You Can Officially Renew Your Passport Online Again (Yes, That Means You Don’t Have To Mail It In)
Everyone and their mother was itching to travel after COVID restrictions lifted a few years back, but anyone that had an expiring passport was met with a rude awakening. Thanks to Passport Office staff reductions and the high demand for travel, it often took well over the typical six to eight weeks to get a new, updated passport. (And remember, anyone traveling abroad needs at least six months left on their passport).
Luckily, things have calmed since then with timelines mostly back to normal. And now, things have gotten even easier with the re-launch of online passport renewal…
Previously, you could only renew your U.S. Passport by mail or in person at an agency — forcing you to print out your photo, print and fill out forms, compile everything and take that inconvenient trip to the post office. But now, the Department of State has once again rolled out online renewal, with a more streamlined process. It’s only in BETA mode right now, so expect some limitations and bugs, but it still is doable!
Here’s everything you need to know about renewing your passport online in the U.S.:
Can a U.S. passport be renewed online?
Yes! There is a new beta online passport renewal program by the U.S. Department of State that has just relaunched as of June 2024. Though there was an online renewal system in the past, it hasn’t been around for a while and this is an updated (and hopefully more streamlined version).
How do I do it?
Though renewing online is easier than renewing by mail, the process is still in its testing phase and isn’t seamless thus far. Here’s how it works:
- Head to the “Renew or Replace a Passport” section of Department of State travel website
- Hit of “Renew Online – Beta Release” tab on the left
- Confirm you meet the requirements, make an account, and begin your application
Some important elements of note:
- You can’t renew your passport at any time. The online system will only open for a limited midday Eastern Time window each day. Once their limit is reached for the day, it will close (so it will only be available for a few hours each day).
- You can only renew online if you meet the requirements listed on the website. Some of them include:
- being over 25 years old; not needing to change your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth; not having reported the passport you are trying to review as lost or stolen; being able to pay with a credit or debit car, etc.
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