The U.S. Department of State announced on Wednesday (September 18) that Americans renewing their passports can now do so online.
“The Department of State is making our new online passport renewal system available to the general public today, a significant step to ensure that Americans can access passport services more easily. Instead of printing a paper form and sending it with a check by mail, Americans can now renew their passports through a secure process that will save time and effort,” the statement says.
There are certain qualifications you must meet to use the digital application for passport renewals, including being located in the United States. Passports expired for more than five years cannot be renewed online.
This service is not available for renewing children’s passports, for first-time passport applicants, for renewal applicants living outside the United States, or for expedited requests.
The department said it estimates that about 5 million Americans will be able to use this service each year. In 2023, it processed 24 million passports, about 40% of which were renewals.
The system will allow renewal applicants to skip the current process, which requires them to print and mail paper forms, photos, and a check, and submit their documents, photo, and payment through a secure website, www.Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.
There will be no change in existing passport processing fees, which are currently $130 for a regular renewal, and processing times will remain the same.
Source: AP and State.Gov