UPDATE: I have updated this entry with comments from readers. Please read through it.
I recently renewed my passport for a trip to Singapore. Prior to renewing my passport, I went to the Immigration Department’s website to look for a guide in renewing my passport, but I couldn’t find any. So that sparked a tiny thought in my head, why not create a guide in my blog and teach the people how to renew it. If the government department can’t do it, I’ll do it! This will also mark a new category in my blog, where I post up guides and stuff, hoping to benefit the readers out there, all 10 of you guys!
Renewing a Malaysian Passport
Things to prepare before going to the Immigration Department
- Photo copy of your MyKad, both sides (1 copy on a piece of A4 paper)
- Passport sized photo. Bring a recent one and most importantly, bring one that is different from your old passport. (1 piece, bring more just in case, there is a photo booth at the immigration department)
- Your old passport
- MyKad
- RM300 in cash (for 32 pages)
- Your thumb
Go to the machine renewal counters, take an envelop from the counter, write your name, IC and contact number.
Go to the machine, put in your passport and slot in your MyKad then follow the on screen instructions. You’ll be asked to select either a 64 page or 32 page passport. You’ll also be asked to place your thumb on the fingerprint reader. Pay the machine RM300/RM600, one note at a time. After that, put your old passport, photo copy of your MyKad and passport size photo in the envelope, slot it into the machine. The envelope will be very thick but just put it in nevertheless. You will then be issued a receipt that will tell you when and where (which counter) to collect your passport.
You’re done! The process usually takes about 5 minutes or less. Your passport will be ready in 2 hours, 3 if the lunch hour is in between.
P.S. This guide is only for those with a working MyKad and also a working Malaysian passport with a microchip embedded at the back cover.
P.P.S. Neither me nor justinkoh.net will held responsible if you are stranded in a foreign country or miss your flight because of an expired passport. Always renew your passport when you are expected to travel.
UPDATE:
One of my readers, Shasha, used this guide and renewed her passport. I’ll also update this guide base on her comments:
If you realize your passport has less than 6 months validity and you’ll need to leave the country soon and have no time to renew it, don’t panic. As long as you have your return ticket with you, there should not be a problem with the immigration.This happened to Shasha at the beginning of November 2008. So if you are reading this after a few months, it might not be valid.
Shasha’s suggestion: Renew your passport before you travel. It only takes 2 minutes to do it and 2 hours to collect it.
Thanks Shasha.
UPDATE 2:
Another reader, A Syed, provided some very useful information. His comment answers the most popular question – If my passport expires in less than 6 months, will I still be able to travel? A Syed commented on 22 Jan 2010 and according to his comment, he traveled last month, which is December 2009. If this is too dated when you read it, it might be too old. So have a valid passport when you are expected to travel.
If you have about the 6 months balance on your passport, it is not a problem when you are returning to your own country. The M’sian immigration does not even have a problem with you leaving the country with less than 6 months validity, but they want to avoid problems with other nations and avoid cases where their nationals will be sent home. Likewise, the airlines don’t want you to board the plane with less than 6 months validity because if you are returned they have to pay a big fine. And you will also have to pay for extra return ticket. I discovered all this last month when I was about to leave for Jakarta and realised I only had 5 months validity on my passport. Unfortunately, I realised it at the Air Asia counter when the clerk refused to check me in. Luckily, as a previous resident of Indonesia, I had old visa stickers to prove that I was not just a tourist and in fact had to visit my sick father-in-law. The Air Asia guy was kind enough to let me go, especially when I told him that I would get someone to meet me in Soekarno Hatta airport. When I passed through Malaysian immigration, the machine gate rejected me and I had to talk to an Immigration officer. What he said was, “We have no problem with you leaving, but you may get into trouble there. If you are sure you wont have a problem, you may go.” I assured him that I would be okay and not cause problems for him. Actually, I wasnt sure but really needed to get back there and didn’t want to waste my ticket! Finally, when I got there, there was a small problem with the Indonesian immigration. When they established I was married to a local and had a family emergency, the allowed me to enter. Still, what I have learned is, always, always, always have a valid passport!
CHIP Malaysia
myMacBUZZ
Ai yar… u should have ask me rite. I renew mine last two years ago in September.
Nowaday to renew passport with myKad is damn easy.
didnt cross my mind mah…nevermind lah…
erm…i ned to ask someting.my age is 20 tis yrs.how much does it cost?150 or 300?currently i m working now.pls help me.i ned to noe..cause rm 300 is very exspensive leh…:(
Hi Tiffany. I don’t think the cost depends on your age. It depends on how many pages you want in your passport. RM300 is the minimum. One more thing, my methof is for RENEWING passports with a microchip inside. If your passport is the older ones or if you are applying for a new passport, you better go to the counter and ask about it.
oic…okok anyway thx for ur information…hehe…glad to get ur reply so soon~~hehe
Hey Justin,
Do you happen to know if the immigration department is opened on saturdays? You know, for people who are working and can’t take leave to go renew passport.
Hi Mary,
I don’t know if they open their offices on Saturdays. The best way is to call them up before you go or just take one day leave and settle all the outstandings in that one day.
Can’t help you much here. Sorry.
Thanks! Helpful information….
That’s very sweet of you to post all the guidance up here. Thank you so much with the information.
Thanks Racheele. I couldn’t find any guides on renewing it…so i might as well write one myself…glad it helped you.
Really need your favor!
Im travelling to TH this coming Monday and just realize that my passport expire Feb 2009 (in 3 motnhs). I know the requirement is 6months b4 the expiry and will there be any problem if i were to go and renew it on Monday itself??? Pls advise… im travelling for work.. Thanks
If you go on Monday morning, you’ll be able to get your passport in the afternoon.
So if your flight is in the evening, you can still make it. Good luck!
Hi again..
Thanks for earlier note.
Will they restrict me to travel bcoz of its lest than 6 mths? Someone told me to get an ‘invitation letter’ from the visiting country, then only they make exception to renewal less than 6 mths. Know anything about it??
Hi Shasha,
I’m not too sure of the ‘invitation letter’ thing or if you can travel with less than 6 months validity on the passport. Maybe you should call up some travel agent or even the Malaysia embassy in Thailand, or the Thai embassy in Malaysia. They can give you a better answer..
I was searching the Immigration site for some guide how to renew my passport urgently. Yes, true enough not found. Your blog had been very helpful to me…thanks for sharing.
Hey ya..
Im back from BK…safe n sound.. Well, let me just share my experience – specially to those who want to travel but have less than 6 months passport validity. 1st, always make sure you renew your passport before the 6 mths. But just in case u are as forgetful as me.. ya, get it renew ASAP. And if you only realize your passport going to expire and you still have to travel (like what i had last week) then dont panic yet. As far as i know (NOW!!)if you have return ticket with you, it should not be a problem with immigration. However, play safe and get your passport renew ASAP. For the chip types – which most of us already have.. the Auto Machine is very helpful. But this only limited to 32-pgs (RM 300) and above 18 yrs old. But expect some delay/system brake-down specially when you come on Monday or after public holiday. Seriously, it only took 2 minutes to get it done and then u have to wait 2 hrs for collection. Very efficient indeed. I think Justin explaination on the process is very good and helpful..However,I just want to add, pls ensure your photo is not similar to the previous one. Hope this help..
hi justin..thanks a lot for your info on how to renew a passport..really helps me alot as i was wondering myself how to actually used the machine and thanks to your blog;p now i know how to used it!!
Hey Justin. Thanks for the info. Was wondering whether you have any information about extending the validity of passports? My passport is expiring in June 2010 but I am thinking of extending it to a further 5 years because I’m not sure when I’ll be coming back again after I leave the country. Do you know whether the old passport number and new passport number is linked if I do this? And will there be an authorization or stamp that says I’ve extended my passport? I’ve been trying to call the immigration but they’re not picking up. Any help would be great.
Hi Aira,
I’m really sorry I can’t help you on this as I’m not too sure of what are the proper procedures in your case. Try calling the Immigration again. Can’t help you much.
Sorry.
Hi Justin,
Do you know if the machines are available at all immigration offices for every states or not? Thanks
Hi Yvonne,
Sorry I don’t. Call up your local immigration office and ask them.
Hi Justin,
Just wonder if you know if they return the old passport to you with the new one?
And Aira any more news on extension? because I am in the same situation.
Thank you so much for all your help.
Hi Jun,
Yes you will need to return the old passport into the machine.
Old passport will not be returned to you unless there is a valid visa attached to the old passport.
I just realized my passport expired 3 months ago. Would anyone know if it is still considered as renewal or do I need to apply for a new one? I will be traveling this CNY and I have only 3 working days left to get the passport done…
Worried…
Hi..
I’m working in Thailand right now and my passport will be expired soon,
I renew it in BKK before but they only give 1 year passport,
It is possible if I go to Singapore and renew my passport over there and it will last for 1 year or 5 years?
Thanks
Hi Is,
I am not too sure. Have you tried calling the immigration department?
Why can’t you come back to Malaysia and renew your passport?
Hey Justin,
I live in the UK but am booking flights to go home to Malaysia in Feb 2010, my passport runs out in April 2010. I am aware that usually 6 months remaining on the passport is needed to travel, however does that stand if your returning to your homeland?
Also, I have a MyKad, but how do I know if it is ‘working’. quote “This guide is only for those with a working MyKad and also a working Malaysian passport with a microchip embedded at the back cover.”
Hope you can help.
Cat
Hey Cat,
Since you are in the UK. I can’t really tell you much. Back in Malaysia, you can check if your MyKad is working using the Astro decoder.
Try asking the Malaysian Embassy in London. They might be able to give you a better answer and I’m pretty sure they have the necessary equipments to check your MyKad’s status.
This is their website: http://malaysia.embassyhomepage.com/
Regards,
Justin
hey hey…thank you so much for this information…i think it’s clear and concise…i’m gonna go this monday to renew my passport…the official website doesnt help at all…
at least now i know what to expect…thank you once again…
appreciate that you care enough to share your experience…i wish there would be more ppl like you…
cheers have a great week!
Bless ya!
andy
Thanks Andy. I’m just doing what I can here.
Hi, do you know if they will return the old passport if you were to renew it with the kiosk? I still have a valid US visa for the next five years and other visas as well.
Hi Justin, you are precious to do this posting..however you may want to update your post by putting the passport offices addresses available , the time they open and maybe renewal for how many years for how much..I believe can do 10 years etc.. I can’t get in in your site and maybe the mug shot..could we get it there etc..telephone numbers.. too much work yeah?
hey we get get you on search engine..might as well do it well..maybe you become the information site for these poor govet inefficiency! joy goh
Hi Joanne,
I think they’ll return your old passport when you collect your new one. You’ll have to “dispose” your passport into the machine though.
Hi Joy,
Like I said, this post is based on my experience in renewing my passport. I don’t really know how the immigration department works and like I said earlier, their website provided nothing.
I don’t even know if this entry is still valid or not because it was written more than a year ago.
However, I’ll take in your suggestion and put up some necessary information like opening hours and stuff like that when I get hold of it.
Thanks for the suggestion. I really appreciate it.
[...] most read and most commented entry on my blog is this post I wrote a while back. It’s a mini guide in renewing your Malaysian passport. The [...]
Hello Justin,
My thread on your passport appeared on ppl search..hmm interesting..just stumbled on it.. Hey, btw they have a machine there for renewal and I got my done by putting in the machine all the info and the money, I got from your site and filling a simple form. There was hardly anyone using it. I suppose, it is kinda scary trusting a machine with your passport and money ,ya? But I had to come back to pick it up the next day because I went at 3pm..It was done!
Hope this will help anyone reading your postings on this issue. cheers.
Well, thanks again for the posting. It did help when I needed the info the most convenient way! Cheers!
hey can i know if i can still use my passport if i’m leaving for singapore tomorrow (27/12/09) but my passport expires on the 3rd of june 2010? i know it’s kinda last minute but i’m worried i might not get passed in.
I’m not sure. Technically it’s less than 6 months. Try showing them your return ticket, maybe, just maybe they’ll let you pass if they are fussy about the date.
Hi, i am currently in Canada. mypassport to be expired in a month. can i stil fly back come back my country Malaysia (i only wish to renew it in Malaysia)? Thanks
I’m not too sure if you can do that or not. You should ask the Malaysian embassy in Canada if you can fly back. Sorry I can’t help you here.
Moly, about the 6 months balance on your passport, it is not a problem when you are returning to your own country. The M’sian immigration does not even have a problem with you leaving the country with less than 6 months validity, but they want to avoid problems with other nations and avoid cases where their nationals will be sent home. Likewise, the airlines don’t want you to board the plane with less than 6 months validity because if you are returned they have to pay a big fine. And you will also have to pay for extra return ticket.
I discovered all this last month when I was about to leave for Jakarta and realised I only had 5 months validity on my passport. Unfortunately, I realised it at the Air Asia counter when the clerk refused to check me in. Luckily, as a previous resident of Indonesia, I had old visa stickers to prove that I was not just a tourist and in fact had to visit my sick father-in-law. The Air Asia guy was kind enough to let me go, especially when I told him that I would get someone to meet me in Soekarno Hatta airport.
When I passed through Malaysian immigration, the machine gate rejected me and I had to talk to an Immigration officer. What he said was, “We have no problem with you leaving, but you may get into trouble there. If you are sure you wont have a problem, you may go.” I assured him that I would be okay and not cause problems for him. Actually, I wasnt sure but really needed to get back there and didnt want to waste my ticket!
Finally, when I got there, there was a small problem with the Indonesian immigration. When they established I was married to a local and had a family emergency, the allowed me to enter.
Still, what I have learned is, always, always, always have a valid passport!
I am a Hongkonger with both British and Hong Kong passports. This is a very interesting post and it’s amazing to find that it takes only 2 hours to get a new passport issued. There’s much for the world to learn. It’s interesting just to read about it, thanks for posting it.
Responding to Joanne Yee’s question re: her U.S. visa on an expired passport dated Sept. 18, 09 (if it’s not too late). A valid U.S. visa on an expire passport can still be used to enter to the U.S. so long as the page to which the visa is affixed is not invalidated or mutilated. When entering the U.S., you will need to present both the old passport with the valid U.S. visa and your new valid passport. However, I am not sure what the practice is with Malaysian passport and immigration department, whether they return an old passport to you. A simple justification to them why you need your old passport and why that specific page cannot be tempered should be OK.
It’s important to note that each country has different immigration policies, a valid Schengen visa, for example, will not be acceptable on an expired passport.
@ Moly: a country generally allows its citizen freedom of movement, i.e. that a person can enter and leave his/her country freely, even if the passport is expired. In most cases you will need to be able to establish the relationship between you and your country (that being the proof of citizenship). You may have more problem remaining in Canada with a soon to expire passport.
Where I used to work I dealt with a lot of people from mostly different Asian nationalities traveling to various places. Most countries would require the passport be valid for at least three to six months at the time of entry. Some countries even require that the passport has at least X number of blank pages in the passport before they entertain the idea of letting you in.
A lot of airlines’ websites has open up a program they use to decide whether a passenger is allowed to go on board, you can find out more at: http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/international_travel_information/visa_passport_information/index.jsp
As a general rule, always, always check with the foreign representative you are traveling to on the latest visa requirements, as they may change from time to time, and make sure that your passport is not expiring anytime soon. Just get a new one for the peace of mind if it is expiring in 6 months, especially if it can be done in a matter of a few hours!
Hey, I’d like to share my experience here, if you don’t mind. After reading so many local sites and experiences I became sceptical about renewing my M’sian passport.
On Friday, (March 26, 2010) I wanted to go renew my passport at Putrajaya. I should have left at 6.30am but woke up late…very late, at 10.30am. Thank goodness I took leave from work!
That’s because I slept at 4am after going through so many websites and blogs that provided feedback about passport renewal in Malaysia and also using the KIPPAS at Pusat Bandar Damansara. Unfortunately there were more negative comments and it made me worry a lot. Why worry? Because I have to take time off work and its not like I can get leave anytime ok.
I couldn’t make up my mind if it was better to go to Pusat Bandar Damansara or Putrajaya. At 2.30pm, I finally got a hold of myself and left for Putrajaya. My decision was so abrupt and instantaneous that I even left my half-eaten lunch and drink on the table…
On the way, (while waiting for traffic lights and in jam in KL) I called the Immigration Office (03-8880 1070) to enquire and to confirm the location. A sweet, polite voice answered my call at the other end. She asked me where I’m coming from and whether I’d like to go to the nearest office. I told her I’m going to Putrajaya and so she directed me to Putrajaya Precint 15. It is a new branch and you can get the info from the Immigration Office online. The address is at:
Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia,
Cawangan Presint 15,
Bangunan Chancery Place, Presint 15,
W.P Putrajaya.
–Weekdays only (not opened on Sat/Sun)–
**If you use a GPS, you can find “Chancery Place”**
I finally found the location and building at 3.15pm. Parking was free (I don’t think its free for long since I see barriers being erected in the underground car park) and there were plenty of empty parking spaces. The building is like a horse-shoe (U shaped) and the immigration office is on one end of it. It is not a big office. There’s around 60-70 seats; 1 ticket counter; 4 Permohonan counters; 1 Pembayaran counter; 1 collection counter.
After I parked the car, arranged my documents, searched for the lift, waited for the lift and got out of the lift to Aras 1, it was already 3.30pm.
BTW, I already downloaded the form IM.42 from the immigration website last night, completed it and stuck my pictures onto it, too (one pic in front, one at the back). If you’re printing the form out, heed the advice from people to print out on 1 page front and back – not 2 pages. You only need to bring the completed form IM.42 (no need birth cert and no need to insert birth cert no. if you’re renewing like me), 2 recent photographs (3.5cm x 5cm) and photocopy of NRIC (back and front on the same side of a page). Naturally, if you’ve had problems with the law/immigration before, then don’t expect smooth sailing lah. However, if you have no problems then its VERY smooth sailing as what I’ve experienced, which you’ll find out more reading below.
I happend to alight from the other end of the U-shaped building, and had to ask around before arriving outside the Immigration Office at 3.45pm. I walked straight up to the Ticketing counter. The Officer at the counter checked my documents and the gave me a ticket. He was really friendly and chatty. After I got my ticket, I thought, “Ok, here goes…the clock has started ticking!”. I looked around and there were 2 families and 2 individuals waiting; one family at payment counter and one family receiving their passports.
At 3.51pm my number was called and I went up to one of the “Permohonan Kaunter” counters. The Officer checked my form, I passed him my NRIC and then the old passport. He asked for my thumbprint (using ink) and proceeded to ask me for my digital print. There was a minute of silence as I anxiously wiped the ink off my right thumb before I could put it on the biometric finger scanner. Of course, the Officer provided me with tissues.
At 4.02pm I was called to the payment counter. I paid and sat down again. At 4.16pm the collection counter prompted my number and I collected my passport. Now, THAT’s what I call service! Wow! Superb! All done in 31 minutes.
I was soooo relieved after having read so many negative comments from the websites. Maybe the new office had few people, but c’mon Friday afternoon 3.30pm??…I didn’t have any expectations but the reality of actually being able to renew my passport on a late Friday afternoon in 30mins was really beyond me.
I arrived back in my condo at 4.50pm (its faster getting back since already know the way) and prepared for the evening (also writing to you here). I made a damn good decision going to Putrajaya. And I have to convey a hearty SYABAS and thanks to the local immigration service! You are doing very good, doing well and keep up the factastic service lah!
Five Star service!
I also posted the same info on other blogs:
- http://www.bobbyong.com/2009/04/23/malaysian-passport/
- http://www.mrandmrsloh.com/?p=548
Thanks Chew! I’ll update the entry soon and credit you.
Hey matey, I would like to ask if my friend could re-new the passport for me as long as he has my MyKad and related document? Due to my tight schedule I have no time to get a day off in weekdays. Thanks!
oh yea, forgot they need my thumb print. got the answer.. thanks anyway.
If i renew my passport, will my passport number be the same?
Nope. It’ll be different.
HI, Anyone has experience apply for kids? What should i prepare? Do i need to bring my kids (6 yrs) along?
thanks for the info! Helps a lot. Lousy Immigration website… some of the info there are even obsolete.
Hi, i am just wondering about the photo requirement regarding the lengh of the hair
i am guy with long hair (hairstylist) from Malaysia, and had spent some effort maintaining it
question is whether i will have to cut my hair for them to accept my photo? i would rather keep my hair if possible
the official website do not have information for guys with stylish/long hair