Chinese passports, like the passports for almost every other country, need to be renewed when they are approaching their expiration date. In fact, it is always best to have your passport renewed at least six months before its expiration date, in case any problems arise during processing. Although the renewal process is straightforward, you can save yourself a lot of time and energy by making sure you have all the documents and information you need before going to the Chinese embassy.

Complete a passport renewal form. This is available at all official Chinese embassies or can be downloaded from the Chinese embassy website (see Resources).

Collect required documents and information for passport renewal. This includes passport photos, photocopies of relevant information and a processing fee.

Go to your nearest Chinese embassy. Locations of Chinese embassies around the world are available on the embassy website

Go to the appropriate window for passport renewal processing and turn in any required documents.

Follow the official's instructions, and return to pick up your passport at the designated date and time.

Tip

Processing time for Chinese passport renewals can take up to one month and costs $55 as of November 2010. Renewals for Chinese passports that have been damaged, destroyed or altered cost $105. Chinese embassies accept cash, Money Orders, Cashier's Checks, company checks, MasterCard and Visa. They do not accept personal checks.

Warning

Do not mail in your application for passport renewal. Chinese embassies will not renew passports through the mail. Information regarding processing fees and acceptable forms of payment may change, so you should call ahead to make sure you have everything you need.