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Renew Your Passport Online: A Streamlined Guide for US Citizens
While global events and policy changes dominate news cycles, the necessity for a valid United States passport for international travel remains unchanged. However, obtaining your passport renewal is now more convenient than ever. Eligible U.S. citizens can take advantage of the State Department’s expanded online passport renewal system, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and visits to postal facilities. With reduced processing times, now is an opportune moment to verify your passport’s expiration date before planning your next international trip.
Online Passport Renewal System Now Widely Available
The U.S. State Department has officially launched its online renewal portal for passports to all qualifying individuals. Millions have already utilized this streamlined process. Processing times have also decreased, with routine passport renewals now taking just four to six weeks.
Individuals with expired U.S. passports issued within the last 15 years are eligible for online renewal. The State Department estimates the online application will take approximately 40 minutes to complete, though efficient preparation with necessary documents and payment details may shorten this duration. A MyTravelGov account is required to apply online, and further details are provided below.
This guide offers comprehensive information regarding the new online U.S. passport renewal system, including eligibility criteria and the application procedure.
Traditional vs. Online Passport Renewal Methods
Traditionally, most U.S. citizens renew their passports by printing and completing form DS-82, subsequently mailing it along with a recent passport photograph and a renewal fee via check or money order. The online passport renewal system streamlines this process, utilizing a web-based form and accommodating payments through credit cards, debit cards, or online ACH transfers.
However, renewing your passport online does not expedite processing times. The State Department maintains its standard “routine service” timeframe for passport renewals, regardless of the application method. Consequently, expect to receive your new passport within four to six weeks, irrespective of whether you apply online or by mail. Expedited service is available for those requiring quicker processing, necessitating a mail-in application with an additional $60 fee.
Eligibility for Online US Passport Renewal
Key eligibility criteria for online passport renewal include:
- Applicant must be at least 25 years of age.
- Applicant must reside within the United States (state or territory).
- Current passport must be valid for or have been valid for 10 years.
- Current passport must be at least 9 years old and issued within the past 15 years (2009-2015).
- Applicant must possess their existing passport, which should not be damaged or mutilated.
In addition to these primary requirements, the State Department outlines further stipulations for online renewals:
- Only regular passports are eligible for online renewal; “special issuance” passports (e.g., diplomatic, official, or service passports) are excluded.
- Name, gender, place of birth, or date of birth cannot be changed from the previous passport.
- Online renewal fees must be paid via credit card, debit card, or ACH transfer.
- A new digital passport photograph must be uploaded.
- International travel is prohibited for eight weeks after online renewal application submission.
The final restriction is crucial, as your existing passport, if still valid, will be immediately invalidated upon acceptance of your online renewal application.
Applicants not meeting the eligibility requirements for online passport renewal must renew via mail or in person at a passport agency.
Step-by-Step Guide to Online US Passport Renewal
Initiating an online passport renewal necessitates creating a MyTravelGov account, utilizing the government’s login.gov system. New users can visit the MyTravelGov website, select the blue “Sign In” button situated in the top-right corner, and then click “Create an account.”
Subsequently, an email address and language preference (English, Spanish, or French) must be provided for login.gov. Email verification is required via a link sent by login.gov, followed by password creation and selection of a preferred multifactor authentication method.
Personal information, at minimum first and last name, is needed for account completion. Upon completion, access to the online passport renewal page will be granted. Click the blue “Start” button at the page’s bottom to commence the application process. The State Department estimates the online application process to take about 40 minutes.
Required Items for Online Application
To begin the online passport renewal application, ensure the following items are readily available:
- Your current U.S. passport.
- A digital passport photo.
- Payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank routing and account numbers for ACH transfer.
The initial application section involves entering details from your existing passport, legal name, and desired passport type (book, card, or both). Following this, upload your digital passport photo and subsequently provide payment information.
MyTravelGov will dispatch two email confirmations post-application submission: one confirming pending payment and a second confirming payment receipt. One week after applying, enrollment for email updates regarding your passport status is available via the State Department’s online passport status system. Expect delivery of your new passport within six to eight weeks.
The type of passport—book or card—renewed depends on your current passport possession.
Renewing Your US Passport Card Online
Passport cards resemble U.S. driver’s licenses and fit conveniently in wallets. They facilitate land and sea travel from the U.S. to Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean nations. However, they are not valid for international air travel.
Online renewal is available for both passport books and cards. Generally, you can renew whichever U.S. passport document you currently possess. If you hold both an existing passport book and card, both can be renewed concurrently. Possession of only one document limits renewal to that specific document.