If you’re a Russian citizen looking to apply for a new passport, whether due to expiration, name change, or damage, it’s natural to wonder if it’s possible to maintain possession of your current passport during the application process. In most cases, Russian citizens need to surrender their old passport when applying for a new one, but there are specific circumstances and processes that allow you to keep your current passport while your application is being processed.
This article explores the steps involved in filing for a new Russian passport, the rules governing the submission of your current passport, and how to avoid losing it during the process.
Why Russian Passports Need to Be Surrendered
In Russia, when you apply for a new passport—whether it’s due to expiration, a name change, or loss—the old passport is typically required to be submitted as part of the application process. The reasoning for this is:
- Official Record of Issuance: The old passport must be canceled and marked as “invalid” once a new one is issued. This is a security measure to prevent the misuse of the old passport.
- Updating Information: When applying for a new passport, Russian authorities often need to update or confirm personal information, and the old passport serves as a reference to ensure the accuracy of the records.
- Administrative Efficiency: Having a single valid passport ensures the passport system remains orderly, and there is no confusion over which passport is active.
Can You Keep Your Current Passport While Filing for a New One?
In most cases, when you apply for a new Russian passport, you will be required to surrender your old one. However, there are exceptions and special cases in which you can apply for a new passport without losing possession of the current one.
1. Temporary Travel Documents
If your current passport is still valid, but you need to apply for a new one (due to expiry or damage), and you need to travel in the meantime, it may be possible to request a temporary passport. This is a short-term travel document that can allow you to travel abroad while your regular passport is being processed.
- Eligibility for Temporary Passport: You typically need to provide proof that you need to travel urgently, such as a flight ticket or travel itinerary, and demonstrate that your current passport will not be valid during your travels.
- Issuance Process: The temporary passport will be issued with limited validity, and it will only serve for the purpose of international travel until your new passport is ready. Once your new passport is issued, the temporary document must be returned.
2. Special Circumstances
In very specific cases, Russian citizens may be allowed to keep their old passport temporarily during the application process for a new one. This is generally only permitted under certain conditions:
- If the Passport is Still Valid: If your current passport is valid and not expired, but you need to apply for a new one due to name changes or other personal details, some Russian consulates or local passport offices may allow you to retain your old passport until your new one is issued.
- Urgency or Special Circumstances: If you can demonstrate a critical need to travel or use your passport (for example, for urgent legal, business, or personal reasons), the authorities may allow you to retain your passport until the new one is ready. You would need to provide appropriate documentation (such as travel plans or legal notices).
In these cases, the consulate or passport office may issue a special certificate or temporary document that proves you are in the process of applying for a new passport while you still hold your original one.
3. Loss or Damage of Passport
If your passport is lost or damaged and you need to apply for a new one, you are typically required to surrender the old passport or submit proof that it is unusable. In the event of loss, you will need to file a police report to confirm that the passport is no longer in your possession.
- Replacement Process: If you lose your passport, you will need to file an official report and apply for a replacement. In some cases, you may be issued a temporary travel document (similar to the process above) while waiting for your new passport.
- Temporary Passport: A temporary passport may be issued if you have urgent travel needs, but once your new passport is issued, the temporary passport and any previous documents will need to be returned.
Steps to Apply for a New Russian Passport While Retaining Your Current One
If you need to apply for a new Russian passport but want to keep your current one during the process, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that your current passport is still valid and that the reason you need a new passport justifies the need for temporary retention of your old one. Valid reasons include:
- Expired passport
- Name change or correction
- Significant damage to the passport that renders it unusable
- Urgent travel requirements
If you are eligible, you may be able to retain your old passport temporarily during the process.
Step 2: Visit the Russian Consulate or Local Passport Office
If you live abroad, go to your nearest Russian consulate or embassy. If you are in Russia, visit your local MVD office. Bring the required documentation, such as:
- Your current passport
- Proof of why you need a new passport (e.g., name change documents, damaged passport, travel plans)
- Other supporting documents (birth certificate, application form, photographs)
Speak with the consular officer about the possibility of keeping your old passport or receiving a temporary travel document.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit the necessary paperwork for your new passport application, which may include:
- Passport application form
- Proof of identity and citizenship
- Payment for processing fees (if applicable)
- Travel documents or itineraries (if you need a temporary passport)
If your application is accepted and there is an urgent need for travel, the consulate may issue a temporary travel document while your new passport is being processed.
Step 4: Request a Temporary Travel Document (if needed)
If your current passport is still valid but you need to travel, request a temporary travel document to use while your new passport is being processed. This will allow you to keep your original passport while traveling abroad.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Once your application is submitted, the consulate or passport office will process your request. This typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the type of passport and the urgency of the application.
If you are applying for a new passport due to a name change, the process may take a little longer, as the authorities need to verify your details. During this period, you may continue using your original passport (if allowed) or your temporary travel document for travel.
Step 6: Collect Your New Passport
Once your new Russian passport is ready, you will be notified by the consulate or passport office to pick it up. If you were issued a temporary passport, you will need to return it at this time. The new passport will include your updated information and will replace your old passport.
Step 7: Return the Old Passport (if applicable)
Once you receive your new passport, if required, you will need to return your old passport to the consulate or passport office. It will be officially canceled and marked as “invalid.”
Conclusion
Filing for a new Russian passport without losing your current one is possible under specific circumstances, such as applying for a temporary travel document or when urgent travel is required. While Russian authorities generally require the submission of the old passport, there are provisions for maintaining possession of it in certain cases, particularly if it is still valid and there is a demonstrated need for travel or other reasons.
To ensure the process goes smoothly, be sure to consult with the nearest Russian consulate or passport office for detailed instructions on how to proceed. By understanding the options available to you, you can avoid unnecessary delays and complications during the passport renewal process.