Salvadoran passport from the United States: how to get or renew it
The Salvadoran passport is the document that lets you travel outside El Salvador and identify yourself as a Salvadoran citizen abroad. If you live in the United States, you don't need to return to the country to get it: you can obtain or renew it directly at any of the consulates of El Salvador on U.S. soil, always with an appointment.
In this guide we go over what the passport is for and how it differs from the DUI, what the requirements are for adults and minors, how much it costs, how long it takes, and how to book your appointment step by step.
Contents
What the passport is for and how it differs from the DUI
It's very common to confuse the two documents, but they serve different purposes. The passport is your international travel document: you need it to cross borders, board flights and prove your Salvadoran nationality outside the country. The DUI (Documento Unico de Identidad, the national ID card), on the other hand, is the official identification used within El Salvador.
- ✈️ Passport: international travel document and form of identification abroad.
- 🪪 DUI: national ID for procedures within El Salvador.
The DUI does not replace the passport for travel. If you're going to leave El Salvador or need an international ID document, the one to apply for is the passport.
Requirements to apply for the passport
The requirements differ depending on whether the applicant is an adult or a minor. These are the documents usually requested; it's a good idea to confirm the exact list with your consulate before your appointment.
Adults
- 🪪 Valid Salvadoran DUI. This is the base document used to identify you.
- 📘 Previous passport, if this is a renewal.
- 📅 An appointment booked at the consulate.
Minors
- 📄 The minor's Salvadoran birth certificate.
- 🧒 In some cases the minor's ID card (carne de minoridad) applies.
- 👨👩👧 The parents' ID documents and their presence or authorization.
If you don't have your DUI or the minor's birth certificate, get those first: they are the basis for the passport. Check our guides on the DUI and the birth certificate.
Cost and processing times
The Salvadoran passport costs about $60 at U.S. consulates. Since fees can be updated, we recommend confirming the current cost and the accepted payment methods directly with the consulate where you'll complete the process.
As for delivery, processing times vary from one consulate to another. Some offices have the Immediate Delivery System (Sistema de Entrega Inmediata), which lets you receive the passport quickly or even the same day. Ask your consulate whether they offer this option and what the available times are.
- 💵 Cost: about $60 (confirm the current fee).
- ⏱️ Delivery: varies; some consulates offer the Immediate Delivery System.
- 📅 Appointment: free and required.
How to apply for the passport step by step
- Gather your documents: valid DUI (adults) or birth certificate (minors), and your previous passport if you're renewing.
- Book the appointment at portalcitas.rree.gob.sv and select the passport service at your consulate. Remember the appointment is free.
- Confirm the cost and accepted payment methods before you go, so you bring the right amount.
- Attend your appointment with all your documents and your confirmation. There they'll take your biometric data and photo.
- Pick up your passport within the timeframe your consulate indicates, or the same day if they offer immediate delivery.
If you have questions or prefer to book by phone, call 1-888-301-1130 (option 4 for the U.S. and Canada) or message WhatsApp at +503 7070-1071.
Passports for minors
Salvadoran children and teenagers can also get their passport at the consulate. The main difference is that, since they don't have a DUI, their application is based on the Salvadoran birth certificate; in some cases the minor's ID card (carne de minoridad) also applies.
- 📄 Bring the minor's birth certificate.
- 👨👩👧 Come with the parents or legal representative and their ID documents.
- 📅 Book the appointment in the minor's name through the portal or the Call Center.
If the minor's birth certificate isn't up to date or you don't have it, take care of it before the appointment to avoid setbacks.
Frequently asked questions about the Salvadoran passport
How much does the Salvadoran passport cost in the U.S.?
It costs about $60 at U.S. consulates. The amount may vary, so confirm the current fee and payment methods with your consulate before your appointment.
Can the DUI be used to travel outside El Salvador?
No. The DUI is the ID used within El Salvador. To travel internationally you need the passport, which is a separate document. See our DUI guide if you need to apply for it.
What documents does an adult bring for the passport?
Generally, your valid Salvadoran DUI and an appointment. If you're renewing, also bring your previous passport. Confirm the exact list with your consulate.
How do I get a passport for a minor?
The minor needs their Salvadoran birth certificate; in some cases the minor's ID card (carne de minoridad) applies. The parents' documents and their presence or authorization are usually required.
How long does it take to receive?
Processing times vary by consulate. Some offices have the Immediate Delivery System for fast or same-day delivery. Ask about the available times at your consulate.
Is there a fee for the passport appointment?
No. Booking the appointment is free through the portal or the Call Center. What you pay for is the passport process itself.