How to Renew Your US Passport Online from Home

Securing a passport has traditionally been a lengthy process, but the recent introduction of an online renewal system for US passports by the Department of State offers a more efficient option. Now, eligible US citizens can renew their passports online without previous daily application limits. Previously, application slots were limited each day, opening at 1 p.m. ET and closing once a maximum number was reached.

Eligibility for Online US Passport Renewal

Anyone holding an expired US passport issued within the last 15 years is now eligible for online renewal. While the application is estimated to take approximately 40 minutes, having all necessary documents and payment information on hand could reduce this time significantly. To proceed with an online renewal, applicants must create a MyTravelGov account. Details on eligibility and steps for application are discussed below.

Understanding the Online Renewal Process

Standard Paper Process vs. Online System

Most US citizens currently renew passports by printing, filling out form DS-82, and mailing it with a new photo and renewal fee. The new online system simplifies this by using a website form and allowing payments via credit cards, debit cards, or ACH transfers.

Processing Time:
It’s important to note that online renewals do not expedite the process; both online and mail-in renewals take approximately six to eight weeks for routine service. For faster processing, applicants must opt for mail-in with an additional $60 for expedited service.

Who Can Renew Their US Passport Online?

Several qualifications are required to renew a passport online:

1. Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 25 years old.
2. Residence: Applicants must reside in the US or a US territory.
3. Passport Validity: The current passport must have been issued within the last 15 years and valid for 10 years.
4. Condition of Passport: The existing passport must be intact and in good condition.

Additional Restrictions:

• Only regular passports can be renewed online (no special issuance passports like diplomatic ones).
• Personal information, such as name or gender, cannot be altered during online renewal.
• Applicants must pay online and upload a recent digital passport photo.
• Applicants should not plan any international travel for eight weeks following the renewal submission, as the current passport becomes invalid upon application acceptance.

If applicants don’t meet these criteria, they will need to renew by mail or visit a passport agency in person.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your US Passport Online

1. Create a MyTravelGov Account
To start, applicants must create a MyTravelGov account using the government’s login.gov portal:

• Visit the MyTravelGov website and click Sign In.
• Choose a language (English, Spanish, or French), enter an email, and verify it through a link sent by login.gov.
• Complete your profile by providing basic personal details.

2. Gather Necessary Documents and Information
Before beginning the application, ensure you have:

• Your existing passport.
• A digital passport photo meeting the State Department’s requirements.
• Payment details, including credit/debit card information or bank account details for ACH transfer.

3. Complete the Application
Once logged in, you can begin the renewal application:

• Enter details about your current passport and specify whether you want to renew a passport book, card, or both.
• Upload your digital passport photo.
• Provide your payment information.

Upon submitting the application, MyTravelGov will send two email confirmations: the first confirms pending payment, and the second confirms payment receipt. Applicants can monitor the status of their renewal through the State Department’s online passport status system.

4. Track Your Passport
Approximately one week after submission, applicants can sign up for email updates on the progress of their passport.

Renewing a US Passport Card Online

US passport cards, which resemble a driver’s license, are primarily for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, or Caribbean countries and cannot be used for international air travel. Online renewal is available for both passport books and cards; if you hold both, you may renew them simultaneously.

FAQs on the Online US Passport Renewal System

1. Who is eligible to renew a US passport online?
To renew a passport online, you must be at least 25 years old, currently reside in the US or a US territory, and hold a passport that was issued within the last 15 years. The passport must also have been valid for 10 years and still be intact. Additional restrictions apply, including having the ability to pay online and upload a digital passport photo.

2. Can I renew my passport faster by applying online?
No, online renewals follow the same processing time as mail-in renewals, taking around six to eight weeks for standard processing. If you need your passport sooner, you must mail your application and pay an additional fee for expedited service.

3. What do I need before I can apply for an online passport renewal?
You’ll need a MyTravelGov account, a digital passport photo that meets State Department requirements, your current passport, and payment details (credit card, debit card, or bank routing information for ACH transfers).

4. How do I create a MyTravelGov account for passport renewal?
Visit the MyTravelGov website, click on the Sign In button, and follow the prompts to create a login.gov account. You’ll need to provide your email, choose a password, set up multifactor authentication, and enter your basic personal details.

5. Can I renew a passport card online as well as a passport book?
Yes, you can renew both a passport book and a passport card online. If you currently hold both, you may renew them together in the same application.

6. Are there any travel restrictions after submitting an online renewal?
Yes, if you renew online, you must avoid international travel for at least eight weeks after submitting the application, as your current passport becomes invalid immediately once the renewal application is accepted.

7. Can I make changes to my personal details, like my name or date of birth, during the online renewal process?
No, you cannot update personal information such as name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth during an online renewal. Any changes to this information will require a mail-in or in-person renewal process.

8. How can I track the status of my online passport renewal?
One week after submitting your renewal, you can check the status on the State Department’s passport status system. You may also sign up for email updates regarding your passport’s progress.

9. What should I do if I’m not eligible for online passport renewal?
If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for online renewal, you’ll need to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency. This is also the case if you need to make changes to personal details or if your passport is damaged.

10. Can I pay for my online passport renewal by check or money order?
No, the online renewal process requires payment by credit card, debit card, or ACH transfer directly through the online system.