How to Renew a Malaysian Passport: A Step by Step Guide

Renewing a Malaysian passport requires choosing between online or walk in methods. Online renewal is often the quickest for eligible applicants while walk-ins require a QMS queue number taken at 6 AM. 

Renewal procedures have changed quite a lot in the past two years, QMS systems, stricter photo checks, and payment issues on the MyOnline Passport portal have created confusion for many applicants. 

Knowing what to prepare saves time and reduces the risk of being turned away at the counter.

Today, we will explain every requirement, step, timeline, and workaround based on the latest Immigration practices.

Online vs Walk In vs Overseas Renewal

Method	Eligibility	Required Documents	Processing Time
Online Renewal (MyOnline Passport)	Malaysians aged 13 to 59 with biometric passports	Photo, payment, IC or old passport for collection	Usually 1 to 2 hours after approval
Walk In Renewal (QMS required)	All eligible Malaysians, including those with special cases	IC, old passport, supporting documents if required	Same day in most branches, longer during peak periods
Overseas Embassy or Consulate	Malaysians abroad	IC, old passport, local ID if applicable	Several days to several weeks

Who Can Renew a Malaysian Passport Online?

Most Malaysians aged 13 to 59 with biometric passports can renew online if there are no special circumstances.

Online renewal works well for many applicants, although the system rejects certain categories automatically. 

The portal checks:

• Your age
• Previous passport data (such as thumbprints)
• Any flags that require officer confirmation.

You qualify for online renewal if:

• You are between 13 and 59 years old
• You hold a biometric Malaysian passport
• You do not need a name or detail update
• Your passport is not damaged
• Your passport is not reported lost
• Your last photo matches your current appearance closely enough for biometric comparison

You cannot renew online if:

• You are under 13 years old (Your parent or guardian must bring you to office)
• Your passport is lost or significantly damaged
• You have changed your name or personal details
• You have inconsistent biometric records
• You were referred previously for verification

A practical example is when an applicant renews with a recent profile photo that differs from the Immigration database. 

The system often triggers a “Permohonan bermasalah sila rujuk pejabat imigresen” when trying to renew online, which means you have to go to the nearest UTC or immigration office to handle this.

What Documents Do You Need for Passport Renewal in Malaysia

Your IC and the old passport is enough for standard adult renewal.

Immigration officers can retrieve your biometric record through your IC. This is why many Malaysians successfully renew with IC only. However, the old passport is still useful for verification if system data is outdated or mismatched.

Official Requirements vs Real World Practice

Scenario	Official Requirements	What Actually Happens
Standard adult renewal	IC and old passport	IC only is often accepted, old passport helps if data mismatch
Children under 13	IC, birth certificate, old passport, physical presence	Child must appear; photo often retaken at counter
Lost passport	IC, police report, old passport if available	Additional verification required
Damaged passport	IC, damaged passport	Officers will assess if it is still readable
Name change	IC, supporting legal documents	Mandatory walk in for verification

If you are renewing in person, prepare both your IC and old passport for smoother handling. Supporting documents are needed only for special cases.

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How Do You Renew Your Malaysian Passport Online

Online renewal is simple when the photo meets requirements and payment goes through without errors.

Below is a clean step by step sequence that follows the MyOnline Passport portal.

Step by Step Online Renewal 

1. Visit the MyOnline Passport website.
2. Enter your IC number and choose renewal.
3. Upload a compliant passport photo.
4. Confirm personal details.
5. Make payment via FPX or card.
6. Wait for the approval message.
7. Head to the selected collection branch.
8. Bring your IC and old passport if available.
9. Collect the renewed passport at the counter.

Photo Requirements

Requirement	Standard
Background	Pure white
Lighting	Even, no shadows
Face	Neutral expression, no reflections
Specs	Not allowed
Head coverings	Allowed for religious reasons, must show facial outline

If You Receive “Refer to Immigration Office”

This usually means either the photo or biometric comparison failed. 

Bring your IC and old passport to the counter for manual verification and yes, be prepared for long queues.

If Your Payment Does Not Go Through

This is a common issue. Keep your FPX or card transaction receipt for proof. Officers can cross check the payment during collection.

How Do You Renew Your Passport Using QMS Walk In Counters

Walk in renewal requires a QMS app queue number, and daily quotas run out quickly in busy branches.

Walk in is needed for:

• Minors
• Lost passports
• Damaged passports
• Applicants flagged by the online system 

However, It is also used by adults who prefer officer assistance or just like to do it the old fashion way.

How QMS Works

• Download or access the QMS queue system.
• Queue numbers are released daily at 6 AM.
• Applicants refresh the screen near 6 AM to secure a number.
• Numbers run out quickly in popular branches and UTC locations.
• You must appear at the branch within the arrival window to retain the slot.

What to Bring for Walk In Renewal

• IC
• Old passport
• Supporting documents for special cases (Photo stats IC, birth certificate for children and others)
• Printed police report if the passport was lost
• Wear dark coloured clothing like black (although a jacket is provided if you do not have one)

What to Expect at the Office

In non peak periods, counters move steadily. During school holidays or long weekends, waiting times double or triple. 

Officers at UTC branches handle more evening traffic, while state Immigration offices move faster during morning hours.

A common situation involves applicants losing their QMS slot for arriving too late. Officers usually cannot reinstate expired numbers.

Editors Note: I personally went to renew my passport at UTC Pudu and didn’t know about the QMS system until the officers informed me.

Although they limit 100 queue numbers on the QMS system, it appears another round of queue would be opened after 8 AM.

My recommendation if you want to renew passport is to do:

• Book the appointment on weekdays
• Get the queue number that opens at 6 AM (numbers goes out quickly)
• And see which number you get, you get a notification when it is almost your turn.

My number was 122 and the whole process took between 8 AM –  2PM, including payment and collection. And please be nice and respectful to the officers.

What Are the Passport Renewal Fees

Fee structures are consistent nationwide, although seniors receive concessions.

Category	Fee
Adults 13 to 59	RM 200
Senior citizens 60 and above	RM 100
Children under 12	RM 100
Lost or damaged passports	Additional penalties may apply

Payment for online renewal is made through FPX or card, while walk in counters accept cashless methods such as card payments. E-wallet or touch n Go is not accepted.

If payment fails online, keep your receipt for proof. Officers can check transaction logs during collection.

How Long Does Passport Renewal Take in Malaysia

Most passports are ready within one to two hours, although peak periods extend waiting times.

Method	Typical Time	Peak Season Time
Online renewal	1 to 2 hours	Up to 3 to 4 hours
Walk in (QMS)	2 to 3 hours	Up to 4 to 6 hours
Overseas embassy renewal	Several days	Several weeks

Same day collection is common but never guaranteed during festivals, school holidays, or system maintenance periods.

Also, make sure you have everything.

Why Do MyOnline Photos Get Rejected and How Do You Fix It

Most rejections occur due to lighting, shadows, or incomplete white backgrounds.

Error Message	Reason	Solution
“Sila rujuk Pejabat Imigresen”	Biometric mismatch	Renew at the counter with IC and old passport for manual verification
“Background invalid”	Shadow or grey tint detected	Retake photo with brighter lighting and a pure white background
“Image too small or blurry”	Low resolution or soft focus	Use a higher resolution camera and ensure the face is sharp
“Face obstructed”	Hair, angle, glasses, or reflection	Remove glasses, clear hair from forehead, keep face straight and fully visible
“Clothing too similar to background”	Low contrast due to light or white shirt	Wear a darker coloured shirt to improve contrast and prevent rejection

The system is strict about contrast, lighting, and background purity.

Retaking the photo with even lighting, a darker shirt, and a cleaner white backdrop usually resolves the issue.

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What Should You Do if Online Payment Fails

Payment failures occur when FPX does not redirect properly or when the session times out.

1. Keep the FPX receipt or card transaction record. 
2. Immigration officers can confirm the payment manually when you arrive at the collection branch. 
3. If the system did not capture your payment, you may be asked to pay again, although this is uncommon when clear proof is provided.

A frequent example involves applicants seeing a successful bank deduction but no confirmation page. Officers can verify the transaction using the reference number.

Can You Renew Your Passport Early?

Early renewal is allowed, particularly if upcoming travel requires longer validity.

Renewing six months before expiry is mandatory for many countries and airlines.

• Airlines and immigration authorities in many countries require extended validity for entry or visa processing. 
• Early renewal also avoids holiday season queues.

Some applicants choose early renewal to avoid unexpected delays when QMS numbers run out during peak travel months.

How Do Overseas Malaysians Renew Their Passport

Overseas Malaysians renew through embassies or consulates where processing times vary by country.

Most embassies require in person appointments for biometric capture. But again, appointment slots may be limited and fill quickly.

Processing times range from five working days to several weeks depending on location and local staffing.

Common requirements include:

• IC
• Old passport
• Local identification or proof of residence
• Printed appointment confirmation

Some regions offer courier return options while others require in person collection.

What If Your Passport Is Lost, Damaged, or Expired for Too Long?

Special cases always require physical verification and additional documents.

Lost Passport

• IC
• Police report
• Any photocopies of the old passport if available
• Verification interview

Damaged Passport

Officers assess the extent of damage. Minor wear is acceptable, although significant page tears or chip malfunction require a new passport.

Expired for Too Long

Long expired passports may require extra verification or supporting documents. Officers will check your biometric records before issuing a new one.

Renewing Your Malaysian Passport the Right Way in 2025

Regardless if you are clearing annual leave for a short holiday or planning a family trip across the border, renewing your passport is one of the most important tasks before travelling. 

Getting the right documents ready, preparing a compliant photo, and securing your QMS number early will make the entire process much easier.

Always renew early to avoid peak day delays and unexpected verification issues. A Malaysian passport lasts up to five years, so renewing ahead of time gives you peace of mind and keeps your travel plans on track.

Source:

• Malaysia.gov.my, MyOnline Passport information page, eligibility and process.
• Immigration Department of Malaysia, Malaysian International Passport page, fees, photo specs, core requirements.
• Immigration Department of Malaysia, Passport fees table (Bahasa Malaysia version)
• Immigration Department of Malaysia, Entry requirements into Malaysia, six month passport validity on entry.
• Immigration Department of Malaysia, QMS Mobile Apps announcement. 
• Embassy of Malaysia in the Netherlands, passport renewal processing time example, 8 to 10 weeks.