Passport renewals in the U.S. are finally going digital. This could significantly ease the frustrations of travelers who have long been stuck with a paper-only process. According to the State Department, the shift to online renewals is expected to help reduce the notoriously long wait times for passport processing, which currently range from six to eight weeks.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the push for greater efficiency, accessibility, and equity in passport services. He noted that passport renewals are already being processed one-third of the time compared to last summer, thanks to increased staffing and new technology. The previous system was burdened by delays, causing headaches for travelers, especially during peak travel seasons.
The new online option is available to those meeting specific requirements: travelers must have had a 10-year passport issued between 2009 and 2015, be 25 or older, live in the U.S., and not need to change personal information. Expedited services and first-time applicants are still required to use the paper-based process, and children or holders of special issuance passports cannot use the online system.
This digital upgrade aligns with President Biden's executive order to improve the federal customer service experience. By modernizing the passport renewal process, the administration hopes to rebuild public trust and reduce the bureaucratic hurdles travelers have faced.