Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Iranian Citizen Services (ICS) — Helping Iranians Abroad with Passport, ID, and Legal Document Support
General Questions
Q: Is Iranian Citizen Services the same as Daftar.org?
A: No. We are an independent private service, not affiliated with the Interests Section of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Daftar.org). Iranian Citizen Services provides guidance, document preparation, translation, and support to help Iranians living abroad complete their consular paperwork accurately and efficiently before submission to Daftar.org.
Q: What services does Iranian Citizen Services provide?
A: We help Iranian citizens living abroad with:
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Passport renewal and new passport applications
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National ID card (کارت ملی هوشمند) preparation
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Power of Attorney (وکالتنامه) drafting and legalization
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Birth certificate and marriage/divorce registration
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Translation and form completion assistance
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are based in Irvine, California, and provide services to clients throughout the United States and other countries via email and video consultation.
Passport Services
Q: Where to find Iranian passport application help in the US?
A: To apply for or renew an Iranian passport in the United States or Canada, you should contact the Iranian Citizen Services . Our experienced legal team will help you with preparation of documents that you need to submit to Iranian Interest Section in Washington, D.C., which is the primary point of contact for Iranian passport matters in the U.S. Additionally, we will help you register your request through the Mikhak website.
Generally, you will need the following documents:
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Original passport
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Original birth certificate (Shenasname)
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Copy of your Iranian National ID card
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Copy of your U.S. passport, Green Card, or Visa
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Two recent passport-size photos with a white background
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Military card (for men)
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Return envelope with prepaid shipping label
The application process involves registering your request, completing the forms, preparing and uploading documents, and mailing your application package to the Iranian Interests Section in D.C.
Processing can take 4 to 8 weeks, and you can seek assistance from services that help with application and document preparation.
For more detailed guidance, email us at iraniancitizenservices@gmail.com
Q: Does Iranian Citizen Consulting Services help with document preparation in California?
A: Yes: Iranian Citizen Services is a Consulting company in California provide help with document preparation, including Iranian passports, birth certificates, power of attorney, and other legal documents. They assist with registering applications on the Mikhak website.
Specifically, Iranian Citizen Services (operated by Salamat & Associates LLC) offers document preparation and registration related to the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C., including passports, birth certificates, power of attorney, and Mikhak system applications. They do not provide legal advice in the U.S. but have expertise in Iranian legal matters.
Q: Where to find power of attorney preparation services for Iranians in California?
A: If you are seeking power of attorney preparation services for Iranians in California, there is a reliable options available:
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Iranian Citizen Services in Anaheim, California, which is managed by a licensed attorney from Iran and a member of the Iranian Bar Association. ICS offers legal help including power of attorney preparation, revocation, and representation in Iranian courts remotely. They guide clients through the necessary consular and legal steps.
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Important Points:
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Provide complete details for both the lawyer and client, including national code and contact information.
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Have a qualified Iranian lawyer review the power of attorney document to ensure it meets your specific needs.
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Avoid altering the original document after preparation to maintain its validity.
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Q: How to prepare Iranian documents for legal use in the US?
A: You must get your documents notarized by the Iranian Interest section in Washington DC. An expert in the Iranian Citizen Services office can help you submit the right form and fees to the Iranian Interest Office. This process requires registering your request in the Mikhak system. Then filling the correct form based on what documents you are notarizing.
Q: How to register a birth certificate for Iranians living in the US?
To register a birth certificate (Shenasnameh) for Iranians living in the US, especially for children born in the US to Iranian parents, you generally apply through the Iranian consulate or the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C. The Shenasnameh is an official Iranian birth certificate proving identity and citizenship.
Key points:
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Eligibility: The father or paternal grandfather can apply for children under 18; the mother can apply if married to the father and presenting her own birth certificate; legal guardians can apply with proper documents; applicants over 18 can apply themselves[2].
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Required documents: U.S. birth certificate of the child, valid Iranian national ID or passport, existing Shenasnameh or copy if available, parents’ IDs, marriage certificate if applicable, supporting documents for name changes, and power of attorney if applying remotely[2][6].
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Where to apply: Our experts at Iranian Citizen Services can help you with forms and registeration with Iranian consulate or Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C.
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Process: Applications are often submitted via mail or in person,
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Additional notes: For USCIS immigration purposes, all pages of the Shenasnameh must be translated and submitted, not just the summary page.
Because procedures and document requirements can be complex and vary, it is recommended to contact the Iranian Citizen Services for precise guidance and updated instructions
Q: How to get military service release documents for Iranians abroad?
If you are an Iranian living abroad and need to obtain military service release documents, you generally have these options and steps:
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Exemptions and Payment: Iran allows those absent from mandatory military service for over five years to regularize their status by paying a fee, with priority for married individuals and those over 35. Other exemptions may apply based on age, medical conditions, being the only male child, extended education, or dual citizenship.
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Application Process: You can apply through Iranian Citizen Services which can help with submitting documents such as exemption forms, original and copies of your national card, birth certificate (Shenasnameh), and photos.
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Military Service Card (Kart-e Sarbazi): This official document proves your military service status or exemption and is often required for employment, education, passport renewal, or government services in Iran.
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Buyout Plan: A military service buyout option exists, administered through local police offices in Iran, allowing financial compensation to avoid service.
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Legal Assistance: Our legal team at Iranian Citizen Services especially in countries like the US and Canada, can help prepare and submit applications remotely, verify existing military cards, and guide you through the process without traveling to Iran.
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Important Considerations: Desertion or evasion can lead to prosecution. Returning to Iran under age 40 may require completing service; over 40, fines may apply
Q: Where can I register my marriage certificate with Iranian authorities from the US?
To register your Iranian marriage certificate with Iranian authorities from the US, you need to register your marriage with the Iranian Interest Section in Washington, D.C. This registration allows the couple to have each other's names entered into their Iranian Birth Certificates (Shenasnameh), serving as proof of marriage. You typically need documents such as the Iranian Birth Certificate, Iranian Passport, Iranian National ID Card (Karte Melli), certified Iranian Deed of Marriage, and passport photos. Additionally, you can start the registration process online through the MIKHAK system, which is used for registering marriages involving Iranians and foreign citizens.
The process generally involves:
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Registering and filling out an application on the MIKHAK website.
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Obtaining a tracking code.
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Visiting the Iranian Interest Section in Washington, D.C. with original documents for verification and final registration.
This registration is distinct from recognizing the marriage in the US, where the marriage certificate may also be submitted to the relevant state authorities for civil registration if needed. To start the process, contact Iranian Citizen Services.
Q: What is the process for divorce registration for Iranians living in Irvine?
A: For Iranians living in Irvine, California, the divorce registration process involves handling both Iranian and California laws. Iranian law governs divorce if the marriage was registered in Iran, requiring specific grounds for a wife to file and allowing the husband to initiate divorce, while California law applies locally to residents for divorce proceedings. The Iranian process includes registering on the Mikhak website, submitting a divorce request with documents like the Iranian marriage certificate and proof of grounds, and obtaining the Talaghnameh (divorce decree) after court approval. For Iranians abroad, legal support is recommended, especially for submitting documents to the Iranian Interests Section in Washington, D.C. We are in Irvine, and our family law attorneys familiar with Iranian can assist with divorce, custody, support, and restraining orders. Contact Iranian Citizen Services
Q: Where to find Iranian passport application help in the US?
To apply for or renew an Iranian passport in the United States, you should contact the Iranian Citizen Services to assist you with documents needed for Iranian Interest Section in Washington, D.C., Additionally, Iranian Citizen Services will help you to register your request through the Mikhak website.
Generally, you will need the following documents:
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Original passport
-
Original birth certificate (Shenasname)
-
Copy of your Iranian National ID card
-
Copy of your U.S. passport, Green Card, or Visa
-
Two recent passport-size photos with a white background
-
Military card (for men)
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Return envelope with prepaid shipping label
The application process involves registering your request, completing the forms, preparing and uploading documents, and mailing your application package to the Iranian Interests Section in D.C.
Processing can take 4 to 8 weeks, and you can seek assistance from services that help with application and document preparation.
For more detailed guidance, you can visit the website : Iranian Citizen Services.
Q: How to avoid errors in Iranian document applications abroad?
Document Specification Requirements
When applying for Iranian documents abroad, precision in document formatting is critical. For passport copies, applicants must provide clear JPG images measuring 800x600 pixels and occupying 500 kilobytes or less, with photocopies of the first page (data page) containing identification information and passport number.
Personal photos require particular attention to detail: they must be recent (taken within 6 months), in color, measuring 400x600 pixels with 70-80% of the photo filled by the applicant's face, taken on a white background with a neutral facial expression, and saved as JPG files of 500 kilobytes or less.
Passport Validity and Blank Pages
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your application date, and you need at least one blank page available for entry stamps.
Application Forms and Personal Details
A particularly important consideration: personal details in your passport will be arranged and inscribed in English alphabets according to your form inputs, are unalterable, and the embassy will not be responsible for any input mistakes in the forms that lead to incorrect details in the issued passport.[3] This underscores the critical importance of verifying all information before submission.
Processing Variations
Processing times vary depending on your nationality and the specific embassy or consulate where you submit your application, so plan accordingly and inquire about expected timelines when you begin your application.
Q: Can Iranian Citizen Consulting Services assist with Iranian marriage registration in the US?
A: Yes: Iranian Citizen Consulting Services can assist with Iranian marriage registration in the U.S. by guiding you through the necessary steps and legal requirements. Iranian marriages performed abroad are generally recognized in the U.S. if they meet criteria such as age of consent, free consent, and legal capacity to marry. Registering your marriage with a U.S. state can facilitate processes like name changes and immigration applications.
To register your marriage, you typically need documents including Iranian birth certificates (Shenasnameh), passports, national ID cards, and a certified American marriage certificate, along with a certified Iranian deed of marriage if applicable. If marrying a U.S. citizen, the marriage can be civil or religious, and the Iranian marriage can serve as a basis for applying for marriage-based green cards in the U.S.
Q: How do I renew my Iranian passport in the United States?
A: You must submit your renewal through the Iranian Interests Section (Daftar.org) in Washington, D.C. We assist by reviewing your documents, completing the required forms, and ensuring all information is correct before mailing. This helps avoid delays or rejections.
Q: What documents do I need for passport renewal?
A:
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Original or expired Iranian passport
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Iranian birth certificate (Shenasnameh)
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National ID card (کارت ملی) if available
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Two passport photos (white background, correct size)
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Completed application forms
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Money order payable to Daftar.org for the official fee
Q: How long does it take to renew a passport?
A: Processing times vary but typically range from 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the case and Daftar.org’s workload. We help you ensure everything is ready so the process goes smoothly.
National ID (کارت ملی هوشمند)
Q: Can I apply for a new National ID card from outside Iran?
A: Yes, but you must appear in person at the Interests Section in Washington, D.C., for fingerprinting and facial recognition. We guide you through scheduling, documentation, and form preparation.
Q: What documents are required for the National ID application?
A:
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Iranian birth certificate (Shenasnameh)
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Current Iranian passport
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Proof of U.S. residence (driver’s license or utility bill)
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Passport photos (biometric standard)
Power of Attorney (وکالتنامه)
Q: How can I issue a Power of Attorney (وکالتنامه) for someone in Iran?
A: We help prepare bilingual (Farsi/English) Power of Attorney documents for legal, property, family, or inheritance purposes. After drafting, you’ll sign during a video call with the Iranian Interest Section Officer for authentication.
Q: What types of Power of Attorney do you prepare?
A:
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General Power of Attorney (وکالت عام) – granting broad authority
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Special Power of Attorney (وکالت خاص) – limited to a specific action, such as selling property or managing inheritance matters
Civil & Family Services
Q: How can I register a birth or marriage abroad?
A: We assist with registering births, marriages, and divorces through the Iranian Interests Section. You’ll need original U.S. documents (apostilled) along with your Iranian identification papers. We help complete the forms and ensure your package is ready for submission.
Q: How do I register a divorce from the U.S. with Iranian authorities?
A: You will need:
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U.S. divorce decree (apostilled)
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Islamic divorce certificate (if applicable)
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Original marriage certificate (Aghd Nameh)
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Required forms and fees for registration
We help review and prepare all required documents for you.
Process, Fees & Communication
Q: How much do your services cost?
A: Fees depend on the service. For example:
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Passport renewal assistance: $80–$120
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Power of Attorney preparation: $150–$450
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National ID assistance: from $100
Official fees paid to Daftar.org are separate and vary by service type.
Q: Do you guarantee my application will be approved?
A: We cannot guarantee approval, as Daftar.org is the final decision-maker. However, we ensure your application is accurate, properly formatted, and compliant — significantly reducing errors and delays.
Q: How can I contact Iranian Citizen Services?
A:
📧 Email: iraniancitizenservices@gmail.com
📍 Location: Irvine, California
🌐 Website: www.iraniancitizen.com
💬 Video consultations available upon request
Helpful Tips
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Always use matching information across documents (spelling, birth dates, etc.).
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Keep copies of all submissions before mailing.
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Use certified mail or UPS/FedEx when sending to Daftar.org.
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Schedule your appointment early — availability may be limited.
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If unsure, contact us before submitting to avoid rejection or extra fees.