State Department Launches Beta Version of Online Passport Renewal System
The State Department has launched a new online system for U.S. passport renewal in a beta version, aiming to simplify the often tedious process that most Americans have been doing by mail. The online renewal option, however, will only be available to a limited number of people each day, with a plan to monitor the system’s effectiveness before a possible wider rollout.
According to an announcement posted last week, the online system will open for a limited midday Eastern Time window each day and will close once the daily limit is reached. Eligibility for online passport renewal includes being 25 or older, living in the U.S., and having a passport issued between 2009 and 2015 or within a specific timeframe from the date of application submission.
President Joe Biden signed an executive order in 2021 directing the State Department to create the online passport renewal system to reduce processing time and eliminate the need for physical checks. The system allows applicants to upload a digital photo in .JPEG format and pay the $130 renewal fee with a credit or debit card.
While the cost of passport renewal has remained the same since December 2021, travelers applying for Global Entry will face higher fees starting October 1, with a $20 price hike. The current passport processing time is estimated to be six to eight weeks, down from delays of over two months in 2021 due to staffing issues and high demand.
Overall, the new online passport renewal system offers a more convenient option for eligible applicants, with the potential for a wider rollout in the future pending successful monitoring and feedback.
