In 2023, Americans will be able to renew passports online: how the system works

The US State Department has temporarily opened the possibility of online passport renewal for everyone, reports travel waits.

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The process should reduce the time some people spend completing paperwork, as well as the time spent waiting in line at passport offices. Also, the service is designed to help eliminate the accumulated debt for renewing passports. The debt arose as various federal facilities closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.

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With millions of people wasted time every year because the federal government continues to rely on paper-based systems and processes rather than the use of technology, President Joe Biden signed an executive order last year. It directs 17 federal agencies to optimize their services. One such public service is the replacement of passports.

“Americans will be able to renew their passports securely online, saving the wait time, effort and cost of visiting the post office and using a paper check,” the White House said in a statement. “This new online process will be carried out in a secure manner.”

An initial online passport renewal pilot program was launched earlier this year for federal government employees and contractors. A second time-limited pilot project was then opened in August to 25 members of the public.

Eligibility to renew your passport online

On According to The US Department of State, you must meet 10 criteria to renew your passport online. For example, you can renew your passport online if your last passport was valid for 10 years, you are 25 years old or older, and your current passport was issued more than 9 years ago, but less than 15 years before you plan to renew your passport .

There are also several reasons why you are not eligible to renew your passport online, including if your passport is over 15 years old and if you need a new passport because yours has been lost, stolen or damaged. In these cases, you will need to apply for a passport in person.

Online passport renewal process

The process of renewing your passport online, if you qualify, is quite simple.

First, you need to create an account MyTravelGov.

After creating an account, the next step is to open the account verification email sent from the Department of State and click on the hyperlink to activate your MyTravelGov account.

Please be aware that it may take up to 24 hours for the State Department to register your account.

You will then be able to log into your account and click on the "Renew Passport" button to begin your application.

If you are having technical difficulties or need help, you can send state department an email with your questions.

Finally, don't try to renew your passport online if you're planning a trip anytime soon.

“We offer the same processing time for online renewals as for mail renewals,” explains the U.S. State Department. “Do not update your document online if you plan to travel internationally in less than six weeks.”

How to upload a passport photo

Of course, you will need to provide a recent photo. While you can certainly go to a professional photographer, you can also ask a family member or friend to take your picture.

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The State Department notes that several criteria are also applied to photographs. For example, the photo must have a clear image of your face, you must remove your glasses for the shot, and your photo must be taken against a white or off-white background with no shadows or lines.

It is important to note that only photos that comply with State Department guidelines will be accepted.

State Department offers tips and tricks for uploading your photo.

How to pay for online passport renewal

As you would expect, you will need to use a credit card, debit card, or Automated Clearing House payment to transfer funds from your bank account to pay your passport renewal fees online. The payment will be made on a secure portal Pay.Gov, which is encrypted to keep your personal and payment information secure.

The fee for an adult passport is $130. The adult card, which is valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, costs $30. The fee for an adult passport and card is $130.

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You can learn more about other passport renewal fees at web page Department of State Passport Fees.

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