Most travelers will no longer have to make a pilgrimage to a passport office, post office or library to renew expiring passports: renewals can now be done online, according to the U.S. State Department.
The agency announced Sept. 18 that the online passport renewal portal is now open to the public, “a significant step forward in ensuring that Americans can more easily access passport services,” according to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
Online renewal is available at Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.
“Instead of printing a paper application and mailing it with a check, Americans can now renew…through a secure process that will save time and effort,” Blinken said in a press statement.
Blinken said that the more efficient and convenient online system comes as passport renewals have been sped up overall.
“The average routine passport is being processed today in roughly one-third the time as at the same point last summer, and well under the advertised six to eight weeks processing times,” he said.
Online renewal is available for passport-holders over age 25 who have passports valid for 10 years or longer.
Passports issued between 2009 and 2015, and those issued over nine years but less than 15 years from the date of renewal application, can be renewed online.
Online renewal is not available for passport changes of name, gender, date of birth or place of birth.
Expedited Service Not Available for Online Passport Renewals
Expedited service is not available for online renewals. Estimated renewal times are the same as for those submitted by mail; online renewal applications should be submitted no less than eight weeks prior to planned international travel.
Individuals submitting an online renewal application have to upload a new digital photo, but do not need to send their old passport to the State Department for cancellation. Once renewed online, however, the old passport will become invalid.
Online renewals, like renewals by mail, cost $130. Payment can be made using a credit or debit card.
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