[UPDATE: The online passport renewal program is officially out of beta and available to all who qualify. Check out our full breakdown of the online renewal process and how it compares to renewal by mail.]
This week, the U.S. Department of State has rolled out an online passport renewal system, currently in its beta phase, which promises to streamline the process. This is being touted by the State Department as a test-phase before a full rollout of a permanent online renewal system.
But before you get too excited, let’s take a closer look at whether this option is the right fit for you.
Who Can Renew Online?
This online system is limited to a specific group of travelers. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your passport must have been issued between 2009 and 2015.
- You must be at least 25 years old.
- No major personal changes: If you’re not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth, you’re good to go.
- Travel plans must be flexible: You shouldn’t be planning any international trips for at least 6 weeks after submitting your application.
- U.S. residency required: You need to live in the United States (state or territory) to apply.
- Passport condition: Your passport must be in good condition and not reported lost or stolen (if it isn’t follow these passport replacement steps)
- Payment method: You must be able to pay the renewal fees with a credit or debit card.
Online Renewal is Not for Everyone
While the online renewal process is convenient, it’s not without its limitations:
- Limited daily slots: The system opens each day for a limited time, and once the cap is reached, no more applications are accepted that day. If you miss the window, you’ll need to try again another day.
- Standard processing time: Expect the same 8-week processing time as traditional mail renewals, possibly longer. Expediting options are not available for online passport renewal.
- Limited passport options: Currently, you can only renew the passport type you currently have. For instance, if you only currently have a passport book, you can’t renew online and get a passport card. If you need to renew an existing passport card, you can only get a new passport card, not a new passport book.
However, if you currently have both a passport book and a passport card, you can renew either or both. - Personal data concerns: You must be comfortable submitting sensitive personal information online, including your digital passport photo and payment details.
Steps to Renew Online
If you meet all the requirements and decide to proceed, here’s a quick rundown of the steps:
- Confirm eligibility: Make sure you meet all the criteria listed above.
- Create an account: Sign in or create an account on MyTravelGov via Login.gov.
- Start your application: Begin your renewal application during the daily window of availability.
- Enter passport details: Provide information about your most recent passport.
- Enter travel plans: Make sure your travel plans align with the processing time.
If you have acceptable urgent travel plans, skip the online renewal process and get your passport faster. - Upload a digital photo: Ensure your photo meets the official specifications.
- Sign and pay: Complete your application by signing and paying through the secure pay.gov site.
- Enroll in updates: Opt in for email updates to track your application status.
Our Final Thoughts
The online passport renewal system offers a convenient option for those who meet the specific eligibility criteria and are comfortable with the process.
However, for most American travelers, there are better options.
If you need your passport sooner, have upcoming travel plans, or fall outside the eligibility window, traditional mail-in renewal, or in-person appointments at a regional passport agency are a better bet.
We’ve been helping travelers like you with their passport and travel document questions for over 20 years. Check out our Ultimate U.S. Passport Renewal Guide for all of your options.
Still feeling overwhelmed by the passport renewal process or simply don’t have the time to go through the hassle on your own? Top registered passport expediting services can help you with the entire process including:
- Completing passport applications and forms
- Passport photos
- Gathering supporting documents
- Making and attending expedited passport application appointments on your behalf
- Helping you expedite additional required travel documents like visas
The end result is a faster, less-stressful passport renewal experience. Check out our Ultimate U.S. Traveler’s Guide to Passport Expediters.
Be sure to subscribe to our blog for all the latest information and updates about travel document policies like these.
