Summary

  • US citizens can now renew passports online via a MyTravelGov account, meeting specific requirements.
  • MyTravelGov allows secure access to online services, including starting, reviewing, and tracking applications.
  • Digital photos and credit/debit card payments are required for online renewal; keep the current passport, as it will be canceled.

Renewing passports has become simpler for US citizens! If applicants meet the necessary requirements, they can renew their passports online by setting up a MyTravelGov account. With a few clicks, applicants can fill out their application online and pay the renewal fees. Embark on your next adventure with ease!

Related

The Key Differences Between A Passport Card & A Passport Book

For US citizens traveling exclusively by land or sea, obtaining a passport card is cheaper, although it cannot be used for air travel.

Do you meet the requirements?

  • The passport you are renewing is or was valid for ten years, and you are aged 25 or older. 
  • The passport you are renewing was issued between 2009 and 2015, or over nine years ago, but less than 15 years from the date you submitted your application.
  • You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
  • You will not travel internationally for at least eight weeks from submitting your application. 
  • You are applying for a regular passport.
  • You live in the United States, 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. Keep your most recent passport, and do not mail it to us. 
  • You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card.
  • You can upload a digital passport photo.
  • You know that the passport you are renewing will be canceled after you submit your application, and you cannot use it for international travel.

Create your MyTravelGov account

Start the renewal application, review existing applications, see status updates, and view application messages and updates with your MyTravelGov account. MyTravelGov allows for secure, individual access to online services offered by the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Filling out the renewal application

After creating their MyTravelGov account, to start their application, applicants must click the “Renew Your Passport” button on the home page. The US Department of State is limiting the number of daily applications during the next several months. The system will open for a limited midday Eastern time window each day and close once we reach our limit. Applicants must wait to start their application if they have reached the daily limit. Applicants can save their application and finish it at a later date. Once starting the application, applicants have 30 days to complete it. If the application is not completed within this timeframe, applicants must start their application over.

4. Uploading a digital photo

Applicants must upload an original digital photo in JPEG file format. This process differs from renewing by mail when applicants staple a paper photo onto their physical application. Applicants must have their photo taken, no selfies. Do not scan a photo or take a photo of an already printed photo.

Paying for your Passport

To complete the application, filers must pay all passport fees.  To process the payment quickly, applicants must use a credit or debit card. An Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment to transfer funds from your bank account is also available. Processing an ACH payment may take longer than a credit or debit card.

Confirming payment

Once the payment is received, applicants will receive emails about the status of their payment. The payment may take up to three days to process. If the payment cannot be processed, the applicant will receive an email asking to log in to their MyTravelGov account and pay again. They recommend double-checking spam or junk folders.

Keep your most recent passport

After completing the application, filers will need the passport they are renewing on hand. Do not mail it to the US Department of State or try to use it to travel since it will be canceled.

The US Department of State said,  ”This beta release during which we are limiting the daily applications is an important and standard part of the software development process.  We appreciate your patience while we test our system and prepare for a full launch of the updated online passport renewal system.” 

In June, the US Department of State launched a beta release of an online passport renewal system. The system opens midday Eastern time for a limited time each day and will close once the limit is reached. For those unable to start their application, try again on another day.

Travelers who do not want to wait or do not qualify to renew online can renew by mail or expedite the renewal by making an appointment at a Passport Agency.

Related

You Can Now Renew US Passports Online

The State Department launched a public beta testing phase. Over the next few months, a limited number of people will be able to renew online each day.

US citizens over 25 can now easily renew their 10-year passports from 2009 to 2015 online. Create a MyTravelGov account, fill out an application, upload a photo, and pay with a card or ACH payment. Applicants will receive emails about their payment and application process. US citizens can still renew by mail if the online renewal limit is reached.

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