It’s official: adult passports can be renewed online, so there’s no need to go through the hassle of mailing it in. (Practically an ancient practice!) If this news doesn’t inspire you find a cheap flight, we’re not sure what will.
“Thanks to increased staffing, technological advancements, and a host of other improvements, the average routine passport is being processed today in roughly one-third the time as at the same point last summer, and well under the advertised six to eight weeks processing times,” The State Department revealed in a statement.
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. A beta version launched in June 2024, but as of September 2024, it is available 24/7.
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, but do keep in mind, only adults living in the U.S. (either a state or territory) are able to renew their passports online.
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 the Department of State travel website
- Hit of “Renew My Passport Online“
- Confirm you meet the requirements, make an account, and begin your application, which is an eight-step process
Some important elements of note:
- You can’t renew your passport at any time
- 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.