After stopping applications in March 2023, the US State Department has reopened the pilot program to allow Americans passport renewal online
As of Wednesday, a limited number of applications will open at 1 p.m. ET each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Status of online passport renewal program
Since launching in late 2022 with 25,000 applicants, the department has conducted limited pilot programs for more applicants.
According to a senior State Department official, the agency has so far processed more than 565,000 passports through the online passport renewal program.
The agency closed the portal on March 8, 2023, only to resume online filing nearly a year and a half later with the launch of its latest beta program following improvements to the consumer experience.
At a press briefing Wednesday, State Department officials did not specify how many visa applications are accepted each day but noted that they will accept “a small number of visa applications” and “gradually” increase that over time.
The online application portal will remain open daily until the daily application threshold is met, according to a senior State Department official.
Processing times for online passport renewals are the same as mail-in renewals, currently six to eight weeks for regular service and two to three weeks for expedited service.
Regarding processing delays and staffing issues caused by the pandemic, a senior State Department official said the agency is “in a much better position this year in terms of staffing” and does not expect “any significant processing delays.”
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How to renew passport online
To renew online, you must meet specific levelincluding being at least 25 years old. Applicants must also renew a previous passport that was valid for 10 years, was issued between 2009 and 2015 and will expire within a year. Those who want to change their name, gender or date or place of birth on their next passport cannot do so online.
Additionally, those planning to travel internationally within the next eight weeks should not attempt to renew online as the processing time for online renewals will be the same as mail-in renewals.
Once you confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements, you must log in or create an account on MyTravelGov Home, where you will click on the “Renew Passport” button on the home page to begin your application.
Travelers can renew their passport books and passport cards online for the same fees as offline renewals: $130 for a passport book, $30 for a passport card, and $160 for a passport book and passport card.
According to the Department of State, “Please note that if you have a passport book and only want a passport card, OR if you have a passport card and only want a passport book, you cannot renew online.”
Once your passport renewal application is processed, your most recent passport will be electronically invalidated.
“To participate in the public beta starting at 1 p.m. today, eligible individuals must first create a login.gov account,” a senior State Department official said via email.
To complete the application, you must upload a JPEG photo of yourself. Applications such as Passport counter can help you do so.
The last line
Latest Online Passport Renewal Beta Program follow President Joe Biden’s executive order in December 2021directs the agency to implement a new online passport renewal experience that does not require the mailing of physical documents.
Applicants will receive regular email updates on the status of their application, just like offline applicants.
For the latest information on the status of this program, see Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
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