Renewing Your U.S. Passport Just Got a Little Easier — But You'll Need to Act Fast

Want to save some money ahead of your next trip? OF COURSE you do! Well, we’ve got some huge things you need to know about.

Have you been keeping up with the travel news?

Air travel costs are expected to decrease soon (we’ve actually got LOTS of data breaking down the price trends right here) and we’ve got all kinds of air travel tips that’ll change your life. But what if your future travels require the use of a passport and your passport needs to be renewed? If you act fast, you could renew your passport in a convenient way!

The U.S. Department of State is testing out a pilot program that will allow a limited group of individuals to renew their U.S. passports ONLINE! The online passport renewal portal will only be open to a limited group of volunteers during the pilot program — specifically just 25,000 applicants in August.

Following that pilot program and testing, the online renewal portal is set to be launched to the general public later in 2022.

Time to Renew that Passport? Do it Online!

If you’re eligible to use this online system, you won’t have to mail in your renewal application and supporting documents, making the renewal process that much easier and more convenient!

Mickey’s Ready to Fly! Are YOU?

So, how do you sign up? First, you’ll want to visit the U.S. Department of State website for the Pilot Program. As they note there, they’re only accepting applications for up to 25,000 individuals in August. The applications are being accepted on a first come, first serve basis. If you’re not one of the first 25,000 to apply you may still get the chance to renew online at a later date though. You’ll want to check the page for updates on that.

Be sure to check and see if you meet the requirements to renew online — there are a LOT so you’ll want to read through those carefully.

©U.S. Department of State

If you meet those requirements listed above, then you can follow the steps below to participate in the pilot program. You’ll need to create an online account, register the account, and complete your application.

©U.S. Department of State

Just be aware that it can take time to process your application and ultimately to receive your passport. The website notes that you can track the status of your application, but even after it’s marked as “mailed/shipped” it may not arrive for 2 weeks.

You can, however, upgrade from routine to expedited service, and pay for 1-2 day delivery of the passport if you’d like.

©ismagilov—Getty Images/iStockphoto

If you’re looking to renew your passport now, renewing online might be a convenient option. But just remember you’ll want to act FAST because they’re only accepting a limited number of individuals for this initial pilot program.

Want other travel tips or info? Click here for 6 easy ways to keep your toddler busy while traveling, or click here to learn all about how U.S. airlines have mishandled hundreds of thousands of bags lately (and what to do to be prepared).

We’re on the hunt for more travel tips and stories to share with you so be sure to check back with us for all the latest!

Click here to read about the BEST and WORST airlines in the U.S., ranked by customer complaints

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