[Latest Travel News] Your passport is not only proof of identity but also an essential document for international travel. If you fly out often, it’s important to make sure it’s still valid before your travel date.
In the United States, renewing your passport can be an easy process if you prepare in advance and follow the necessary steps. In 2022, the U.S. Department of State started an online passport renewal program before temporarily closing it last year.
Fast forward to this year, the online passport renewal system reopens as a beta program and is expected to remain open for the next few months. Are you eligible for online renewal? What are the requirements you need to prepare? Navigate the US passport online renewal program with the tips below:
Who’s eligible to renew their US passports online?
You may be eligible to renew your passport online if you meet the following criteria:
- You’re applying for a regular (tourist) passport
- Your old passport was valid for 10 years, and you’re 25 or older
- The passport expired less than five years ago
- The passport is undamaged and is in your possession
- You can pay via credit or debit card
- You can upload a digital passport photo
According to travel.state.gov, if you do not qualify to renew online, you may still do so by mail or in person at a passport agency or center.
Once you’ve confirmed you’re eligible, you can proceed to the next steps of the process, which include the following:
1. Go to the MyTravelGov website to create an account. Click on the sign-in button, or sign in as an existing customer if you already have an account.
2. Click the “Renew Your Passport” button.
3. Enter information about your most recent passport. If you have both a passport card and a passport booklet, fill out the information for both.
4. Enter your travel plans.
5. Upload a high-quality digital photo in .JPEG file format.
Application reminders to keep in mind:
- The system opens for a limited midday Eastern time window each day and has a daily application limit. If the daily limit has been reached, you must wait another day to start your application.
- You have 30 days to complete the application once you start. If you don’t finish within 30 days, you’ll need to start the process again.
- You can watch a video to help you enter information from your previous passport.
- Note that if you are traveling internationally in less than eight weeks, you cannot renew online. Opting for expedited service and renewing by mail is recommended if you need your passport in three to eight weeks, while it’s best to renew in person if you need it in less than three weeks.
- Before taking your photo, review samples online and watch a video for tips on how you can capture and upload your photo. Do not upload selfies or scanned photos of printed pictures.
How much does an online passport renewal cost?
A passport book costs $130, while a passport card costs $30. Online renewal for both costs $160.
How long will it take before your passport arrives?
After you pay for your passport, you will receive two emails: one confirming payment is pending and another once payment has been received.
A week after you apply, you can visit the Online Passport Status System site to get updates about the status of your application. Passport renewal could take up to eight weeks to process and another two weeks before it arrives. Always check your email, including the spam folder, for updates so you know when to expect your passport.
For more details on how you can renew your US passport online, visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website .
Meanwhile, if you plan to visit the United States soon and go on an epic road trip, check out our USA driving guide. Our blog also features hotels and restaurants worth exploring.
