Is your U.S. passport expiring soon? I was recently in the same boat. And with international travel plans on the horizon, I knew I would need to renew my passport ahead of that trip. Like many folks renewing their passport, it had been nearly 10 years since I last renewed mine. And as I found out, a lot had changed.
In that time, the U.S. Department of State introduced a new, streamlined online passport renewal process. No longer did I need to go get a physical photo taken at the post office or a pharmacy. Likewise, there was nothing to physically mail in, which saved me yet another trip to the post office.
So what did this new process entail? Here’s a quick breakdown of how to renew your passport online:
Step 1: Confirm you’re eligible for online passport renewal
Before you start filling out your application, make sure you meet the requirements for renewing your passport online.
According to the U.S. Department of State, you can renew your passport online if:
- The passport you are renewing is (or was) valid for 10 years. It must also be expiring within one year or have expired less than five years ago.
- You have your passport with you, it is not damaged or mutilated, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen.
- You are 25 or older.
- You are not changing your personal information, such as your name.
- You are not traveling for at least six weeks from the date you will submit your application.
- You have a mailing address in a U.S. state or territory. (Army, Fleet, or Diplomatic Post Office addresses aren’t eligible for online renewal.)
Meet all the above criteria? Great! You can move on to the next step. If you don’t meet them, you might still be eligible to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency or center as those methods have different requirements.
Related reading: Set It, Don’t Forget It: TripIt Pro Passport Renewal Reminder Is Here
Also, keep in mind that once you submit your renewal application, your current passport becomes invalid. That means you will not be able to travel internationally with your current passport. Double-check that you don’t have any upcoming plans between submitting your application and when you’d receive your new passport. At the time of publication, processing time for routine applications (AKA, not expedited) is four to six weeks.
Step 2: Snap a new passport photo
Next, you need a new passport photo. But here’s the good news: you no longer need a physical photo or for someone else to take it. For online passport renewal, you need a digital photo—and you can take it yourself.
To ensure your passport photo meets all of the requirements, follow these guidelines. You can also check out this YouTube video to get the best shot.
Step 3: Complete your online application
Now that you have a new passport photo, gather the remaining items you need to submit your application.
These include:
- The passport you are renewing
- Your credit or debit card for passport fees
- Personal details, such as your social security number and emergency contact information
With those details in order, you can start your application.
Step 4: Keep an eye on your passport application status
Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive email updates from Consular Affairs and the U.S. Department of State.
Fortunately, my process went smoothly, so I received emails acknowledging my passport renewal payment status (i.e., pending, then received), followed by updates regarding my application status (i.e., in process, approved, and shipped).
However, if your application requires additional information, you may receive emails to that effect.
Step 5: Track your passport delivery
Once the State Department ships your passport, you’ll receive a tracking number so you can check its estimated delivery date and status. You’ll also receive an application locator number.
The State Department advises that it can take up to two weeks for delivery. However, if two weeks go by and you don’t receive your passport, contact the National Passport Information Center with your application locator number.
Step 6: Update your travel programs
Now that you have a new passport number, you’ll want to update your various travel-related accounts accordingly.
If you store your passport in TripIt, be sure to update your Travel Documents tab. Once you’ve done so, your new information will be available to reference on your upcoming trips—and you’ll receive a renewal reminder for the new passport’s expiration.
If you previously booked international travel plans like I had, be sure to add your new passport information to your travel bookings. And to streamline future bookings and plans, update your airline loyalty accounts.
And finally, if you’re a member of Global Entry, update your profile with your new passport number, as well. That way, you can avoid any hiccups returning to the U.S. on your next international trip.
