It is possible to renew US passports online from September 2022. The government has stated that the online renewal portal should be up and running by the end of this year. Read on to learn who is eligible to renew a US passport online and all of the other details surrounding passport renewal.
These days most people function primarily online. From booking doctors appointments and restaurants to paying for flights, making payments in modern times is super convenient. For this reason it comes as no surprise that people can now renew US passports online instead of instore.
Let’s jump right in and find out all about the process of renewing an American passport online.
Who is Eligible to Renew a US Passport Online?
You can renew a US passport online if:
- You are 25 or older and if your latest passport has been valid for 10 years.
- Your latest passport was issued over 9 years ago in 2013, but less than 15 years ago in 2007. This applies from the date with which you intend to submit an application. It is possible for your passport to be expired.
- You don’t need to change your name, gender, place of birth or date.
- You do not need to travel internationally for a minimum of five weeks from the date on which you submit the application. Processing times for renewing a US passport online are the same as mail. Both routine and expedited services are available.
- You would like to apply for a tourist passport. You can’t renew a “special issuance” passport online (including service, official or diplomatic).
- You reside in the USA (either a territory or state) You don’t qualify to renew your US passport online if you reside within a foreign country or use a Fleet Post Office or Army Post Office address.
- You have within your holding a passport that is not reported stolen or lost and is undamaged.
- You can pay using a credit/debit card or an Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment which transfers the funds from your own bank account.
- You upload a digital passport photograph (JPEG).
- You are aware that your latest passport will be canceled immediately on submitting your application and this can no longer be used for international travel.
If you aren’t eligible to renew your US passport online, you might qualify to renew via mail or in person.
How to Renew a US Passport Online?
If you have met the above specifications and you qualify to renew your US passport online, you still need to wait until the online renewal service is reopened in September.
How Much Does it Cost to Renew a Passport?
To renew an adult passport it costs the following:
- Passport Book – $130
- Passport Card – $30
- Passport Book and Card – $160
How Long Does it Take to Get a Passport?
It takes the same processing time to renew a US passport online as it does to renew via mail. Routine processing times take between 8 and 11 weeks, while expedited processing times take between 5 and 7 weeks and costs an extra $60. It is not recommended to renew passport online in the event that you may be traveling internationally within less than 5 weeks.
How Long is a US Passport Valid For?
If a person is 16 years old or above when the passport was issued, then the document is valid for 10 years. If you were beneath the age of 16 when the passport was issued, then the document is valid for 5 years. Different time periods apply when you renew a passport online.
US Passport Application: What Documents Do You Need?
To renew passport online you will need:
- Form (portal has not yet reopened)
- Most recent passport
- Name change documents if applicable
- Digital Passport Photo (not older than 6 months)
Where to Get Digital Photo for US Passport?
If you’re in need of a great passport photo service to renew passport online, why not take your photograph from the comfort of your own home? Smartphone iD is an app designed to help you and your loved ones take compliant photos at home in just a few easy steps. The app is programmed with the dimensions of all countries for official verified photographs.
Smartphone iD works better than a photo booth that you’d find at any instore passport photo service, because the expert checks if the photo is good while a photo booth doesn’t. It’s better than automated software! What’s more is that you benefit from being in the comfort of your own home.
The process of downloading the app takes about 5 seconds and you will be guided to use the service via helpful prompts. The digital images can be printed in the event that a person is applying with a hard copy and not online. The app also comes with a background editing feature that comes in handy if you don’t have a plain white background at home or if there is a shadow behind you.
With Smartphone iD, you no longer need to
- Struggle with unreliable passport photo apps
- Adjust or modify the photograph yourself
- Waste fuel and time travelling instore
- Think about opening hours – our app works 24/7
