Renewing your passport just got easier. US launches online renewal system

Renewing your passport just got a little bit easier, as it is now possible to do so online, according to the U.S. State Department.

"U.S. passports can now be renewed online," Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) stated on X, formerly Twitter Wednesday. "This means Americans can apply from home or from their phone without having to get a professional picture or submit paper applications and checks by mail."

According to the State Department , "The online renewal system is expected to reduce the time it takes to process applications, which are currently advertised as taking six to eight weeks. The State Department hopes to expand the program in the future to include more Americans, such as those living abroad, those seeking to renew a second passport, and children's passports."

Here's what you need to know to renew your passport online:

Am I eligible to renew my passport online?

To qualify applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 25 years old.
• The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years and was issued between 2009 and 2015, or over nine years but less than 15 years from the date you plan to submit your application.
• You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
• You are not traveling for at least 8 weeks from the date you submit the application.
• You are applying for a regular (tourist) passport. Special issuance passports (diplomatic, official, service) cannot be renewed online.
• You live in the United States.
• Current passport is in your possession, it is not damaged and has not been reported lost or stolen.
• You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card.
• You can upload a digital passport photo.
• The passport you are renewing will be cancelled after you submit your application. You cannot use it for international travel.

How do I renew my passport online?

Visit the U.S. State Department website to fill out the application. When you complete your application, you will need the passport you are renewing on hand.

How much does it cost to renew my passport online?

The processing fee for a regular renewal is $130, according to the State Department website.

How long will it take to receive a renewed passport?

Processing time to renew online is expected to take 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited service or urgent travel requests are not available online.

Who is not eligible to renew their passport online

Children, first-time passport applicants, or applicants living outside the United States are not eligible to renew their passport online.

What if I don't qualify to renew my passport online

If you do not qualify to renew online, you may be able to renew by mail or in person at a passport agency or center .

This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: Renewing your passport just got easier. US launches online renewal system