The Department of State has announced a beta release of an Online Passport Renewal Service that will be open to the public. While the goal of this program is to save applicants time and effort and make it more convenient to renew their U.S. passports, there are important limitations that you need to know about.
Eligible applicants must be 25 or older, live in the United States or one of its territories, and currently hold a passport that is or was valid for a 10-year period. The applicant’s biographic data must also be accurate and not require any changes to name, gender, date, or place of birth.
Please note that this is not a full launch. Access to the program will be available for a limited midday eastern time window each day, and processing times are the same as renewal by mail. They will only offer routine service, so it is important to plan ahead. If your international trip is in less than eight weeks, you may not use the online renewal process. If your trip is within three-to-eight weeks, renew by mail with expedited service. And if your trip is coming up in less than three weeks, you will need to make an appointment to visit a passport agency or center in person.
To confirm you meet the requirements and to start your online application today, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/eb/passports/have-passport/renew-online.html
The traditional method of renewing a passport has not changed, and if you prefer, you can renew by mail if your most recent passport:
- Can be submitted with your application, using DS-82 form.
- Is not damaged (other than normal wear and tear).
- Has not been reported lost or stolen,
- Was issued within the last 15 years,
- Was issued when you were age 16 or older.
- Was issued in your current name (or you can provide documentation such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree showing the reason for your name change).
- Is mailed with Form DS-82 and supporting documents using a trackable delivery method.
For a complete list of requirements and fees for adult renewals, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html
Children under 16 may not renew a passport and must apply in person using form DS-11.
- For the child’s safety, both parents or guardians must be present and consent to the issuance of a passport.
- If parents or guardians cannot be present, additional documentation is required.
- Passports for children under age 16 are valid for 5 years.
To see the complete list of requirements and fees for children under 16, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passport/need-passport/under16/html
With increasing interest in international travel for business and recreation, it is best to plan early and renew your passport early.
If you are a first-time applicant, our office hosts Passport Saturday events to provide more access for eligible individuals to apply for their passports outside of regular business hours.
Learn more at https://collierclerk.com/passports.