Is online renewal possible? Absolutely: Online passport renewal is now widely accessible.

Following a successful pilot program that began in late 2022, the U.S. Department of State has announced that the online passport renewal system is now fully operational for Americans looking to renew their passports online.

"Our online passport renewal system exemplifies how the Department is enhancing government services for the benefit of citizens," stated Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in a press release. "By providing this digital option alongside the traditional paper application, we are embracing modernization to deliver the most efficient and user-friendly passport renewal process available."

To renew your passport online, visit travel.state.gov/renewonline, but be sure to familiarize yourself with the essential details before proceeding.

Current status of the online passport renewal initiative

Since its initial rollout to just 25,000 applicants in 2022, the department has run limited pilot programs for more users.

A senior official from the State Department reported that over 565,000 passports were processed through the pilot program before the portal was closed on March 8, 2023. Online passport renewal processing restarted nearly a year and a half later with the launch of an enhanced beta program designed to improve the user experience.

As of Wednesday, the online passport renewal initiative is now accessible to all eligible U.S. citizens who wish to save time (and postage) by renewing online.

Steps for renewing your passport online

It's crucial to understand that the processing times for online passport renewals are the same as those for mail renewals, which currently range from six to eight weeks for standard service. Note that online passport renewal cannot be expedited.

"Due to enhanced staffing, technological improvements, and various other upgrades, the average processing time for routine passports is now approximately one-third of what it was last summer, and significantly below the stated six to eight weeks," Blinken mentioned in the press release.

To qualify for online renewal, applicants must meet certain criteria, including being at least 25 years old. This means minors are not eligible for online passport renewal.

Applicants must also renew a passport that was valid for 10 years, issued between 2009 and 2015, and expiring within the next year. Those looking to update their name, gender, or date or place of birth on their new passport cannot do so through the online process.

Furthermore, individuals with international travel plans in the next eight weeks should refrain from using the online renewal option, as processing times will mirror those of mail renewal.

After verifying your eligibility, you'll need to log in or set up an account on the MyTravelGov homepage, where you can click the "Renew Your Passport" link to start your application.

Travelers can renew both passport books and cards online for the same fees as standard renewals: $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, and $160 for both a passport book and card.

"Please be aware that if you possess a passport book and wish to obtain only a passport card, OR if you have a passport card and want just a passport book, online renewal is not available," states the State Department.

Once your passport renewal application is in process, your most recent passport will be automatically invalidated electronically.

To finalize your application, you'll need to upload a JPEG photo of yourself. Apps like Passport Booth can assist with this.

Key Takeaway

The new online passport renewal initiative was established following an executive order by President Joe Biden in December 2021, directing the agency to create an online renewal process that eliminates the need to mail physical documents.

Applicants can expect to receive regular email notifications regarding the status of their applications, similar to those for non-online renewals.

If you qualify for online passport renewal, you can proceed by visiting travel.state.gov/renewonline.