Traveling has become an integral part of many Americans' lives, whether for leisure, work, or visiting family. One of the crucial elements of international travel is a valid passport. The good news is that the U.S. Department of State has made renewing your passport more convenient than ever with their new online passport renewal system. Here’s everything you need to know to renew your passport online, from eligibility requirements to the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
To renew online, you must meet all these requirements:
- Your passport is or was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older.
- The passport was issued between 2009 and 2015.
- No changes are needed to your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
- You are not traveling for at least 8 weeks from the date of submission.
- You are renewing a regular (tourist) passport, not a special issuance passport.
- You live in the United States or its territories.
- Your passport is not damaged, lost, or stolen.
- You can pay using a credit or debit card.
- You can upload a digital passport photo.
If you do not meet these criteria, you may need to renew by mail or in person.
Step 2: Create a MyTravelGov Account
- Go to the MyTravelGov website.
- Sign in or create a new account via Login.gov.
- Follow the instructions to set up your profile.
Step 3: Start Your Application
- Click the “Renew Your Passport” button after logging in.
- You can save your progress and return within 30 days to complete the application.
Step 4: Enter Your Passport Information
- Provide details from your most recent passport.
- Ensure accuracy in spelling, capitalization, and spacing.
Step 5: Enter Travel Plans
- If you are traveling within 8 weeks, you cannot renew online.
- For travel in 3-8 weeks, opt for expedited service by mail.
Step 6: Upload a Digital Photo
- Follow the digital photo requirements.
- Ensure the photo is a .JPEG file, taken by someone else (no selfies).
Step 7: Sign and Pay
- Complete payment using a credit or debit card via pay.gov.
- Keep your most recent passport; do not mail it.
Step 8: Enroll in Email Updates
- One week after applying, enroll in email updates through the Online Passport Status System.
- Receive notifications about the status of your application.
By following these steps, you can conveniently renew your passport from the comfort of your home. For more detailed information, visit the official site.
The Department of State is making our new online passport renewal system fully available to the public today, a significant step forward in ensuring that Americans can more easily access passport services. Instead of printing a paper application and mailing it with a check, Americans can now renew their passports through a secure process that will save time and effort.
