RENEWING your passport just got a whole lot easier, thanks to a new pilot program from the State Department.

The US Department of State released the online passport renewal system on Wednesday.

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It means Americans can now apply for a passport without leaving their home.

“The goal of online passport renewal is to save Americans time and effort, making it more convenient to renew their US passports,” a senior State Department official told ABC News.

However, there are a few catches for when and how applications can be sent.

The portal only opens for a limited window on each day, starting at 1 pm EST, and closing when the department has reached its daily threshold.

Applications are also limited so that the State Department can monitor the system’s success.

The renewal system is expected to last over the next several months.

A permanent online portal will be launched once the department analyzes the progress of the pilot system.

A similar program was previously launched in December 2021, via an Executive Order signed by President Biden.

“When a disaster survivor, single parent, immigrant, small business owner, or veteran waits months for the Government to process benefits to which they are entitled, that lost time is a significant cost not only for that individual, but in the aggregate, for our Nation as a whole,” Biden said of the initiative at the time.

Over 500,000 Americans applied through the online portal during its first stage, per the State Department.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Americans must meet 10 requirements to apply for their passport renewal online.

The criteria include:

1. Applicant must be over the age of 25 and have a passport that was valid for 10 years
2. Applicant must be renewing a passport that was issued between 2009 and 2015, or between 9 and 15 years from the date the application is submitted
3. Applicant can’t change their name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth
4. Applicant can’t be traveling internationally for at least 8 weeks after submitting the application
5. Applicant can’t renew a special issuance passport
6. Applicant must live in the US
7. Applicant must have a passport that is not damaged
8. Applicant must be able to pay for passport renewal
9. Applicant must upload a digital passport photo
10. Applicant must be aware current passport will be canceled once the application is sent for a renewal

Those who do not meet the criteria, but still want to apply for a passport renewal, can do so by mail or at a passport agency.

The current processing times for those who applied on or after December 18, 2023, is 6 to 8 weeks, or 2 to 3 weeks for expedited applications.

Steps to renew a passport online

To renew your passport through the state’s new pilot program, follow the steps below:

1. Confirm you meet all the criteria
2. Create an account with the State Department online
3. Start an application
4. Have your passport handy to enter all the information
5. Confirm travel plans
6. Upload profile photo
7. Pay for the renewal
8. Sign up for email updates and track your application

NEXT STEPS

Those who qualify to renew their passports online must create an account with the State Department.

Americans will need their current passport to enter the information for their application.

A digital photo in JPEG format is also required for the application.

Lastly, applicants must pay to renew their passports online.

Renewing a passport book costs $130, while a book and card is priced at $160, according to the State Department.

Applicants can enroll in email updates with the department to track the status of their applications.

Processing time is not faster online, but it does prevent applicants from the hassle of sending their renewals by mail.

For more traveling hacks, check out these stories on new airline rules introduced this month and a Florida condo resort that’s offering deals for trips in August.