Planning to travel this summer? Make sure to renew your passport in order to avoid any last minute hassles. The US State Department has recently started accepting online passport renewals, but only for a limited number of slots each day. The window for applications opens at 1 p.m. ET and closes quickly once it reaches a certain number of applicants. It is crucial to have all your documents ready and jump in on time to secure a slot.
The new online passport renewal system allows US citizens to renew their passports electronically, instead of mailing in a physical form. The online system accepts credit cards, debit cards, or online ACH transfers for payments. However, the processing time remains the same, with passports expected to be delivered within six to eight weeks. Expediting the process is still possible by paying an additional fee of $60 for expedited service.
To be eligible for online passport renewal, individuals must be at least 25 years old, reside in the US, and have a passport that was issued within the last 15 years and is at least 9 years old. The existing passport should not be damaged or mutilated, and the renewal is only for regular passports, not special issuance passports. Changes to personal information, such as name, gender, or place of birth, cannot be made during online renewal.
To renew your US passport online, you need to create a MyTravelGov account and apply during the daily online application window. You will be required to provide details about your existing passport, upload a digital passport photo, and make a payment using a credit card, debit card, or ACH transfer. After submitting your application, you will receive email notifications confirming your payment and the receipt of your application. Expect to receive your new passport in the mail within six to eight weeks.
In addition to renewing passport books online, individuals can also renew passport cards, which allow for land and sea travel to certain countries but are not valid for international air travel. Both passport books and cards can be renewed online, depending on which format you currently hold. If you have both a passport book and card, you can renew them simultaneously, whereas if you only have one of these documents, you can renew that specific one online.
Overall, the online passport renewal process offers a convenient and efficient way for eligible US citizens to update their passports without the need to visit a passport agency. By following the guidelines and applying during the designated application window, travelers can ensure that their passport is up to date and ready for their upcoming adventures. Make sure to have all necessary documents and payments ready to avoid any delays in the renewal process.
