Biden Approves Order to Facilitate Online U.S. Passport Renewals

While the timeline and details remain unclear, a recent executive order signed by President Joe Biden on December 13 suggests that mail-in U.S. passport renewals may soon become obsolete.

According to a fact sheet on "Transforming [the] Federal Customer Experience," Americans will soon be able to renew their passports securely online, eliminating the need for the time-consuming process of printing, visiting a post office, and using paper checks. This new online method will prioritize safety and security.

Currently, online passport applications are not available—applicants eligible for mail-in renewals can fill out and download forms online but must physically mail the completed forms along with their expired or soon-to-expire passport to a processing center.

Individuals with a passport issued when they were at least 16 years old (and within the last 15 years) can renew it by mail. However, children under 16, first-time applicants, and those who have lost or had their passport stolen must apply in person.

Regrettably, details about the administration's shift to an online passport renewal system are limited, but many international travelers are certainly waiting eagerly for more information.

The president also had promising news for the millions of flyers navigating U.S. airports daily.

According to the administration's fact sheet, "Passengers will experience shorter lines at security and check-in thanks to enhanced technologies, such as new security machines and advanced screening systems that streamline these processes."

The Secretary of Homeland Security has been tasked with improving customer communication with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), enabling travelers to give feedback directly to the agency.

Online passport renewal? Reduced airport wait times? Did the holiday season arrive ahead of schedule this year?

The new executive order also seeks to simplify the process for claiming retirement benefits, filing taxes, and accessing healthcare along with various government resources and services.