Renewal of U.S. Passports has just become a whole lot easier.
State Department launched its online renewal of passports nationwide on Wednesday. It was only available in limited quantities during beta testing.
You can avoid printing and mailing. You can renew from your couch (or home)! “Completely online, 24 hours a day,” posted the State Department Consular Affairs on Wednesday. It’s convenient, secure, and ready to use.
However, not all Americans are eligible for the online option.
Can a US passport be renewed online?
To qualify, applicants must:
- You must be at least 25 years old.
- You must live in one of the states or territories of the United States.
- Existing passport valid for 10 years and issued between 2009-2015 or older than 9 years but less than 15 from the date of application. The passport must be still in the applicant’s hands, unharmed, and has not been reported stolen or lost.
- Apply for a standard tourist passport.
- Upload a digital image.
- Online payment of the renewal fee is possible using your credit or debit cards.
- Do not travel abroad until at least eight weeks after the date of application. While renewals are being processed, existing passports that do not require mailing in will be cancelled.
How much does it cost to renew a US passport?
The cost of renewing a passport online is the same as renewing it by mail. $130 includes standard shipping for a passport booklet.
Time is running out if you want a European passport stamp
How long does it take to renew a passport in the US?
Richard Verma, the Deputy Secretary for State, said that while some online renewals could be processed in a matter of weeks during the beta phase, “it won’t necessarily happen faster.”
According to the State Department website, as of Wednesday, the processing time for online and mail in renewals was listed as six to eight week.
