It seems like my passport is expiring at the perfect time.
Starting today! (today!), passport holders can choose to renew their passport online.
Passport holders will need to create and sign up for a MyTravelGov account. After four hours, the option to "Renew Passport" should be present when you login.
Much like the image below:
One thing should be clear, though: This is being touted as a pilot program and only those that fall into specific requirements will be able to renew online (see here).
The pilot is also only open to those that choose to renew during this timeframe. If there's no availability during the September 16 window, the U.S. Department of State has said that they will open the portal again in October.
Please note: Renewing through this pilot will automatically invalidate your current passport, so do not attempt this within six weeks of travel.
The processing times seem the same as doing it by snail mail, though I would like to think this is marginally quicker since it cuts down on a lot of physical processing time.
The option for expediting it is also available for, um, people, like me that need to travel a lot. Slackers unite?
Here are the requirements:
You can renew online if:
- Your most recent passport is/was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older.
- Your recent passport was issued over 9 years ago (in 2013) but less than 15 years ago (in 2007) from the date you plan to submit your application. Your passport can be expired.
- You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
- You are not traveling internationally for at least six weeks from the date you will submit your application. Processing times for the online renewal service will be the same as those for renewal by mail. We will offer both routine and expedited service.
- You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport. You cannot renew a special issuance (diplomatic, official, service) passport online.
- You live in the United States (either state or territory). You do not qualify to renew online if you live in a foreign country or have an Army Post Office (APO) or Fleet Post Office (FPO) address.
- You have your passport with you, and it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not previously reported it as lost or stolen.
- You can pay for your passport using a credit/debit card or an ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment transferring funds from your bank account.
- You can upload a digital passport photo (.JPEG file format). Go to Uploading a Digital Photo for more information.
- You are aware that your most recent passport will be immediately invalidated (canceled) when you submit your application and you cannot use it for international travel.
