- When applying for the first time after turning 14 years old
- Renewing after turning 20 years old and 45 years old
- After an official name change
- After losing or damaging a valid passport
However, Russian consulates and embassies abroad are not authorized to issue Russian internal passports. They cannot request these documents from the territory of Russia. Even if your internal passport is ready in Russia, it cannot be sent to a consulate or embassy abroad for pick-up. You must travel to Russia to obtain it. Many people need to get a new Russian internal passport due to name changes, damaged documents, or reaching specific age milestones.
What to Do If You Can’t Travel to Russia
First, you are not obligated to obtain or renew your internal passport while abroad. The main document proving your identity outside Russia is your Russian travel passport. If you live permanently abroad, you can renew your travel passport without an internal passport. Many Russians who were born or live abroad have never had one at all.
Second, you can obtain your internal passport at any time and with any delay once you return to Russia. There is no fine for applying late. You simply fill out a form confirming you lived abroad and couldn’t obtain the document earlier. After re-entering Russia, provide your travel passport with the entry stamp, and your internal passport will be processed in about five business days.
Don’t Worry About Not Having an Internal Passport While Abroad
You can use your valid Russian travel passport for most legal purposes: selling property, claiming inheritance, issuing a power of attorney, maintaining bank accounts, and more. The key is to ensure your travel passport doesn’t expire.
Keep Your Russian Travel Passport Up to Date
Always renew your travel passport before it expires. You can do this at a Russian consulate or embassy, even on the day it expires. With our service, you can schedule an urgent appointment. If your passport has expired, you will first need to complete Russian citizenship verification. Also, there’s no need to update your internal passport after a name change — you can simply apply for a new travel passport with your updated name.
Need Help with Russian Passport Services?
If you have any questions regarding Russian passport renewals or citizenship confirmation, please call us at
1-888-978-7742. Our team at Russian Agency USA will be happy to assist you.
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