Do you dread the thought of standing in line at the passport office? Do you wish there was a more convenient way to renew your passport?
We Malaysian love to go traveling, especially overseas. Ever seen the covid restriction lifted, we are not wasting any time, and they have started travelling vigorously. Some travel to enjoy themselves with family and friends and some do it for our “healing time.”
When we travel abroad, we need a valid passport. Do you know when your passport will expire?
Is your passport already out of date? How to renew passport in Malaysia? Now you’re thinking about going to the renewal office, finding a parking spot for 10-20 minutes, walking under the sun, waiting in line, and potentially going back and forth to the office if you forgot certain documents.
Since you can renew your Malaysian passport online, you don’t need to be concerned about it. You heard that right, and we can now renew our passports online easily with a few simple steps.
Reminder!
The cost of online renewal varies. It costs RM200 for citizens aged 13 to 59. Those over the age of 60, children under the age of 12, students under the age of 21, and Hajj pilgrims pay a reduced charge of RM100. Notably, this service is provided free of charge to the disabled community. When beginning to renew Malaysian passport online, please visit the Immigration’s official website, click ‘Setuju,’ and carefully fill out the relevant information.
How to Renew Passport in Malaysia: A 7-Step Guide
Step 1: Access the MyOnline Passport Portal
- Malaysians’ online renewal process was eased in 2022. To get started, go to the MyOnlinePassport portal.
Step 2: Prepare Essential Documents
- Before you begin the online renewal, make sure you have the necessary items ready.
- Your most recent passport.
- Several formal documents, some of which will be uploaded during the online application process. When you pick up your new passport in person, others may be required to authenticate your identification.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
- Navigate to the MyOnline Passport portal and fill out the renewal form by following the on-screen prompts.
1. You must provide your information so the system can recognize your old passport.
2. Fill in the necessary information as necessary on the next page.
3. You must upload your photograph for the upcoming stage. Crop by the specified size.
4. Click “Update” after you know all the information you supplied is correct.
5. When your application has been accepted, the phrase “PERMOHONAN ANDA TELAH DITERIMA” will display.
Step 4: Payment Procedure
- Renewal prices will vary depending on your age and other considerations. Pay online with a valid method, such as a credit or debit card.
Step 5: Submission
- Submit your application after double-checking all the provided information and ensuring the money has been processed. If filed by 3:00 p.m. on a working day, the renewed passport is usually available for pick-up the same day. Later entries will likely be available for pick-up after 10:00 a.m. the next working day.
Step 6: Physical Collection
- While the renewal process is digital, the collection is still in-person. Always bring your old passport and any other documents indicated during the online application, as these will be used to verify your identification upon collection.
- Original identity card
- Original birth certificate
- Original passport
- Payment receipt
- STO appointment slip
Step 7: Photo Requirements
- When renewing your passport, be sure your photo meets the requirements. The normal photo size in Malaysia is 35mm by 50mm. Other regulations, such as dress code, facial expressions, and gaze direction, can be found on the official immigration department’s website.
You can monitor the status of your application online, and if you have any problems, you can call the immigration office at 03-8000 8000.
Avoid Having Your Application Rejected! What You Need to Know.
Getting your Application rejected can be very frustrating. For your application process to go well, there are a few key elements you should be aware of.
Document checklist
- Current Passport: You will need your current passport information. If you intend to travel soon after renewing it, ensure it is valid for at least six months.
- Proof of Identity: Your birth certificate, MyKad, or any other government-issued ID.
- Payment Details: Bring a valid credit or debit card with you. Some platforms may accept other online payment methods.
- Additional Documents: Additional documents, such as a police report or marriage certificate, may be required depending on the circumstances, such as lost passports or name changes.
Taking a compliant passport photo
Getting the perfect passport photo is crucial when renewing your Malaysian passport online. Here are some guidelines to ensure your photo is compliant:
- Size: The photo must be 35mm x 50mm in size. This is a stringent criterion, and images that do not meet it will be rejected.
- Background: Choose a white or off-white background. There should be no noticeable shadows or patterns.
- Face and Expression: Your face should be visible and neutral in expression. Both eyes should be open, with the lips closed. Ensure the face takes up roughly 70-80% of the photo’s height.
- Attire: Dress in dark colours, ideally without patterns. Avoid wearing uniforms or apparel that resembles a uniform. To contrast against the white background, avoid wearing white tops.
- Glasses and Accessories: If you use glasses, check for glare or reflections on the lenses. The frame should not obstruct your vision. Avoid wearing heavy jewellery or accessories that cast shadows.
- Head Position: In the photo, your head should be centred. The eyes should be 26mm to 30mm from the bottom of the photograph.
- Quality: Choose photographs with high resolution and no grains or pixels. The photograph should be well-exposed.
Passport Renewal Fees
Cost of renewal
The cost of renewing a passport depends on various criteria, including the number of pages, the validity period, and any additional services or accelerated procedures you choose. As of my most recent update, the normal fee for an adult basic passport renewal is MYR 200 for a 5-year validity. To renew your Malaysian passport online, consult the official website or the MyOnline Passport portal for the most up-to-date information.
Accepted payment methods
- Credit or Debit Cards: The most commonly used method. Check that your card has a sufficient balance and is enabled for online transactions.
- Online Banking: Direct online bank transfers are supported by the MyOnline Passport portal.
- Digital Wallets: The MyOnline Passport portal also accepts payments from digital wallets since digital payments become more common.
Regardless of the technique, use secure connections and refrain from paying from public computers or unprotected Wi-Fi networks.
Confirmation and receipt
Your money will be successfully completed when you renew your Malaysian passport online.
- Immediate Confirmation: An on-screen confirmation of your successful payment will be displayed. This serves as an initial acknowledgement.
- Email Confirmation: A full confirmation, frequently accompanied by a receipt, will be emailed to the registered email address you provided. Check your spam or garbage folders if you don’t see it in your email. A receipt will also be available in your MyIMMs account.
- Saving the Receipt: You must save and print the receipt. This will be required when you go to pick up your renewed passport. The receipt is a payment confirmation and may include information or reference numbers required for tracking or queries.
*The receipt should be kept safe as it is required when you collect your passport.
Eligibility for Online Passport Renewal in Malaysia
Age restrictions
- Adults: Adults (those aged 18 and up) are generally entitled to renew their Malaysian passports online. They can apply for a basic adult passport with a 5-year validity period.
- Minors: Minors (those under 18) may be subject to additional restrictions or criteria for online renewals. Verifying the most recent criteria is critical, as parents or guardians may be required to participate in the renewal procedure.
Passport status and validity
- Remaining Validity: It is frequently recommended that you begin the renewal process while your current passport has roughly 6 months of validity remaining. This guarantees that your vacation plans are maintained, as many countries require a passport to be valid for at least 6 months upon admission.
- Damaged or Lost Passport: If your passport is severely damaged or lost, you may not be able to renew it online. A visit to the nearest immigration office or Malaysian consulate may be required in such instances.
- Expired Passport: If your passport has expired for an extended period, the online renewal process may necessitate additional steps or paperwork. Always check the official website or the MyOnline Passport portal for the most recent guidelines.
Frequently Encountered Challenges when Renewing Passport
Addressing common issues with the online portal
1. Portal Login Difficulties
Challenge: Logging onto the MyOnline Passport portal may be difficult for users owing to forgotten login credentials or technical difficulties.
Solution: Always double-check that you have the correct username and password. Select the ‘Forgot Password’ option if you’ve forgotten your password. If you continue to have issues, contact the portal’s technical assistance or check the official website for system maintenance announcements.
2. Data Entry Errors
Challenge: Erroneous data entry, whether a typo in a name or an erroneous date of birth, might cause processing delays.
Solution: Always double-check your entries, especially essential facts. Review all input details before final submission to guarantee accuracy.
3. Incomplete Application Submission
Challenge: The portal may log you out or fail to save your application status, resulting in incomplete submissions.
Solution: If the option is available, save your progress regularly. If you were already logged out, log back in and check the last saved state of your application. When working on your application, ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Contacting customer support
A strong customer care system is essential in the age of digital services, such as the platform for renewing Malaysian passports online. Here, we’ll look at people’s problems while trying to contact customer service and offer answers.
1. Long Wait Times:
Challenge: One of the most common complaints from consumers is the high wait periods when attempting to renew a passport in Malaysia online by hotline or live chat.
Solution: Avoid peak times, often during office hours or following public announcements about passport renewals. If you’re utilising a chat function, leave the window active because closing it may cause you to get kicked out of the queue.
2. Unresponsive Email Support
Challenge: After sending an email, there may be a delay in response or, in rare cases, no answer.
Solution: Check if you sent the email to the correct address. Always offer detailed information regarding your problem and, if feasible, screenshots. If you do not receive a response within the specified time frame, consider following up or utilising alternative communication options.
3. Language Barriers
Challenge: There may be language misinterpretation, resulting in unsolved concerns.
Solution: Given Malaysia’s diverse population, several platforms provide support in multiple languages. Make sure you choose your chosen language at the start of the conversation or chat. If language is still an issue, consider using textual communication such as email or chat, where translation tools may be useful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, renewing your passport online in Malaysia is a straightforward process designed for your convenience. By embracing this digital method, you can efficiently secure your travel documentation from anywhere at any time. Just remember to consider the timing of your renewal, especially around public holidays, to avoid any potential delays. For a hassle-free experience, familiarize yourself with Malaysia’s public holidays and plan accordingly. Safe travels!
**This article has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
