Quick Answer
To renew an Iranian passport from the United States, you need: your current and any expired passports, your Kart Melli (Iranian National ID), your Shenasnameh (civil registry booklet), two passport-size photos meeting Iranian consular specifications, a completed application form with your Mikhak reference number from mikhak.msrt.ir, and a money order for the consular fee. No cash or personal checks are accepted. Photocopies of all original documents are also required.
Full Document Checklist for Iranian Passport Renewal
The following documents are required for a standard adult passport renewal submitted to the Iranian Interests Section at 2209 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007:
- Current Iranian passport — original plus one full photocopy of the biographical data page
- Previous Iranian passport(s) if expired — original plus photocopy
- Kart Melli (Iranian National ID card) — original plus photocopy of both sides
- Shenasnameh (Iranian civil registry booklet) — original plus photocopies of pages 1, 2, and any pages showing amendments or marital status
- Two passport-size photos meeting Iranian consular photo requirements (see photo section below)
- Completed Iranian passport application form with Mikhak reference number
- Money order for the applicable consular fee, payable to the Iranian Interests Section
- Prepaid return envelope (if required by current Interests Section instructions)
What Is a Mikhak Reference Number and Why Is It Required?
The Mikhak system (mikhak.msrt.ir) is a mandatory Iranian government registration portal for all Iranians residing abroad. When you register on Mikhak, you receive a unique reference number tied to your national ID and your abroad address. This number must appear on your passport application form. Applications without a valid Mikhak reference number are not processed. Registration is free and done online.
Photo Requirements for Iranian Passport Applications
Iranian consular photo specifications differ from U.S. standard photo requirements. Your photos must meet all of the following criteria:
- Size: 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm (approximately 1.38 × 1.77 inches) OR 2 × 2 inches — confirm current spec with the Interests Section
- Background: white or off-white only — no patterns, no gray
- Face: full face, front-facing, centered in the frame
- Glasses: not permitted
- Expression: neutral or slight natural expression — no smiling
- Women: Islamic hijab required — headscarf must be visible and cover hair and neck
- Print: must be printed on photo paper — inkjet prints on plain paper are not accepted
- Recency: taken within the past six months
- Quantity: two identical photos per application
Kart Melli: What It Is and What to Do If Yours Is Expired
The Kart Melli is Iran's national identity card, equivalent to a national ID card. It displays your national ID number (Code Melli), name, date of birth, and photograph. For passport renewal, you must include a photocopy of both sides of your Kart Melli. If your Kart Melli is expired, it may still be accepted for identity verification purposes during passport renewal, but you should also be aware that the Interests Section may request a current one. Renewing a Kart Melli from abroad is a separate consular process.
Shenasnameh: Which Pages to Copy
The Shenasnameh is Iran's civil registry booklet. It records your birth, parentage, and civil status. For passport renewal, you must include photocopies of:
- Page 1 (cover page showing the booklet number and registry office)
- Page 2 (your personal information, date of birth, parents' names)
- Any pages showing amendments to your registered name or birth information
- Any pages reflecting your marital status (marriage stamp or divorce stamp)
- The complete booklet if the Interests Section requests it
Payment: Money Orders Only
The Iranian Interests Section does not accept cash, personal checks, or credit cards for consular fees. You must submit payment as a money order made payable to 'Iranian Interests Section.' Purchase your money order at a U.S. post office, bank, or grocery store. The exact fee amount varies by service type and changes periodically — confirm the current fee by calling (202) 965-4990 before purchasing your money order.
Additional Documents for Special Circumstances
Some applicants require additional documents beyond the standard set:
- Minor children: parents' marriage certificate (Iranian official translation if applicable), birth certificate, parents' passports and Kart Melli
- Name changes: legal name change documentation from both Iranian and U.S. authorities
- Military service: men of military service age may need to provide documentation of military service completion, exemption, or deferral
- Naturalized Iranian citizens: original citizenship documents
- Applicants with dual nationality: the Interests Section processes applications based solely on Iranian nationality — U.S. passport is not relevant to the application
How Iranian Citizen Services Can Help
Iranian Citizen Services (ICS), based in Irvine, CA, helps applicants compile the correct document set for Iranian passport renewal. ICS reviews your specific situation, identifies any missing documents, assists with Mikhak registration, and checks your application package for completeness before submission. ICS charges a consulting fee; 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 submit photocopies of my documents instead of originals for a mail-in passport renewal?
For mail-in applications, the Interests Section generally requires photocopies of your identity documents, not the originals. However, you must include your actual (original) current passport for renewal. Keep certified copies of every document before mailing. Never mail originals of Kart Melli or Shenasnameh unless specifically instructed.
My Shenasnameh was issued before 1979 and is in poor condition. What should I do?
A damaged or fragile Shenasnameh should be photocopied carefully. If pages are illegible, you may need to obtain a replacement or certified extract from the civil registry office in Iran through a power of attorney arrangement. ICS can assist with the power of attorney process for this purpose.
Do I need to translate my Iranian documents into English for the passport application?
No. Iranian consular services process Iranian-language documents. You do not need to provide English translations of your Shenasnameh, Kart Melli, or existing passport for the Iranian Interests Section. English translations would be required only if you are submitting documents to U.S. authorities for a separate purpose.
What if I was born in Iran but my Shenasnameh was never updated after I moved to the U.S.?
Your Shenasnameh does not need to reflect your U.S. address. It is an Iranian civil registry document tied to your birthplace and family registry, not your current address. Your Mikhak registration handles your abroad address for consular purposes. Submit your Shenasnameh as-is with the required pages photocopied.