Quick Answer
To renew an Iranian passport from the United States, you must first register on the Mikhak system at mikhak.msrt.ir, then gather required documents, and mail or submit your application to the Iranian Interests Section located at 2209 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007 (inside the Pakistani Embassy). There is no Iranian embassy in the U.S. — the Interests Section is the only official point of contact. Total processing time is 6–14 weeks.
Why There Is No Iranian Embassy in the United States
Iran severed diplomatic relations with the United States on April 7, 1980, following the Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis. As a result, there is no Iranian embassy or consulate operating on U.S. soil. All Iranian consular services in the United States are handled through the Iranian Interests Section, which operates within the Pakistani Embassy at 2209 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007. Phone: (202) 965-4990.
Step 1: Register on the Mikhak System
Before any consular application can be submitted, you must have an active account on the Mikhak system. Mikhak (mikhak.msrt.ir) is the Iranian government's mandatory online portal for all Iranians living abroad who need consular services. You register with your Iranian national ID number, enter your current abroad address, and receive a reference number that is required on your application forms.
Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents
The standard document set for a passport renewal from the U.S. includes:
- Current Iranian passport (original plus photocopy of the photo page)
- Expired or expiring Iranian passport if applicable
- Iranian National ID card (Kart Melli) — original and photocopy
- Shenasnameh (civil registry booklet) — original and photocopy of relevant pages
- Two recent passport-size photos (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm or 2×2 inches) on white/off-white background, no glasses, women must wear Islamic hijab, neutral expression, printed on photo paper
- Completed application form (obtained from the Interests Section website or Mikhak portal)
- Mikhak system registration reference number
- Money order for consular fees (no cash or personal checks accepted)
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Package
Organize all documents in the order specified on the Interests Section's current checklist. Make legible photocopies of every document. Attach your photos securely to the application form. Write your Mikhak reference number on the application form. Prepare your money order payable to the Iranian Interests Section for the applicable consular fee. Do not staple original documents together in a way that could damage them.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
The Iranian Interests Section accepts applications by mail and, for certain services, in person by appointment. Check the current submission policy at the Interests Section before mailing. Send your package via a trackable courier service (USPS Priority Mail with tracking, FedEx, or UPS). Keep the tracking number and copies of everything you submit. The mailing address is: Iranian Interests Section, 2209 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007.
Step 5: Track Your Application and Receive Your Passport
After submission, processing at the Interests Section alone takes 4–12 weeks. Your application is then forwarded to Iran for final approval and passport printing. Total turnaround from submission to receipt is typically 6–14 weeks. The Interests Section returns completed passports by mail. Include a prepaid return envelope with your submission if required by current instructions.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
- Missing or expired Mikhak registration
- Photos that do not meet Iranian consular specifications (wrong size, glasses, smiling, incorrect background color)
- Payment submitted as cash or personal check instead of money order
- Incomplete photocopies of identity documents
- Application form not fully completed or signed
- Missing Shenasnameh pages
- Discrepancies between name on passport and name on Kart Melli
How Iranian Citizen Services Can Help
Iranian Citizen Services (ICS), based in Irvine, CA, assists individuals with the document preparation process for Iranian passport renewal. ICS can help you navigate Mikhak registration, compile the correct document set, review your application package for errors before submission, and complete required forms accurately. ICS charges a consulting fee for these services; Iranian government consular fees are paid separately to the Interests Section. ICS is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Iranian passport at a consulate in Canada instead of the U.S.?
Yes. Iranian citizens living in the United States but near the Canadian border may choose to apply through an Iranian consulate in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, or Montreal). Canadian consulates are full Iranian diplomatic posts and may offer faster appointments. You must present a valid visa or residency document showing your right to be in Canada.
Do I need to appear in person to renew my Iranian passport from the USA?
For most adult passport renewals, the Iranian Interests Section accepts applications by mail. In-person appointments are limited. Check the current policy on the Interests Section's official page, as procedures can change. First-time adult applicants and children's passport applications may have different requirements.
What money order amount do I need for Iranian passport renewal?
Consular fees change periodically. Contact the Iranian Interests Section at (202) 965-4990 or check their official website for the current fee schedule before purchasing a money order. Never send cash or personal checks — they will not be accepted and your application will be returned.
My Iranian passport has been expired for more than 5 years. Can I still renew it?
Yes, a long-expired passport can still be renewed. Include it in your application package along with your other identity documents. The Interests Section will note the gap and process the renewal based on your Kart Melli and Shenasnameh. Additional documentation may be requested in some cases.