Can I Renew My Malaysian Passport Before It Expires? – Full Guide (2025)

Renewing a passport is an important part of travel planning, especially for those who travel frequently for work, education, or family reasons.

In fact, it is recommended that you do so at least six months before your current passport expires. This guide provides complete, factual information about early passport renewal for Malaysian citizens — including when to renew, where to apply, processing times, and the validity of your new passport.

The Malaysian Immigration Department strongly advises citizens to renew their passport at least six months before its expiry date. This is not just a local recommendation — many international immigration authorities and airlines require passengers to carry a passport with a minimum of six months’ validity.

Even if your travel destination does not enforce this rule, some airlines may still deny boarding to passengers with passports near expiry. In such cases, early renewal is the safest and smartest option.

Technically, you can renew your Malaysian passport any time before it expires, even if it still has more than a year left. However, most people choose to wait until their passport has less than a year of validity to avoid losing usable time on the current document.

Here’s a general recommendation based on remaining validity:

When you renew your Malaysian passport early, the new passport will usually be valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from the date your current passport was due to expire. This means you may lose a few months of validity from the current passport if you renew too early.

However, in some cases, immigration officers may choose to add 12 extra months of validity based on the remaining time on your old passport. This is not guaranteed and is entirely at the discretion of the officer processing your application.

There are two primary ways to renew a Malaysian passport:

Malaysia online passport renewal system is called MyOnline Passport. It allows eligible applicants to complete the renewal process digitally, with minimal time spent at the immigration office.

Eligibility for online renewal:

• Malaysian citizen
• Age 13 or older
• Possess a valid biometric passport (e-passport)
• No changes in name or identification number
• Not blacklisted or barred from travel

Steps for online renewal:

1. Visit https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my
2. Complete the application form with accurate details
3. Upload a recent passport photo (white background, meeting ICAO standards)
4. Make payment (RM200 for adults, RM100 for seniors and children)
5. Choose a passport collection center
6. Print the receipt and wait for notification
7. Visit the selected office to collect your new passport

Processing time: Usually 5 days to 3 working days

Important note: If your passport photo or physical appearance has changed significantly, you may be asked to renew in person even if you applied online.

For applicants who are ineligible for online renewal — such as children under 13, individuals with changes in personal details, or those facing technical issues — an in-person application is required.

Where to apply:

• Malaysian Immigration Department offices nationwide
• Urban Transformation Centre (UTC)
• Malaysian High Commissions or Consulates abroad (for overseas residents)

Required documents:

• Original MyKad (identity card)
• Existing passport
• Passport-sized photo (as per guidelines)
• Completed application form (if required)
• Payment in cash or card (depending on office)

• Adults (13–59 years): RM200
• Children (under 12): RM100
• Senior Citizens (60+): RM100

Read more about Malaysia passport renewal fees.

Malaysian citizens residing overseas can renew their passports through their nearest Malaysian Embassy or Consulate. The process varies slightly by country, but the general steps are the same:

1. Schedule an appointment via email or online portal
2. Submit the required documents (IC copy, old passport, recent photo)
3. Pay the renewal fee
4. Wait for processing (usually 1–3 weeks depending on embassy workload)

Overseas passport renewals often take longer than local renewals, so applicants are advised to start the process at least 2–3 months before any planned travel.

Whether renewing online or offline, your photo must meet the standard ICAO specifications:

• White background
• No head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
• No glasses
• Neutral facial expression

Failure to meet photo requirements can result in delays or rejection of your application.

If your passport is lost or damaged, you cannot renew it directly. Instead, you must apply for a replacement, which may involve submitting a police report and additional verification documents.

• Yes, you can renew your Malaysian passport before it expires.
• It is recommended to renew it at least six months before the expiry date.
• The new passport will be valid for five years from the date of renewal.
• Renewal can be done online (if eligible) or in person.
• Documents, fees, and processing times vary slightly depending on the method and location of application.
• Early renewal helps avoid travel issues and visa delays.

Renewing your passport before expiry is a simple and proactive way to keep your travel plans flexible and stress-free. Whether you apply online or visit an immigration office, early renewal ensures that you won’t face unexpected complications when it’s time to travel.

If your passport is within six to twelve months of expiry, now is the right time to take action and submit your renewal application.