If you’re planning on traveling internationally in the near future, make sure to check if your United States Passport is still valid.  If your passport has expired or is expiring in the next 6 months, now is the time to update your passport. Depending on eligibility, you will apply for a passport renewal or a new passport. If you are eligible to renew, there are a few ways to go about applying for your passport renewal:

  • The newly launched Online Passport Renewal System – processing 8-10 weeks
  • In person at a Passport Office by appointment only – same day processing
  • By USPS Mail – Expedited and Routine Service – 3-8 weeks plus 2 weeks shipping
  • Private Passport Expediting Service – 1-14 days processing plus overnight shipping

Can I renew my United States Passport online?

The State Department announced in September 2024 that its online renewal system is now operational. It continues to monitor feedback to improve the safety, security and experience of the new process.

It is not available for the renewal of children’s passports, for first-time passport applicants for renewal applicants who live outside the United States or for expedited applications. It will still take up to 8 weeks for processing plus shipping time of 2 weeks. If you need your passport quicker than these time-frames allow then you’ll likely need to utilize a private expediting company.

Am I eligible to renew my passport online?

Just like applying for a passport using traditional methods such as a Passport Acceptance Facility or Post Office, there are specific eligibility requirements when renewing your passport online. These eligibility requirements are outlined by the U.S. Department of State as follows.

  • Your most recent passport is/was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older. 
  • Your recent passport was issued over 9 years ago but less than 15 years ago (in 2007) from the date you plan to submit your application. Your passport can be expired. 
  • You are not changing your name, date of birth, or place of birth.
  • You are not traveling internationally for at least six weeks from the date you will submit your application. Processing times for the online renewal service will be the same as those for renewal by mail.
  • You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport. You cannot renew a special issuance (diplomatic, official, service) passport online.
  • You live in the United States (either state or territory)
  • You have your passport with you, and it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not previously reported it as lost or stolen. 
  • You can pay for your passport using a credit/debit card or an ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment transferring funds from your bank account.
  • You can upload a digital passport photo (.JPEG file format). Go to Uploading a Digital Photo for more information.

Online Passport Renewal: Pros and Cons

While renewing your passport online may seem like a convenient option, there are definitely pros and cons to this method of renewing a United States Passport. Here are some important facts to take into consideration when deciding on how to apply for a passport renewal, or whether you should renew your passport online.

  • The initial pilot program user feedback has been varied and could be subject to unforeseen complications.
  • Passport photo compliance can be difficult to achieve. Passport photos are one of the most common reasons for delays in passport applications. The size, compression, background, and even what you’re wearing in the photo can have an impact on the approval of your passport photo. If you intend to apply for a passport renewal online, we suggest a professional digital passport photo tool.
  • Service speeds through the online passport renewal portal remain the same as applying through traditional methods. Expect to wait up to 8 weeks for routine processing plus an additional 2-3 weeks for shipping. If you need your passport faster, you’ll likely need to use a private expediting company.
  • Processing times as outlined by the U.S. Department of State are estimations and are not guaranteed. Additionally, these estimated service times do not take shipping times into consideration, and can often be the difference between receiving your passport on time or missing your trip.
  • To apply for a U.S. Passport Renewal Online, you must create a separate MyTravelGov account, and go through steps to activate it.

What documents are required to renew my passport online?

The documents required when applying for a passport online are almost exactly the same as when applying for a passport renewal through traditional methods. However, there are a few differing requirements listed in this article, and the method of delivery obviously differs. Here are the required documents you should account for when applying for an online passport renewal.

  • Expired or Expiring U.S. Passport 
  • DS-82 Passport Application
  • Digital Passport Photo

What are the fees for an online passport renewal?

The online passport renewal fees are paid online using a credit, debit card, or ACH payment using funds from your bank account. The payment method will require users to create an account on pay.gov, which is a government website used to collect payments.

  • Adult Passport Book: $130
  • Digital Passport Photo (varies depending on service but ranges from $9.99-$19.99)

How to get your passport fast

If you need a passport faster than the online passport renewal process can provide, you can still make an appointment and go in person to a passport office or use a private passport expediting company. 

A private expediting company will take your application directly to the Department of State, where it can be processed in as little as 1 business day. The company will then ship your new passport back to you, usually overnight.

In addition to speeding up the application process, utilizing a private expediting company can also reduce the chance of mistakes that could delay your passport application. If there is a problem or delay at the passport office, the expediting company will notify you and help you resolve the issue right away.

Expediting your passport with RushMyPassport

If you need a passport quickly, but don’t have the time or patience to go to a passport agency or post office, RushMyPassport can help.

With services ranging from new passports, passport renewals, child passports, or replacing a lost or stolen passport, our team of registered couriers and passport advisors will help get your passport fast!

Get started today or visit a FedEx Office location near you to find out why RushMyPassport is the most convenient way to get a passport in a hurry!