How to Renew a Passport Online
Americans can now renew their passports online, the U.S. Department of State has announced.
The system is available to those who meet strict eligibility requirements, listed below. Children’s passports cannot be renewed online, the Associated Press reports. In addition, those living outside the U.S. and those seeking expedited renewal can’t use the online system; they need to renew through the mail-in paper application. Those applying for a passport for the first time must do so via the mail-in form.
In a statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the [State] Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible.”
To renew online, passport holders should visit Travel.State.Gov/renewonline and follow the below steps.
Step 1: Confirm eligibility
Identify whether you meet the requirements, among them:
• The passport to be renewed was or is valid for 10 years; was issued between 2009 and 2015, or over nine years but less that 15 years from the application date.
• The passport holder is 25 or older.
• Your personal information is not changing.
• Your travel is more than eight weeks from the date the application is submitted.
• You live in the U.S. and not in a foreign country or have an Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office address.
• The passport is in your possession and is not damaged or reported lost or stolen.
• You are applying for a regular tourist passport.
• You can upload a digital passport photo and pay with a credit or debit card.
Step 2: Create an account
Go to the MyTravelGov website to sign in. You will be taken to Login.gov, where you can use an existing account or create a new one.
Step 3: Start your application
Click on the Renew Your Passport button to start the process. The application can be saved and completed later. Keep in mind that you have 30 days to complete the application.
For more details on how to conveniently renew your passport online, from AARP, CLICK HERE.