Online Passport Renewal: A Faster and More Convenient Process

The traditional method of mailing your passport for renewal, anxiously hoping it doesn’t get lost or delayed, is now a thing of the past. A new online renewal process allows some U.S. citizens to renew their passports digitally, making the procedure more convenient and cost-effective. Based on my experience, the renewal was also impressively fast.

Here’s a look at my first experience using online passport renewal.

Eligibility for Online Passport Renewal

The U.S. Department of State resumed online passport renewals in June 2024, after pausing the service for over a year. Those interested in renewing their passports digitally can access the application on the department’s website, which guides users through a series of questions to determine eligibility.

However, not everyone qualifies for online renewal. Applicants must be at least 25 years old, hold U.S. citizenship, and possess a 10-year passport issued between 2009 and 2015. This requirement excludes those with temporary or special-case passports. Additionally, the passport must either be expiring within the next year or have expired within the past five years.

Individuals applying for a passport for the first time or those residing outside the U.S. and its territories are not eligible for the online renewal process. This restriction also applies to individuals with APO or FPO addresses, such as military personnel stationed overseas.

Another important requirement is that the applicant must have the current passport in their possession, and it must not be damaged.

Hot Tip: Once an online passport renewal application is submitted, the current passport is canceled, even if it remains in good condition. As a result, it cannot be used for international travel until the new passport arrives by mail.

First-Time Experience with Online Passport Renewal

After verifying my eligibility, the website instructed me to have my current passport ready, along with a passport photo. However, it also noted that a picture could be taken during the application process if I did not have one prepared.

The initial step involved entering my passport’s inventory control number (ICN), which is different from the passport number.

After confirming my personal details, I was prompted to choose between a regular-sized passport book or a larger one with more pages. The application also asked whether I wanted to pay an additional fee for express shipping. I opted for standard shipping.

Notably, the online renewal process does not offer expedited processing or emergency rush services. Those needing a passport in under two weeks must follow the State Department’s separate instructions for emergency passport requests.

Once I completed the application and agreed to the terms, I proceeded with the submission. The next screen confirmed that my application had been received but that payment was still required. Payment could be made via credit or debit card. The page also provided an option to enroll in email notifications to receive updates on the application’s progress, including approval and mailing status.

After submitting the application and paying the renewal fee, I received an email confirming the submission. This email contained my application number, an estimated processing time (four to six weeks under standard processing), and a link to track my application online.

For the first three days, the tracking website displayed the status as “Not Available.” However, given that the website mentioned it could take up to two weeks for tracking information to appear, I was satisfied when my application status became available on the third day.

I submitted my application on December 6, 2024, and was able to track its status by December 9. Then, on December 16, I received an email confirming that my application had been approved and that my passport had been printed—just 10 days after submission.

On that same day, I also received an email with a U.S. Postal Service tracking number to monitor my passport’s shipment. However, the package was not actually mailed until December 18. My new passport arrived at my home in California on December 20.