Last week, the U.S. Department of State launched its long-awaited online passport renewal service. Below is what you need to know

How to renew online?

You can access the online passport renewal at travel.state.gov/renewonline. Note that online renewals cannot be expedited! The U.S. Department of State recommends the following based on your timeline:

When do you need your passport?	How to renew
More than 8 weeks	You can renew online
3 to 8 weeks	Get expedited service and renew by mail
Less than 3 weeks	Make an appointment to renew in person at a passport agency or center

Requirements for online renewal

To be eligible for online renewal, you must meet the following criteria:

1. The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older. 
2. We issued the passport you are renewing between 2009 and 2015, or over 9 years but less than 15 years from the date you plan to submit your application.
3. You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
4. You are not traveling for at least 8 weeks from the date you will submit your application. We will only offer routine service, and the time it takes to get a passport will be the same as renewing by mail.
5. You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport. You cannot renew a special issuance (diplomatic, official, service) passport online.
6. 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.
7. 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 us. 
8. You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card.
9. You can upload a digital passport photo.
10. You are aware that we will cancel the passport you are renewing after you submit your application. You cannot use it for international travel.

If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew by mail.

Step-by-step video walkthrough

The U.S. Department of State’s official YouTube channel has a step-by-step video walkthrough of the process, which I have conveniently embedded below.

My Thoughts

It is surprising that the U.S. Department of State took so long to implement online passport renewals, but I’m glad it’s finally here. This change should significantly streamline the renewal process. Remember to check your passport’s expiration date and renew early to avoid any last-minute issues.