This month, a fast, secure, and convenient service will allow Americans to renew their passports online. The pilot program is currently open to the first 25,000 applicants before being widely rolled out later this year.
No more mailing in your passport and nervously waiting to ensure it reaches the US State Department. Thanks to a new executive order, Americans needing to renew a passport can do so online.
How to Apply Online to Renew Your Passport
The pilot program opened this month for the first 25,000 applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Travelers must meet certain criteria to apply:
- Applicants must be at least 25 years old.
- Possess a passport that is eligible for renewal (issued over nine years but less than 15 years ago, specifically between 2007 and 2013).
- The passport must be set to expire within one year or already expired.
- Applicants must have their passports available and must not have reported them as lost or stolen.
The service will allow applicants to upload a digital passport photo and to pay for the service using a credit/debit card or ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment. It is important to note that both passport books and cards can be renewed online together, but individuals cannot apply solely for a passport card or a passport book if they possess the other type.
How Long Are Online Processing Times?
Currently, processing times for this online service are similar to those for passports renewed by mail, which typically take about eight to 11 weeks. If you are traveling internationally within five weeks, applying online is not recommended.
When Will the Online Passport Renewal Service Fully Launch?
If you miss out on the pilot program and need to renew soon, you may still have to do so via mail. The executive order directs the Department of State to design and deliver a new online passport renewal experience that eliminates the need to mail physical documents. Nevertheless, it will take several weeks before this service is available to the general public.
An official from the State Department indicated that the pilot program will help test the system and ensure everything functions as intended. The aim is to roll out the secure online service to the public in fall 2022.
Why Is the Service Being Introduced?
On December 13, President Joe Biden signed an executive order requiring several government agencies to enhance their customer experience, aiming to alleviate what is sometimes referred to as “time taxes.” This term describes the time people spend trying to complete tasks with government services.
The executive order emphasized that every interaction between the Federal Government and the public, such as renewing a passport, should be viewed as an opportunity to save individuals’ time and provide the quality of service expected and deserved.
This article was first published on December 17, 2021, and was later updated on August 12, 2022.
