US launches online passport renewal service
- The online passport renewal service allows Americans to apply and upload photos without in-person visits.
- It is currently available for adults renewing 10-year passports that have expired within the last five years or will expire soon.
- The initiative aims to streamline the renewal process and is expected to benefit up to 5 million Americans annually.
The U.S. State Department has introduced a new online service for Americans to renew their passports, announced by Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter. This service allows individuals to upload a photo and complete their application entirely online, eliminating the need for in-person visits or mailing documents. It is available 24/7 and is currently limited to adults renewing a regular 10-year passport that has expired within the last five years or is set to expire soon. The online renewal service is accessible only to those with a U.S. address. The initiative aims to streamline the passport renewal process, with an estimated 5 million Americans expected to benefit annually. The program has undergone beta testing, receiving positive feedback from users. The processing time for renewals is reported to be six to eight weeks, which is considered a historic low. The State Department does not anticipate differing service standards between online and mail applications, emphasizing the importance of providing citizens with options. Bitter expressed intentions to expand the service in the future, indicating that this is just the beginning of efforts to enhance accessibility for American citizens. The convenience of online renewal is highlighted as a significant advantage, catering to the needs of a modern, digital-savvy population. Overall, this new service represents a significant step towards modernizing the passport renewal process, making it more efficient and user-friendly for Americans seeking to travel internationally.