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How to Renew a U.S. Passport Online: New Passport Online Application

UPDATED December 18, 2025 · 6 MIN READ
Quintin Willekens
WRITTEN BY Program Leader & Sustainability Expert

In a world where AI can analyze data and make decisions faster than any human, we can control our homes with a voice command, and we can manage our finances with just a few taps, it’s baffling to see how many bureaucratic processes are stuck in the past. Having lived in South Korea, where each year I can file my taxes online in a matter of minutes, I know it doesn’t have to be this way. 

Thankfully, processes in the U.S. government are finally starting to catch up. As of June, 2024, the Department of State released an online passport renewal process available to the public in a beta release. The Department of State witnessed how popular online passport renewals were during their limited trial in 2023 which saw over 500,000 Americans using the online renewal system. Now it’s back to stay. Here is all of the information you need to know about renewing your U.S. passport online.  

In This Guide

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  1. Who is Eligible to Renew a U.S. Passport Online?
  2. What to Know Before You Renew Online
  3. How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Passport Online?
  4. What Documents Do I Need to Renew Online?
  5. Benefits of Renewing Your Passport Online
  6. Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Renew a U.S. Passport Online
  7. Digital Photo Requirements for an Online Passport Renewal
  8. Processing Times and What to Expect
  9. FAQs About Online Passport Renewal

Who is Eligible to Renew a U.S. Passport Online?

To renew your U.S. passport online, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Your current passport is/was valid for 10 years, and you are 25 years or older.
  • Your passport expires within 1 year or it expired less than 5 years ago.
  • No changes to your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
  • You live in the United States (state or territory). Online renewal is not available for those living abroad or with an APO/FPO address.
  • You have your undamaged passport and it has not been reported lost or stolen. Keep your current passport; do not mail it.
  • You can pay using a credit or debit card.
  • You can upload a digital passport photo.
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Note: Your passport will be canceled after you submit your online renewal and you cannot use it for international travel.

When you are not eligible to renew online, you must renew your passport by mail or by visiting a passport agency. 

What to Know Before You Renew Online

Online renewal is convenient, but these rules still matter:

  • Online renewal uses routine service. If you need faster service, renew by mail with expedited service or request an urgent travel appointment.
  • Your current passport becomes invalid after you submit. Do not submit if you may need to travel before your new passport arrives.
  • Online renewal is not available if you live outside the United States (including APO/FPO).

How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Passport Online?

To renew your U.S. adult passport online, the costs are:

  • $130 for a Passport Book
  • $30 for a Passport Card
  • $160 for a Passport Book and Card

Online renewal does not offer expedited processing. When available at checkout, you can add $22.05 for 1–2 day delivery of an issued passport book within the U.S.

What Documents Do I Need to Renew Online?

To renew your passport online, you will need the following documents:

  • A digital photo meeting specific requirements (See requirements)
  • Your current passport information
  • A debit or credit card to pay online
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Tip: ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments from your bank are accepted, but will cause additional processing delays.

Here is a chart detailing what you need based on what you currently have and what you want:

I want to renew my: I need:
Passport Book Current Passport Book
Passport Card Current Passport Card
Passport Book and Card Current Passport Book and Card
Note: Digital photo & payment is required for all options

Learn more: Passport Card vs. Passport Book: Which Do You Need?

Benefits of Renewing Your Passport Online

Renewing your passport online offers several advantages:

  • No need to mail your passport to a passport processing center
  • No need to print and prepare documents
  • Easy to track the status of your application
  • Simple and secure digital submission process

Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Renew a U.S. Passport Online

Create Your MyTravelGov Account

  1. Visit the MyTravelGov website and click on “Create Account”.
  2. Enter your personal information and create a secure password.
  3. Verify your email address to activate your account.

Start Your Application

  1. Log in to your MyTravelGov account.
  2. Click on “Renew Passport Online” to start your application.
  3. Save your progress regularly to avoid losing any information.
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Tip: Applications currently open at midday ET. If you start an application and save your progress, you can complete your application within 30 days.

Enter Passport Information

  1. Accurately enter your current passport details as requested.
  2. Double-check the information to ensure there are no errors.

Upload a Digital Photo

  1. Ensure your photo meets the passport photo requirements.
  2. Upload the photo in the specified file format.
  3. Review the uploaded photo for clarity and adherence to guidelines.

Sign and Pay

  1. Review your application details and make any necessary corrections.
  2. Sign the application electronically.
  3. Pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.

Digital Photo Requirements for an Online Passport Renewal

1

Dimensions and Size:

  • Minimum of 600 x 600 pixels.
  • File size between 54 KB and 10 MB.
2

Format and Quality:

  • JPEG format.
  • Use a high-resolution setting; do not compress the image.
3

Color and Background:

  • Color photo only; no black and white.
  • Plain white or off-white background without shadows.
4

Pose and Expression:

  • Face forward, eyes open, mouth closed.
  • No glasses or headgear unless for religious purposes.
5

Submission Guidelines:

  • Do not scan a printed photo.
  • Ensure there is space around your head and shoulders to allow for cropping.

For a detailed guide on taking a passport photo at home, check out: How to Take the Perfect Passport Photo: Guidelines and Tips.

Processing Times and What to Expect

Online renewal uses routine service. Current processing times can change, so check the U.S. Department of State’s latest estimates before you apply.

  • Routine Service: 4–6 weeks (processing time estimate)

In the situation that you need faster service, renew by mail with expedited service or request an urgent travel appointment at a passport agency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online U.S. Passport Renewals

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Who is eligible to renew a U.S. passport online?

You can renew online if you meet MyTravelGov’s eligibility rules. In general, this option is for adults renewing a 10-year passport, with no changes to name or personal details, and with a passport that expires within 1 year or expired within the last 5 years. You must also live in the United States, have your current passport in hand (not lost or stolen), be able to upload a digital photo, and pay online with a card.

Can I apply for a first-time U.S. passport online?

No. First-time U.S. passport applications are not available online. First-time applicants generally must apply in person at an acceptance facility using Form DS-11.

Does online passport renewal offer expedited processing?

No. Online passport renewal uses routine service. If you need faster service, renew by mail with expedited service or request an urgent travel appointment at a passport agency.

How much does it cost to renew a passport online?

Online renewal costs $130 for an adult passport book, $30 for an adult passport card, or $160 for a book and card. You may be able to add $22.05 for 1–2 day delivery of a passport book within the U.S.

How long does it take to renew a passport online?

Online renewal uses routine processing, which is often listed as about 4 to 6 weeks, but total time can be longer once you include mailing and delivery. Always check the latest posted processing times before you submit.

Is online passport renewal available 24/7?

Online renewal is offered through MyTravelGov for eligible applicants, but availability can change. If you do not see the option when you log in, check again later and use mail renewal if you need a more predictable path.

Can I travel while my online renewal is in progress?

No. After you submit an online renewal, your current passport is canceled and cannot be used for international travel. Only submit if you can wait until your new passport arrives.

Can I renew my passport online if I live outside the United States?

No. Online renewal is for applicants who live in the United States (a state or territory). If you live abroad, renew by mail or through the U.S. embassy or consulate process that applies to your situation.

Can I renew a passport card online?

When you are eligible for online renewal, you can choose to renew a passport book, a passport card, or both. When the system does not offer the option for your account, renew by mail.

Can I pay for an online passport renewal with a credit card?

Yes. Online renewal requires online payment, typically by credit or debit card.

Do I need a digital passport photo for online renewal?

Yes. Online renewal requires you to upload a digital passport photo that meets U.S. photo requirements.

What if my online renewal is denied or I cannot submit?

In the case that you cannot submit online, the most common reasons are eligibility limits, travel timing, or account/verification issues. Renew by mail instead, or use a passport agency for urgent travel when you qualify.