How to renew your passport online: 7 simple steps

Planning an overseas getaway? Before you start dreaming about gelato in Rome or beaches in the Caribbean, check your passport. While a Real ID will get you through domestic flights, you’ll still need a valid passport for any international travel.

The good news? The process just got a lot simpler. Since September 2024, eligible U.S. travelers have been able to renew their passports entirely online, meaning no paper forms, no mailing, no waiting in line. Standard processing now takes about four to six weeks.

"There is not as much of a delay now as there was in the past," said Ranjeet Singh, chief consultant of The Ultimate Travel & Visa Company in Hicksville. "I haven’t come across any issues with anyone renewing online. I think having multiple options is great for international travelers."

If your passport expired less than 15 years ago, you can likely use the system. The State Department says the online application takes around 40 minutes, but most people finish much faster if they have their documents and payment ready. One requirement: you’ll need to create a MyTravelGov account before you can start.

"The new online passport renewal system is easy to use, efficient and getting great reviews," AAA Northeast spokesperson Robert Sinclair Jr. said in a statement. "Provided all information is correct, online renewals are averaging four to six weeks, cutting an average of two weeks for most."

Here’s what to know about who qualifies, what you’ll need and how the online renewal works.

Are you eligible for online renewal?

You must be 25 or older, your most recent passport was valid for 10 years, and it expired within the last five years or will expire within 12 months. Your travel date also must be at least six weeks away. Lost, stolen or damaged passports, or name changes without documentation aren’t eligible online.

Here's what you'll need:

• Your most recent passport (number, issue/expiration dates)
• A recent digital passport photo (plain background, no filters)
• A MyTravelGov account and email access
• A credit/debit card or bank account for payment
• Your travel date and current U.S. mailing address

Step 1: Create or sign in to MyTravelGov

Go to MyTravelGov and open the Online Passport Renewal portal. Sign in or create an account. After creating an account, click on the "Renew Your Passport" button on the homepage to start your application. You can save your application and finish it later as long as you complete it within 30 days after you start.

Step 2: Start your renewal application

Select whether you're renewing your passport book, card or both. A U.S. passport book allows international air, land, and sea travel and is necessary for most international travel, while a passport card is limited to land and sea entry from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda and cannot be used for air travel.

Most U.S. citizens renew their passports by printing and filling out form DS-82, then mailing that form with a new passport photo and a renewal fee in the form of a check or money order. The online form replaces this system. You’ll enter your personal info, prior passport details and travel plans into the online form.

Step 3: Upload a digital passport photo

Follow the on-screen guidance for framing and background. Remove your glasses, face the camera and use a neutral expression. Travelers report downloading a passport photo application like Passport Photo on their phones to simplify this process.

Step 4: Review your information

Names, dates of birth and addresses must match your documents. Fix typos before paying.

Step 5: Choose your service

Only routine processing is offered online, meaning you can expect to receive your new passport in four to six weeks. If you need your passport sooner than that, you'll need to apply by mail and pay $60 more for expedited service.

Step 6: Pay the fees online

You must pay all of the passport fees in order to complete your online renewal application. Renewing your passport book will cost $130, while renewing your passport card will cost $30. If you're renewing both, it's $160. The online passport renewal system allows credit cards, debit cards or Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments to transfer funds from your bank account. Save your confirmation number for future reference.

Step 7: Submit your application

You do not mail your current passport for the online process. The U.S. Department of State recommends keeping your current passport, but remember not to try to use it to travel because it will be canceled as soon as you submit your application to renew it. You can track the status of your passport by checking for updates in your email inbox or MyTravelGov account.

By Carissa Kellman

carissa.kellman@newsday.com