If your Malaysian passport is nearing its expiry date, you’ll need to get it renewed as soon as possible - especially if you have an overseas trip coming up.
But just how easy is it to renew your passport, how much does it cost and which method is fastest for passport renewal in Malaysia?
Read on for everything you need to know about renewing your passport in Malaysia before expiry. We’ll walk you through the process of applying online and in person, including what documentation you’ll need.
This means you’ll be all set when the time comes. With a valid international passport in your pocket, all you’ll need to do is start planning your next trip overseas.
We’ll also quickly show you a money-saving solution for managing your money while travelling abroad - the Wise multi-currency account and international debit card.
But more on that later. For now, let’s get that Malaysian passport renewal sorted for you.
How to renew your Malaysian passport - your options
It used to be the case that Malaysian citizens had the choice to either renew their passport online or by making an in-person appointment.
This all changed in May 2022, when the renewal process moved online for most applicants¹. So, you must now use the MyOnline Passport portal to complete your renewal application.
However, there are some exceptions where walk-in appointments are available. We’ll cover these in just a moment, after we’ve looked at how to renew your passport online.
Online passport renewal in Malaysia
Renewing your passport online should be pretty quick and easy. But an important thing to note is that you will need to collect your passport in person once it’s ready, and take relevant documentation along with you.
Here’s how to renew your passport online²:
- Head to the MyOnline Passport portal
- Fill in the online application form
- Upload a recent passport-sized photograph of yourself
- Select which Passport Recipient and Issuance Office you’d like to collect your new passport from. You can see the full list here.
- Pay the application fee with a credit or debit card.
- You’ll be given a date and time to collect your passport from the selected Passport Recipient and Issuance Office.
- Take along the required documentation on the day in order to pick up your new passport.
Children over 13 (under the age of 18) can use the online application portal, with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. This person must be present and accompanying the child when collecting the passport in person².
Passport renewal by appointment in Malaysia
Not everyone can use the MyOnline Passport portal to renew their passport. You will need to visit the counter of a Passport Recipient and Issuance Office in person if any of the following apply³:
- You are a Malaysian citizen who has left the country illegally
- Your current passport is lost, damaged or already expired
- You are a student and are continuing to study
- You are a child under 13 or are applying on behalf of a child under 13
- You are a person with disabilities (OKU)
- You receive a message saying 'Please Refer to the Immigration Office' when you try to apply online.
- You are a senior citizen (over the age of 60) wanting to take advantage of the lower application fee for senior citizens.
You shouldn’t need to make an appointment, as walk-in slots are available.
If you prefer, you can try booking an appointment on the Online Application Portal. However, this option may not be available for long as the Immigration Department recently announced that it was abolishing the portal¹.
Documentation and info - what to bring to renew passport in Malaysia
As you might expect, you’ll need to have a few official documents to hand in order to renew your passport. Some need to be uploaded during the online application process, while others are to prove your identity when you go to collect your new passport in person.
Here’s what you’ll need to have ready to renew your Malaysian passport²:
- Your current e-passport (a passport with a microchip)
- Your Identification Card (MyKad) - you’ll need this to collect your new passport
- Your payment receipt - this is required for collection, you’ll receive this from the system automatically after successfully submitting your application.
- A recent passport-sized photo of yourself, taken at a professional photo studio. This must have a white background with no shadows, and you must wear dark clothing, ensuring that your face is not covered.
- A birth certificate (for applicants under the age of 18) - this is required to collect the new passport.
Passport renewal price - fees in Malaysia
Take a look below for the passport renewal Malaysia prices you need to know, depending on your age:
Application | Fee² |
Aged 13-59 years old | RM 200 |
Over 60 years old (senior citizen) | RM 100 |
The application fee is payable at the time of applying online, although those who need to visit a Passport Recipient and Issuance Office will be able to pay at the counter. In both circumstances though, you’ll need to pay using a credit or debit card. Cash is no longer accepted for passport renewal application fees.
Travelling somewhere? Save on currency conversion fees with Wise
Once you’ve got your passport renewal sorted, you’ll be ready to plan your next overseas trip. Whether it’s a long-awaited holiday, an exciting adventure around the world or a business trip, you’ll need a low-cost, convenient way to manage your money while in other countries.
Open a free Wise multi-currency account online and you’ll be able to manage 40+ currencies at once. This means sending, spending, receiving and converting between multiple currencies whenever you need to, with the fairest exchange rates around!
You can get a Wise international Visa debit card with your account in Malaysia, for spending in 160+ countries. This clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. This is the fairest rate you can get, and there’s only a tiny fee for currency conversion. And if you already have the currency in your Wise account, there’s nothing to pay.
All in all, Wise could save you a lot on currency conversion fees when travelling. This means more spending money for your trip and less for unnecessary bank fees.
Get a free Wise account today!
Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
Frequently asked questions
How long does online passport renewal take in Malaysia?
As long as you’re eligible for online passport renewal, and have all your documents to hand, the online passport renewal process is super speedy. Complete the application online before 3:00pm on a working day, and your passport will be ready to collect on the same day. If you submit your application later in the day, your new passport will be ready for collection after 10:00am on the next working day.
How to check your passport number online in Malaysia?
Here’s how to find your Malaysian passport number online:
- Log into the Malaysian government’s online passport renewal portal
- Look for the Personal Information heading
- Your passport number will be shown here
- Copy down your number for future reference - you can also screenshot this page for convenience
What is the Malaysian passport photo size?
The Malaysian passport photo size is 35mm by 50mm in size. There are also rules about how close to the camera you must be, what you can wear, and where you need to be looking. You’ll be able to get full guidance online, on the immigration department website.
The application website suggests using this Passport Photo Editor on the Google Play Store to edit pictures according to the required specifications.
Sources used for this article:
- Immigration Department of Malaysia Facebook post
- Malaysian MyGovernment portal - online passport application guidance
- MyIMMs Immigration Department of Malaysia - passport renewal application advice
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
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