Renewing a U.S. passport online is now a real option for many eligible adults, but it is not the right path for every traveler. Before you start, it helps to confirm whether you qualify, whether your travel timeline fits routine service, and whether your digital photo and current passport meet the Department of State’s requirements.
This guide explains who can renew online, how much it costs, what documents and photo files you need, how long routine service usually takes, and when it makes more sense to renew by mail or request urgent help instead.
In This Guide
- Who is Eligible to Renew a U.S. Passport Online?
- What to Know Before You Renew Online
- How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Passport Online?
- What Documents Do I Need to Renew Online?
- Before You Submit: Quick Online Renewal Checklist
- Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Renew a U.S. Passport Online
- Digital Photo Requirements for an Online Passport Renewal
- Processing Times and What to Expect
- 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.
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
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?
Before You Submit: Quick Online Renewal Checklist
Use this quick check before you start your MyTravelGov application:
✓ My passport was valid for 10 years and is expiring within 1 year or expired less than 5 years ago
✓ I am age 25 or older
✓ I am not changing my name or other personal details
✓ I am in the United States and do not need to travel internationally within the next 6 weeks
✓ I have my current passport in hand, and it is not damaged, lost, or stolen
✓ I have a digital photo and a credit or debit card ready
If any item above is not true, online renewal may not be the best path. In that case, review how to renew your passport by mail or, if your trip is close, use expedited passport options.
Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Renew a U.S. Passport Online
Create Your MyTravelGov Account
- Visit the MyTravelGov website and click on “Create Account”.
- Enter your personal information and create a secure password.
- Verify your email address to activate your account.
Start Your Application
- Log in to your MyTravelGov account.
- Click on “Renew Passport Online” to start your application.
- Save your progress regularly to avoid losing any information.
Tip: Only complete your application through the official U.S. government renewal portal. If a website charges extra to “submit” your online renewal for you, it is not the official process.
Enter Passport Information
- Accurately enter your current passport details as requested.
- Double-check the information to ensure there are no errors.
Upload a Digital Photo
- Ensure your photo meets the passport photo requirements.
- Upload the photo in the specified file format.
- Review the uploaded photo for clarity and adherence to guidelines.
Sign and Pay
- Review your application details and make any necessary corrections.
- Sign the application electronically.
- Pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.
Digital Photo Requirements for an Online Passport Renewal
Dimensions and Size:
- Minimum of 600 x 600 pixels.
- File size between 54 KB and 10 MB.
Format and Quality:
- JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF format.
- Use a clear, high-quality image and avoid filters, retouching, or editing tools that change your appearance.
Color and Background:
- Color photo only; no black and white.
- Plain white or off-white background, with enough space around your head and shoulders for cropping.
Pose and Expression:
- Face forward, eyes open, mouth closed.
- No glasses or headgear unless for religious purposes.
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.
Why Passport Timing Matters for Student Travel
If you are planning a student travel program, passport timing affects more than paperwork. A delayed renewal can affect flight booking, destination eligibility, and your ability to join a program on schedule.
Explore student travel programs for 2026 once your passport timeline is clear, or review urgent passport options first if your departure date is close.