Online US Passport Renewal is Back: A Step-by-Step Guide to the New Beta System

For years, renewing a US passport meant printing forms, securing a paper photo, buying a money order, and waiting in line at the post office. Now, the US State Department has brought back its online passport renewal system in a public beta test. You can skip the paper forms and renew your passport directly from your computer.

Understanding the New Digital Portal

The State Department first tested online renewals in 2022 and paused the program to make improvements based on user feedback. In June 2024, they reopened the system as a public beta.

Because the system is in a testing phase, the government is carefully managing the traffic. The portal opens for a limited window each day, usually starting around 1:00 PM Eastern Time. Once the system reaches its daily quota of applications, it closes until the next day. If you log in and see that the system is closed, you will simply need to try again the following afternoon.

Who is Eligible for Online Renewal?

The online renewal system is incredibly convenient, but it is not available to everyone. The State Department has a strict set of rules for who can use the digital portal during this beta phase.

You can use the online system if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You are applying for a standard tourist passport book or wallet-sized passport card.
• Your current passport was issued between 2009 and 2014. If your passport is less than 10 years old or more than 15 years old, you cannot renew it online.
• You were at least 16 years old when your prior passport was issued.
• Your current passport is in your possession. It cannot be reported lost, stolen, or damaged.
• You live in the United States or a US territory. Applicants living abroad with an APO or FPO address must still use the mail-in process.
• You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
• You can pay the renewal fee using a credit card, debit card, or automated clearing house (ACH) bank transfer.

What You Need Before You Start

Preparation is the key to successfully navigating the daily limits of the beta system. Gather everything you need before the portal opens at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.

Your Current Passport Details

You need to enter specific information from your current passport to verify your identity. Have your passport book or card sitting right next to you at your desk.

A Compliant Digital Photo

The number one reason the State Department rejects passport applications is a bad photograph. You must upload a digital photo saved as a JPEG file. The government does not allow selfies. Have a friend or family member take a photo of you standing in front of a plain white or off-white wall. Ensure your face is fully visible without glasses, hats, or heavy shadows. Do not digitally alter the photo or apply any filters.

Payment Information

You need a valid payment method ready. A standard passport book renewal costs $130. If you want a passport card, it costs $30. Ordering both the book and the card will cost $160.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Online

Once you verify your eligibility and gather your materials, the process is very straightforward. Follow these steps to complete your digital application.

Step 1: Create a MyTravelGov Account

Before you can do anything, you must register for an account on the official MyTravelGov website. You have to provide your email address, create a password, and set up two-factor authentication to keep your data secure. Account approval can sometimes take up to four hours, so it is best to set up your account a day before you plan to submit your application.

Step 2: Log In During the Daily Window

Sign into your MyTravelGov account shortly before 1:00 PM Eastern Time. Look for the button that says “Renew Your Passport” on the main dashboard. If the daily limit has not been reached, the system will let you start a new application.

Step 3: Enter Your Information

The portal will ask a series of questions to double-check your eligibility. You will then enter your current passport number, date of issue, and expiration date. The system uses this data to pull up your existing records. Confirm your current mailing address and contact information.

Step 4: Upload Your Digital Photo

Upload your saved JPEG photo. The website features a built-in cropping tool to help you center your face and ensure the proportions meet the government’s strict guidelines.

Step 5: Sign and Pay

Review your application to ensure there are no typos. You will electronically sign the document by typing your name. Finally, enter your credit card or bank details to pay the $130 fee. Once your payment clears, the State Department will send you an email confirmation with an application tracking number.

Important Limitations to Keep in Mind

The biggest limitation of the current beta system is processing speed. The online portal only offers standard processing times, which currently sit at six to eight weeks.

The State Department explicitly states that you cannot buy expedited service through the beta portal. If you have international travel booked within the next eight weeks, you should not use the online system. You will need to renew by mail and pay the extra $60 for expedited processing.

Additionally, once you submit your online application, your current passport is immediately canceled. You cannot use it for international travel while you wait for your new passport to arrive in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew online? The fees are the exact same as applying by mail. A passport book is $130, a passport card is $30, and getting both is $160. There are no extra convenience fees for using the online portal.

Can I expedite my online renewal? No. During the beta phase, the online system only offers standard processing (which takes six to eight weeks). If you need your passport faster, you must apply by mail and pay the $60 expedite fee.

What happens to my old passport? When you renew by mail, you have to send your old passport in, and the government mails it back to you later. With the online system, you keep your old passport in your possession. However, it is instantly deactivated in the government database the moment you submit your application.

Can I renew my child’s passport online? No. Children under the age of 16 are not eligible to renew passports by mail or online. All children must apply for a new passport in person at a passport acceptance facility (like a post office or public library) with both parents present.