It Just Got WAY Easier To Renew Your Passport Thanks to This BIG Change

Good news, travelers! It just got a little easier to renew your passport.

If you’ve been putting off the task (it’s just so time-consuming!!) or weren’t sure how to get a new passport, we’re here to help. Thanks to a brand-new update from the U.S. Department of State, requesting a new passport is going to be a breeze.

The U.S. Department of State just shared a big announcement! Starting now, the Online Passport Renewal system is live for everyone. That means no more going to the post office. No more extra hoops to jump through — you can do the whole thing when (and where) you want!

U.S. passport renewal just got easier! We've fully launched our Online Passport Renewal (OPR) system. You can skip the printing and mailing. Renew from the comfort of your home (couch!) completely online, 24/7. It's secure, convenient, and ready for you to use. See if you qualify… pic.twitter.com/RulCs5hDFi

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) September 18, 2024

There are a few important caveats, so make sure you qualify first. If you meet the following requirements, you can renew your passport online:

• The passport you are renewing is or was valid for ten years, and you are age 25 or older
• The government issued the passport you are renewing between 2009 and 2015, or over nine years, but less than 15 years from the date you plan to submit your application
• You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth
• You are not traveling for at least eight weeks from the date you will submit your application.
  • The government will only offer routine service, and the time it takes to get a passport will be the same as renewing 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 do not qualify to renew online if you live in a foreign country or have an Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) address
• You have your passport with you, and it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen
  • Keep your most recent passport and do not mail it to anyone
• You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card
• You can upload a digital passport photo
• You are aware that the government will cancel the passport you are renewing after you submit your application
  • You cannot use it for international travel

We checked out the process of renewing a passport online, and it appeared to be pretty straightforward. Once you create an account, you’ll start the application by entering your most recent passport information and your travel plans, uploading a photo, signing a digital form, and paying. Easy!

Keep in mind that the processing times for renewing online are routinely six to eight weeks. That does NOT include the mailing time. You cannot expedite the process if you’re renewing online (you’ll need to mail your application and any additional documents if you’re in a rush).

If you’ve got a passport to renew, you can head to the travel.state.gov website. From the homepage, go to U.S. Passports > Renew or Replace a Passport Homepage > Renew my Passport Online. Happy traveling!

In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest travel news, so stay tuned for more.

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Are you planning for any international travel? Let us know in the comments!

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