Forget long lines and waiting times that can last for months. Eligible American travelers can also renew their passports online.
The State Department on Wednesday began allowing a limited number of people to renew their passports online each day. Under the program, which is currently in beta testing, the department will release an undisclosed number of locations at 1:00 p.m. Eastern, seven days a week. The application area will be open until each day’s spots are filled, and the State Department will gradually increase the number it accepts each day.
The government previously explored the renewal of online passports in 2022 before suspending it in March last year. Since the epidemic, travelers have faced great delays in getting their renewals; the new system is designed to reinforce some of that. Here’s what you need to know about the new online process.
Who is eligible?
Not everyone can renew their passports online. Applicants must be 25 years of age or older, and the passport they are renewing must have been valid for 10 years and issued between 2009 and 2015. They also cannot change their name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth, according to the State Department website.
Additionally, applicants must be at least eight weeks from the time of their next international trip, and must reside in the U.S. They must also be able to upload a digital passport photo and pay for renewal by credit or debit card, among others. restrictions.
Those applying for a passport for the first time still have to do it in person.
How much does it cost?
Standard application fees apply for the online process. More information can be found on the State Department website.
How long does it take?
The State Department says processing should take about six to eight weeks—assuming applicants are eligible and fill out everything correctly. The online process is currently not available for immediate renewal.
What if I don’t qualify?
Travelers who do not qualify for an online application can still submit their renewal by mail, or by visiting a Post Office. The State Department estimates that wait times will be similar for online and postal applications.
Just because an applicant can’t submit their renewal by a certain date doesn’t mean they’re ineligible—they may have missed that day’s window, and they can try again the next time.
How can I track the status of my applications?
After receiving the traveler’s renewal application and payment, the State Department will send an email confirming that the payment is pending, and another once the payment has been received.
After that, travelers can track the application process through the Department of State’s Online Passport Status Program, which will show when it has been processed, approved, and shipped.
When will the official online application be launched?
All the State Department has said so far is that the beta program will last for “several months” to help resolve issues and problems with the program.
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