With the improvement in living standards, more and more people are traveling abroad. However, a passport is required for international travel. So, how do you apply for a passport for the first time, and what documents are needed?
1. Application Form: Submit one completed "Application Form for Ordinary Passport for Chinese Citizens." Note: The application form can be downloaded from the exit-entry administration website of your provincial public security department, or it can be obtained and filled out on-site at the processing center.
2. Photo: Submit one recent, front-facing, bareheaded, color photograph. The standard size is generally 48mm x 33mm. Note: It is recommended to have your photo taken at the photo studio located at the processing center to ensure the format meets the requirements.
3. Proof of Identity: Present the original and a photocopy of your resident ID card and household register (hukou). During the period of applying for, replacing, or renewing your resident ID card, you may submit a temporary resident ID card along with your household register and a photocopy.
4. Unit Approval: State employees (registered personnel) must submit a certificate of consent for travel abroad issued by their work unit or superior competent department after approval in accordance with personnel management authority. Active-duty military personnel must complete the approval procedures according to management authority and then apply to the public security exit-entry administration department at or above the county level where their unit is stationed.
5. Guardian Documents: Citizens under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by their guardian, who must submit a statement of consent for travel abroad, the guardian's resident ID card or household register, and their passport and a photocopy.
6. Documents Related to the Reason for Application: (1) Passport Endorsement: Submit relevant supporting documents for the requested changes and your valid passport; (2) Passport Renewal: Submit the original passport and a photocopy; (3) Passport Reissuance: For damaged passports, submit the damaged document and an explanation of the cause; for lost or stolen passports, submit an explanation of the loss or theft; (4) Expedited Passport: Submit supporting documents for the expedited request.
Passport Processing Time and Fees
【Processing Time】Generally, the application will be processed within fifteen days from the date of receipt of the application materials. If corresponding expedited supporting documents are provided, the public security exit-entry administration agency will expedite the processing. Situations may vary by region and are subject to local conditions.
【Fee Schedule】First-time application: 200 RMB/book; Renewal: 220 RMB/book (including endorsement fee for renewal); Reissuance due to expiration: 220 RMB/book (including endorsement fee for previous passport); Reissuance due to theft or damage: 220 RMB/book (including endorsement fee for reissuance); Reissuance due to loss: 420 RMB/book (including endorsement fee for reissuance); Endorsement: 20 RMB/book.
【Fee Basis】National Development and Planning Commission and Ministry of Finance Document Ji Jia Ge (2000) No. 293; State Administration of Commodity Prices and Ministry of Finance Document Jia Fei Zi (1993) No. 164.