Americans can now renew their passports online following the launch of the U.S. Department of State’s new online renewal system on Wednesday. This initiative, which began as a pilot program in June, aims to enhance the accessibility and convenience of passport services for citizens.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the significance of this development on social media, stating, “A significant step forward in ensuring Americans can more easily access passport services. This online alternative is an important example of how we are modernizing government services.” The online system is designed to “save time and effort” for applicants and is accessible 24/7.
To renew a passport online, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. They must be U.S. citizens renewing a passport issued between 2009 and 2015, be at least 25 years old, and have a passport that is not damaged, lost, or stolen. Currently, the online renewal option is limited to residents of the United States and its territories. It’s important to note that individuals who plan to travel within eight weeks or need a special issuance passport are unable to use this service.
To start the online renewal process, applicants need to create an account on the MyTravelGov portal. They will be required to submit their application along with a digital photo and payment via credit or debit card. Passports renewed through this online system will have the same processing times as those submitted by mail, with routine service taking up to eight weeks.