School, college and other closings for Monday

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Paging all U.S. travelers (and introverts) — you may not need to make that trip in person to renew your passport after all.

 it is bringing back a trial service to renew your passport online, saying it will open the system for all online renewals soon.  

As of now, the rollout for online passport renewals is restricted to certain times. Beginning during midday Eastern time, the State Department will accept a limited number of applications. Once the portal has reached its daily limit, it will close until the next day, according to the agency.

In order to qualify for an online passport renewal, applicants must:

The State Department says those who are not eligible to submit their application online — or who choose not to do so — can always submit their renewal application by mail or in person at a passport agency or center. 

State Department officials added that the processing times for an online passport renewal are the same as for those who choose to renew their passport through the mail.

The U.S. State Department first rolled out its 

 through an executive order from President Biden. But after several pauses, the program was paused indefinitely in March 2023.

Last year, the State Department faced a backlog of passport renewals and many Americans experienced delays. The agency described it as an “unprecedented demand for passports.” 

, a record jump from the 22 million it issued the year before. 

Homepage

International

Jonathan Franklin

Author

The rollout of online passport renewal is restricted to certain windows, beginning midday Eastern time weekly. Officials say the processing times for renewing online are the same as renewing by mail.

You can get your passport renewed online again. Here’s how it works

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox