Online Passport Renewal System Goes Live

Qualifying U.S. citizens able to renew passports in minutes

-By Charles Givens

September 24, 2024

Following a successful beta rollout in June, the State Department announced this month that its online passport renewal system is fully operational and accessible to the public.

The website for renewals is at travel.state.gov/renewonline and the new system allows eligible adults with passports expiring within the next year or expired within the past five years to renew online. This digital platform promises a faster, more convenient experience, eliminating the need for printing, signing and mailing physical documents.

“By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

This initiative stems from President Biden’s Executive Order to improve federal customer experience and service delivery. Following staffing shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted processing times, the State Department has already made positive steps in reducing wait times. With increased staffing and technological improvements, routine passport processing times are now well under the advertised six to eight weeks. The online system is expected to further expedite this process.

This streamlined process is already demonstrating success. For example, a colleague recently submitted my application through the online renewal program in early August and my new passport was processed and delivered before the end of the month.

While the new system currently excludes first-time applicants, renewals for children and Americans living abroad, the State Department plans to expand its reach in the future. “This is not going to be the last thing that we do,” said Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter. “We want to see how this goes and then we’ll start looking at ways to continue to make this service available to more American citizens in the coming months and years.”

The department estimates that roughly five million Americans will benefit from the online renewal system annually. In 2023, the State Department processed 24 million passports, with renewals accounting for 40% of the volume. The fee for online renewals remains $130, the same as the traditional paper application.