[I Just Applied Online To Renew My Passport!] Finally! Passports Will Soon Be Renewable Online!

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Update, 3/7: I got my new passport in just one week!

Update, 2/27: I applied on Friday to renew my passport online after being invited to do so! I used a passport photo app, though it took a few tries to get a picture that the application website accepted. The trick was getting a bright white background and not smiling too much. 😀

The renewal cost was $130, payable via credit card.

The application says you can’t have international travel plans within the next 3 weeks, though I didn’t notice anything saying that I can’t use my current passport for international travel.

Your passport has to be expiring within the next 12 months to renew online and only adults can renew their passport online. If your old passport has expired, it has to have expired within the past 5 years for you to renew online.

I opted for routine service and shipping (8-11 weeks), figuring that I can use my existing passport if travel needs arise in that time period. Expedited service (5-7 weeks) was offered for $60 and express return shipping (1-2 business days instead of 3-5 business days) was offered for $18.32.

Overall, the online process is excellent! I’ll update this post when my passport arrives.

You can request to apply online by filling out this form.

Update, 12/23: I filled out this form as friends and family of government employees or contractors with an expiring passport for early access to the online passport renewal program. A day later I was emailed a link from the US State Department to create an account, with the caveat that it will be “several weeks” before online renewal is available.

It says that initially, online renewal will be available for those who have a passport expiring within 1 year.

It confirms that:

  • You will get to keep your old passport. That solves a huge pain point where you weren’t able to travel internationally while your passport application is processed!
  • You won’t need to mail in anything, photos will be uploaded online.
  • They will still offer standard and expedited services.
  • Online renewal will only be available for renewing passports for people 16 or older. Children still need to apply in person at a library, post office, or passport office.
  • You must live and have a physical address in the US to apply for online renewal. 
  • Online renewal is only available for passport books, not passport cards.
  • Online renewal is only available if you are not changing any personal information on your passport.

Don’t forget that passport rates are set to climb on Monday, so if you want to lock in lower rates, you’ll need to do it by mail or in person.


Originally posted on 12/14:

Yesterday, President Biden signed an “Executive Order on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government.”

The fact sheet breaks down the highlights, one of which should delight just about everyone.

“Americans will be able to renew their passports securely online, saving time from having to wait and the effort and cost required to print, go to a post office, and use a paper check. This new online process will be done with safety and security.”

That’s huge. And hopefully with online processing the process will be sped up as well, as passport processing times have become ridiculous.

Online passport applications will begin on a limited basis this month before dramatically expanding in the coming months.

In other good news, the Executive Order also promises that tax filers will be able to schedule call-backs from the IRS. If you have ever needed to call the IRS, you know what a pain that can be.

Several other time savers are included in the Executive Order.

Forbes reports that USA.gov will be the one-stop shop for federal services online.

Always good to see the government trying to get more efficient!

148 COMMENTS

Newer First
  1. Jay

    What’s the best app to use for the photo? Also, how long between creation of the mygov account and the go to apply? Thanks so cool to be trying this out!

  2. Yuda

    I have actual printed passport photos. Did anyone try scanning it? Did it work?

  3. Yisroel

    How long after they emailed you in reply to your filling in the google doc were you able to apply for the renewal? I see that Dan applied late February but filled out the google form and got a reply in December.

  4. Mo2

    “though I didn’t notice anything saying that I can’t use my current passport for international travel.”

    The email I received says otherwise:

    “Right after you submit your application, we will invalidate your most recent passport, and you cannot use it for international travel.”

  5. Aliza

    There is a question about what federal agency or office you work for? Was that on yours, Dan? If so, how did you answer?

    • JJ

      I thought everyone knows Dan is CIA. How else does he get so many amazing deals?

  6. Yaakov

    If I want to change my address can I still do it online?

  7. bennyc

    Dan this is what I copied off the online renewal last line I put in **

    I am submitting this application to renew my U.S. passport book from my own account on my own behalf.
    My international travel plans are more than 3 weeks in the future, or I do not have any international travel plans at this time.
    I have my most recent U.S. passport book in my possession.
    Please do NOT apply for a U.S. passport card using this online service. There is an update pending.
    My most recent U.S. passport book is not damaged or mutilated.
    My U.S. passport book is/was valid for ten years.
    My most recent U.S. passport book was issued over nine years ago but less than fifteen years ago.
    I use the same name and gender as on my recent U.S. passport book.
    I understand that my renewed U.S. passport book will show the same information as my recent U.S. passport book.
    I can use a credit/debit card OR my bank’s routing number/account number to pay for online renewal.
    U.S. passport book fees information
    I live in the U.S.
    I can upload a 2″ x 2″ photo taken within the last 6 months. Learn More
    *****I understand that upon submission of this online renewal application, the U.S. passport book that I am replacing will be invalidated.****

  8. Joe

    It says in the link when you register that once you apply online your current passport will be invalidated- so that means you wouldn’t be able to travel with it in the meantime

  9. Sam

    how much is the renewal fee when its not done online?

  10. Janet

    Dan, which app did you use for the passport photo?

  11. Yakov

    Interesting that you could use a credit card to pay the fee, I just applied at the post office in July and I had to use a debit card because it was a money order

  12. Jack out of the Box

    What is the intent of this question “I live in the United States (either state or territory). You cannot be stationed at an overseas post in a foreign country or have an APO/FPO address.”?

    Is it just that they won’t ship a passport outside the US or is it deeper than that?

    I am outside the US and the easiest way for me to renew my recently expired passport would be online. I would use a relative’s US mailing address and have them forward it to me. That would still be simplest.

  13. Reb yid

    This will be a major boon to my identity theft and human trafficking businesses.

  14. bennyc

    It states on the online application that your passport will be invalidated as soon as submission!

    • Memere613

      No biggie for me; mine exploded a year ago

  15. BT

    Push comes to shove- would you travel internationally within the next 3 weeks?

    • Dan

      Yes. The US has to set you back in, even with no passport. I wouldn’t expect to run into issues flying with my current passport.

      • hershle

        which Photo app did you use? I cant get them to accept my picture

  16. OD

    1. why passport app cant you jjust take a picture with phone?
    2. adults only? meaning you have be 18 or over at time of application renewal?

  17. Eg

    Can my relative living abroad have it delivered to my house? Or do they ask for residency? also, will their current passport be valid until the expiration date or will it be closed out once the new one is sent?

  18. Ellie

    Which app did you use for the passport photo? Any tips to using it?

    • Dan

      I just typed in passport photos in the app store and downloaded the Passport Photo app.

      • Memere613

        Was able to do online during the application – didn’t need to download any app.

  19. Malky

    What if my kid turned 16 now and needs to
    Renew for adult passport
    The previous one was child one
    How do we renew it for him

  20. Avi Grunwald

    What’s the link? You don’t need to mail in your old passport?

  21. S

    @Dan, I got tixx to go to Israel for Pesach, leaving on 04/09. My kids passports expire on 09/09, 5 months later. What do you recommend we do?

  22. Chaya

    I have been doing this successfully with my British passport. I have also managed to obtain a British passport for my children all online.

  23. Paron

    When will this be open to the Public? Any way I can sign up now?

  24. Memere613

    I applied on Friday, and BH I got an update that it’s being reviewed. IyH the estimated times are conservative and take much quicker 🙂

    • CtownBin

      Did my passport by mail in December (it’s my first Passport as I just became American, so I couldn’t do it online), and I had the passport in hand in 3.5 weeks, with routine service.

    • Passport

      Just logged in to check my status and it says printed

        • Passport

          Just got an email that it was shipped!

          • Dan

            Same, amazing!!!

          • Passport

            BTW the tracking # they provided is an old tracking # from January stating it was delivered to VA

          • Passport

            Update, I sent an email to the address they provided on the website and got a response an hour later:

            Hi – we apologize for the confusion. We are resolving an issue with how our system links to the USPS tracking system. The problem is causing you and others to see old USPS tracking numbers from January. We sent the passport to the mailing address you provided on your renewal application but this information is not displaying on your tracking information. Again, sorry for the confusion that comes with wrong information in your account. Please let us know when the passport arrives.

            Passport Services

            Online Passport Renewal Team

          • Passport

            Received it today!

  25. traveler

    Are there any updates when this will be available for the general public?

  26. m

    any updates if this available for the general public yet?

  27. Question

    They are stating that you cant apply if you are travelling in the next three weeks,
    Why is that if you don’t have to turn in the old one anyway, as stated below:

    You will get to keep your old passport. That solves a huge pain point where you weren’t able to travel internationally while your passport application is processed!

  28. Jack out of the Box

    Can an expired passport be renewed online?

  29. M

    I tried renewing thru the new online portal and after paying the fee i got an email saying i now have to make an in person application !

  30. EMES

    If I am a DD member, and therefore a friend of Dan, who is a friend/family of govt employee or contractor, am I then also considered a “friends and family of government employees or contractors”?

  31. Danfan5873

    Called Rockland county clerk got appt 4 tomorrow, they said the fees will be 110 for passport fee and 35 processing fee, is this everywhere or the clerks office charged a processing fee?

  32. Mark

    You submitted your information through a Google Docs link?

  33. Dave

    I wish I had seen this post two hours ago, before I sent my passport in the mail…. But also, since when does the government use Google Forms? Does this not seem sketchy to anyone?

  34. ?????

    Is it still called a renewal if your adult passport is now expired?

  35. Nikki

    Renewing for children who are now over 16? Or were over 16 for original passport?

  36. CollegeGirl

    I managed to get an appointment for tomorrow for my baby. However I’m flying in a month will I need his birth certificate or is it fine to do the passport? (In case the documents don’t come back in time..)

  37. Moshe

    It will be hard to know if the pictures you upload will be acceptable as take it by yourself.

    • CtownBin

      I’ve been taking passport pictures by myself for years, nothing to do with online vs mail renewal. Just use an app called passport booth (I’m sure there are plenty others), it converts the picture into a 6×4 so you can print it for 29 cents instead of the ripoff 12 dollars for a 2×2. Plus, I have found it far easier to take baby passport pictures from my own home where I can try as long as I need, than with someone at CVS/library who won’t accept it if the baby is moving…

      If you still want to pay for passport photos, you will still be able to. They can just send a digital one that you can upload.

    • Dan

      There are apps for that, but you can also buy digital pictures from any place that takes passport photos.

  38. SK

    One of the boxes you have to check before being able to renew online is this…
    Doesn’t that mean you can’t fly with the old passport?

    I am not traveling internationally in the next 3 weeks from the date I renew online. Note: processing times for the online renewal service will be the same as those for renewal by mail. We will offer both routine (currently 8-11 weeks) and expedited service (currently 5-7 weeks).

    • Dan

      Maybe I’ll be the guinea pig for that 😀

  39. Motti

    The problem with Google Forms is that you don’t know who created them and who gets the information. Anyone can create an identical form and collect valuable information.

    • Dan

      That’s why I tried it and didn’t post until I got a response from a government address.

  40. SG

    When will expiry date change to birthday so you have a full year time to renew your passport without losing anything???

  41. Ariella

    By the time I need a new passport, they may not be using paper books anymore.

  42. Malka

    What if ur child just turned 16 can he still renew on line

      • teeEss

        Currently, 16 year olds can renew by mail if their last passport was issued when they were 16+. Since that is downright impossible, likely the online one won’t work for them either.

  43. moshe

    what about new passports for newborn- can i do it online?

  44. Sarah

    As jossi said, there is an ulterior motive for this…probably capture more of your online communications!

    • Saul

      The microchip from the vaccine doesn’t do that already?:)

  45. Minors

    does this apply to minors (those under 18) as well?

  46. David R

    This morning, IRS gave me the option to receive a call back rather than wait on hold, but I did not get the option to schedule that call for a particular time.

  47. Dan\'s the Man

    IRS call backs sound great but knowing the gov’t I’m sure scammers will have a field “calling people back”…. Hope they come with a way to verify security.

  48. R

    When you let illegals waltz over the border and then VOTE in NYC — does it really matter what kind of safety protocols you have over passports?

  49. Mendy

    Regarding the IRS callback, this is already been happening for years by some kind of folks in India…
    Seriously though, these scams might now become more believable and it would be a good idea to warn your readers of that

  50. CtownBin

    I’m assuming this will only be for people actually renewing passports using Form DS-82? Meaning, only people who currently can do it all by mail without appearing in person at an acceptance facility will be able to use the online procedure, and those such as anyone under 16 and anyone applying for their first passport (who use DS-11) will still need to go in-person to an acceptance facility?

  51. Yoss

    Looks like you can already complete the forum on line

  52. Moe

    Soon they may even make their sites work on browsers other than Explorer

  53. Be Smart. Be Safe.

    Ya know, these citizens are working from the kitchen table. Bring a cup of Solimo coffee and a Dunkin Donut – you will get through faster.

  54. as

    anyone know the irs number, i tried calling them for a lost check and was having trouble gettign thru toa representive

  55. And they raised the price from $60 to $80

    Inflation at its truest. Government caused.

  56. My opinion

    I guess the next thing that will happen is voting online, since we can already vote by mail. Will it increase fraudulently voting?who cares!

    • 64bit

      The good news is most computer scientists believe online voting is a terrible idea.

      The bad news is the government doesn’t often ask experts in the field what they think.

  57. Scratching my head

    Why don’t they allow applicants to smile for their passport picture?

    • Passport Acceptance Agent

      You are allowed to smile on your passport photo in the USA. I believe Canada does not allow.

  58. Oscar

    Only for renewals? What about brand new ones, for kids or adults?

  59. Baruch

    It’s definitely about time, and I’m very pro.
    But my trust in the government would be stronger if they’d also take interest in securing our borders and strengthening our economy. And not put their own citizens at risk in risky situations.
    Just my thoughts.

  60. CB

    UK allowed this for few years already – took pic myself on iphone and renewed online from the US

    • Uk reader

      I live in London-UK, renewed 2 of our passports beginning of Nov by mail to the embassy received the new ones just under 3 weeks, my friend had his back in 1 week

    • Dan\'s the Man

      through epassportphotow.com I’ve been taking free passport photos for years. It’s crazy how much people spend on passport photos. Actually they weren’t free. I think I paid 11 cents for the photo at my local supermarket!

  61. Chaim

    My passport expires within months, can I fly to Mexico? I tried getting emergency renewal but there was no appointment availability in the tristate area

    • Passport Acceptance Agent

      If your question is if you can fly to Mexico with just a few months of validity on the passport, the answer is yes. While some countries require you to have 3 or 6 months validity on your passport, Mexico does not require that.
      If you plan to fly after the passport expires you can just mail your renewal application. Be sure to add the expedite and overnight return fees and include your travel date on the application. Send it using USPS Express Mail. You should be good if you have at least a month.

    • linglingfool

      How soon? Just got a new passport in less than 3 weeks door to door with overnight priority mail and expedited handling. Nowhere close to the 12-16 weeks it was taking over the summer.

    • kk

      Try rushmypassport.com They can expedite renewals in 1-2 weeks.

      • Moshe

        I tried this twice and didn’t get a response.

  62. emak

    How can I get a call-back from IRS, I have been trying to reach someone for months about a lost tax credit payment

    • Chaim

      I called the irs @8 am and waited 3 minutes before I was able to talk to someone

    • Dj

      From my experience, call at 7am eastern time, the minute they open and you can speak with someone much quicker

    • Dan

      It’s going to take time for these things to be implmented.

      • Yoel1

        @Dan, I got my passport in 2 day’s via Stamford CT appointment. And No I didn’t pay a dime for the dealers who are grabbing all appointments and selling it for a profit.

  63. Abey

    Now if we could vote online… throw in open primaries and no gerrymandering and can have a pretty sweet democracy

    • 64bit

      NO! Ask any person that actually knows computers, online voting would be a terrible idea.

      • Abey

        “Knows computers” it can be easily verified with blockchain and live video verification

        • 64bit

          How does blockchain help? It’s essentially a database that everyone can see.

          Voting needs to be Anonymous but Secure. These are fundamentally opposing principals in computers. Voting with computers is essentially the same as telling someone your vote and them assuring you that it’s been counted. If you think you can trust that then bully for you.

          It’s a lot harder to changed millions of paper ballots then it would be to hack an online election.

          https://xkcd.com/2030/

          • Abey

            First off some news for you: the paper ballots get scanned and sent electronically to be counted the paper copy is just a back up in case. 2: no one would “see” your vote there’s only be live confirmation that you are indeed the one voting and matched to your ID 3: blockchain would increase trust in the system and remove the capability of hacking as is the nature of decentralized systems.

            The only reason this is not put them play is because the status quo of people not voting benefits the two party system and they have no use of getting people to vote.

          • 64bit

            1: Yes that’s already a terrible idea but at least we have some sort of audit trail

            2: Lot of assumptions being glossed over on doing that securely…

            3: Blockchain is great. This is not the use case for it. You still need to build some sort of system around it, and any part of that can be tampered with that makes your magic hash worthless.

  64. judah bregman

    Dont know why Trump hamelech didn’t do this

    • Jack out of the Box

      He would have in about February 2021. Can’t fix everything in 1 term.

    • Yossi

      Let’s be honest. They’re not doing this for the betterment of society. If they had that in mind inflation border security crime would all be addressed. Trump was taking care of all the other stuff so I’d rather send in my passport by mail than pay 350 a gallon of gas….

      • Not Yossi

        He was busy trying to overthrow the government of the United States. I will pay $3.50 for gas instead of having a traitor and dictator at the helm. Wake up chumpy.

        • FJB

          Seriously what reality are you living in?

          • Lerd

            Please stay home

  65. Moish

    Will US citizens living abroad be able to renew online as well?

    • SS

      I also want to know the answer to one!

      • Dan\'s the Man

        You can always renew online and use a relative US address and have them mail you the passports. Will prob still be faster and easier than booking an appointment at the embassy, etc

  66. Post office

    Until now you were required to go to the post office? UPS or any other registered shipping wasn’t an option?
    Not sure what will happen now please explain

    • Passport Acceptance Agent

      Passport renewals are mailed to a PO box, so UPS is not an option…

    • Baruch

      I think the point was that you had to go to a brick and mortar facility and deal with brick and mortar humans 🙂
      When this takes effect, people will be able to submit an application and pay online, without needing any physical paperwork and printing pictures, etc.

  67. Joel

    I renewed mines last year via mail, didn’t have to physically go down,
    Is it the mailing that will be eliminated and replaced by online application?

  68. Ari

    Wasn’t it possible to renew online until now ?
    If I’m not mistaken I have renewed my passport in the past online, by mailing in the old one .

    • Saul

      The only thing online is the form filler, then you print and mail it.

    • Passport Acceptance Agent

      You can complete the application online and it generates a PDF with a 3-D barcode. You then have to print, sign, and mail the paper application. The new option will be to just submit it online.

    • OMG!

      Nope.
      There was renewal by mail, not online.

    • Memere613

      Probably not needing to mail in the old one…

  69. The heart wants what it wants

    Also, would their new photos just get uploaded? Or is this for adults only?

    • OMG!

      As of now applications for people under the age of 16 are treated like a new applicant, not a renewal. I don’t know if that’ll change now…

    • Dan

      I would assume pictures can be uploaded. TBD on who this will work for.

  70. The heart wants what it wants

    My kids passports expire the end of this month, do you think they’ll still have a chance at online renewal?

    • Hs

      Current turn around time is 4 weeks with expedited service. Just received my daughter’s. Applied Nov 12, mailed Dec 8th

    • Ari

      Kids passports can never be renewed. You have to make a new one. Only those that are issued with a 10 year expiration can be renewed.

      • Dan\'s the Man

        Kids passports need to be done in person with both parents (or one parent and notorized form from the other parent) and the kid present so for sure won’t be available online.

    • Dan

      It won’t be open to the public this month.

      • Mac

        Is there a date as to when this will be going into affect?

  71. Dave

    And soon you won’t even need to leave your house for anything….

    Wonder if they will offer emergency passports as well. Could be a game changer and make life easier on a lot of people.

    But, yes this is cool.

    Thanks for posting

    • Saul

      They can probably offer emergency renewals, unlikely a first-time passport can be online, though they can do Zoom…

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