How to renew your passport online
By Carly Coombs | Posted: Dec. 2, 2024
U.S. passport holders can now renew their passports online, thanks to a new program from the State Department.
The U.S. State Department announced the official program in mid-September, which came after the department had conducted a beta test of the program that allowed for a limited number of applications.
This program is only for passport renewals, so if you need to apply for a passport for the first time, you’ll have to go through the normal process.
Only certain passport holders can utilize the program. Here are the requirements:
You’re renewing a passport that is or was valid for 10 years, was issued between 2009 and 2015, and you’re at least 25 years old.
You aren’t changing the name, gender, birth date, or birthplace on your passport.
You are not traveling within the next eight weeks.
You live in the United States.
You can pay for the passport via credit or debit card and can upload a digital photo.
The process for renewing online is fairly simple, and the State Department says the typical processing time is 4-6 weeks, which is the same timeframe as renewing by mail (processing time does not include mailing time).
But, if you need your passport expedited, which would be within 2-3 weeks, you’ll have to renew via mail. If you need it in less than three weeks, you must renew it at a passport agency. (Salt Lake City currently doesn’t have a passport agency but is set to get one soon, though an opening date has not been announced.)
You can renew both passport books and cards online, but only if you already have the document you are trying to renew. For example, if you have a passport book but not a card, you can only renew your book online.
Once you determine that you meet the requirements, you’ll create an account on the State Department’s website and begin the online application.
You’ll have to upload a photo for your renewed passport, so make sure to check the criteria for photos outlined by the State Department.
If taking your photo at home, make sure to have someone else take it, use a plain off-white background with no shadows or texture, and remove any hats, sunglasses, or masks. (Religious head coverings are allowed.) You can find more photo requirements here.
The fees for renewing online and through the mail are the same. Renewing a passport book costs $130, a passport card is $30, and the fee is $160 for a passport book and card.