You Can Finally Renew Your Passport Online Again
If you’ve put off renewing your passport because the process is inconvenient, it may be time for you to take a break. The US State Department has reopened the beta version of its online passport renewal system, which will allow a limited number of passport holders to apply for renewal each day.
Online passport processing was initially announced in late 2021, but was paused in March 2023 for further development. Standard steps to obtain a passport include visiting a passport agency or acceptance point in person, although renewals can also be submitted by mail.
The online renewal platform will open “at noon Eastern Time” for a limited number of applications and will close once that threshold is reached, according to the State Department. To qualify for online renewal, there are a number of specific requirements:
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You are 25 years old or older.
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Your passport is or was valid for 10 years and was issued between 2009 and 2015.
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You are not asking to change your name, gender, date of birth or place of birth.
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You do not travel abroad for at least eight weeks.
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You live in the United States.
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You are applying for a standard tourist passport.
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You have a current/latest passport.
How to renew your passport online
Go to MyTravelGov to create an account, or log in using your existing login. Then click the “Update Your Passport” button to begin your application. (You will not be able to start if the daily limit has already been reached.)
You will be asked to enter information about your latest passport as well as your upcoming travel plans, upload a photo of your digital passport, and pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. You should receive two emails: one confirming that your payment is pending and one confirming it has been received.
Be sure to keep your current passport handy – do not send it by mail. You can also sign up for email status updates one week after submitting your application.
Please note that applying online does not speed up the processing time, which at the time of writing is between six and eight weeks. If you require expedited service (or are applying for a special passport, such as a diplomatic document), you must use the mail option.