You Can Now Renew Your Passport Online — What to Know

The online system, which the government first introduced as a pilot in 2022, is now fully up and running,

By Alison Fox Alison Fox

Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slopes. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on September 18, 2024

Close Illustration showing a passport inside a carry on suitcase pocket . Photo:

Mehroz Kapadia/Travel + Leisure

The Department of State has fully rolled out its online passport renewal system, allowing travelers to apply for the documents from the comfort of home.

The system, which the government first introduced as a pilot in 2022, is now fully up and running, according to the State Department. The online application system eliminates the need to print and mail a renewal application.

“By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” the State Department wrote in a statement. “We continue to find ways to reduce administrative barriers and improve efficiency, equity, and accessibility throughout the passport application process. We are dedicated to ensuring the American public can seamlessly access passport services and to making our new online process the best tool possible.”

Travelers can renew online if they are at least 25 years old, currently live in a U.S. state or territory, have a passport that was issued between nine and 15 years ago, and have that old passport with them. Applicants must not currently plan to change their name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.

Online renewals are offered as a routine service (with processing times the same as submitting by mail), so the State Department said applicants should not plan to travel for at least eight weeks after submitting their application. Expedited service is not offered for online renewals.

To renew online, travelers must create an account, enter their information, upload a .jpg digital photo, and pay all fees using a credit or debit card. When it comes to photos, someone must take a photo of the applicant with a plain, off-white background — selfies aren’t allowed.

Currently, the processing time for passports is six to eight weeks for routine service and two to three weeks for expedited service, which costs an additional $60, according to the State Department.