Online passport renewal pilot launches, saving time from having to mail
NEW YORK (PIX 11) -- The process of renewing your passport is getting a little easier and just in time for the summer travel season.
A new pilot program announced by Congresswoman Grace Meng on Tuesday will allow people to renew their passports online as long as they meet a list of 10 requirements. Those looking to apply online will have to be quick as the system will open at midday each day and close when it reaches its daily limit, according to the U.S. State Department. It’s not clear how many requests will be allowed before the system closes.
Keeping a cap on the daily passport renewal applications will allow the State Department to monitor the pilot program in real-time and make improvements. It’s all part of an effort to launch a full-scale online renewal system which would save most people a trip to the post office, according to the U.S. State Department.
The process for renewing online takes six steps, as outlined on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website:
- Create a free MyTravelGov account.
- Log in and start a renewal application by clicking on the "Renew Your Passport" button.
- Fill in all the boxes on the form with the information currently printed on your passport.
- Enter your plans to travel internationally if your departure is within the next eight weeks.
- Upload a photo of yourself.
- Pay the passport renewal fee and digitally sign the application.
Despite online renewal likely being more convenient, it won’t necessarily expedite the process of getting your new passport. The State Department is still offering routine service for online requests which has a wait time of six to eight weeks, according to its website. For anyone who may need a passport in less than eight weeks, the State Department advises to renew in person or by mail.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused months of backlog, as much as 12-18 weeks. Wait times have since declined to two to three weeks for expedited services, according to the State Department website.