> At a Glance
> – Online passport renewal is now live for eligible U.S. travelers
> – Applications take ~40 minutes and process in 4-6 weeks
> – Existing passport is canceled immediately upon approval
> – Why it matters: No mail, no lines, and you can do it from home
Americans with soon-to-expire passports can now renew without leaving the couch. A new State Department portal accepts digital forms, photos, and payments, trimming the chore to under an hour.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility checklist:
- Age 25 or older
- Live in a U.S. state or territory
- Hold a 10-year passport issued within the last 15 years
- Still possess the undamaged passport
- No planned international travel for eight weeks
Restrictions:
- Regular passports only-no diplomatic, official, or service books
- Name, gender, place, or date of birth must stay the same
- Payment by U.S. credit/debit card or ACH only
Step-by-Step Process
Create a MyTravelGov account via login.gov (English, Spanish, or French). After email verification, upload:
- Current passport details
- New digital passport photo
- Payment info
The system emails a payment receipt, then a confirmation. One week later, sign up for status alerts; expect the new document in four to six weeks.
Passport Book vs. Card
| Feature | Passport Book | Passport Card |
|---|---|---|
| Valid for air travel | Yes | No |
| Land/sea to Canada, Mexico, Caribbean | Yes | Yes |
| Wallet size | No | Yes |
| Renew online | Yes | Yes |
You can renew whichever version you currently hold-or both if you have them.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal mirrors routine mail service: same 4-6-week timeline
- Expedited service ($60 extra) still requires mailing forms
- Your current passport is voided the moment the online application is accepted
- Digital renewal cuts paperwork but not processing speed
Ready to travel? Renew from home and get back to planning your next trip.
