How to Renew Passport Online in USA: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Renew Passport Online; Renewing a passport can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the advancements in technology, it is now possible to renew a passport online in the USA. This option is especially beneficial for those who are unable to visit a passport agency or center in person or those who prefer the convenience of renewing their passport from the comfort of their own home.

To renew a passport online in the USA, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria and have the required documents on hand. The online application process is straightforward and can be completed in a matter of minutes. Once submitted, applicants can track the status of their application online and can expect to receive their new passport in the mail within a few weeks.

Key Takeaways

Renewing a passport online in the USA is a convenient option for those who are unable to visit a passport agency or center in person.
Eligibility criteria and required documents must be met before applying for a passport renewal online.
The online application process is straightforward and applicants can track the status of their application online.

Eligibility Criteria

To renew a passport online in the USA, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria. Here are the age requirements, expiration date, and residency status that applicants need to fulfill:

Age Requirements

Adults who are 16 years and older can renew their passports online. Minors under the age of 16 must renew their passports in person.

Expiration Date

To renew a passport online, the applicant’s passport must be undamaged and must have been issued within the past 15 years. Additionally, the passport must have been issued when the applicant was 16 years or older. If the passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or if it was issued when the applicant was younger than 16 years old, they must renew their passport in person.

Residency Status

To renew a passport online, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen and currently residing in the United States or Canada. If the applicant is residing outside of the United States or Canada, they must renew their passport in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

It is important to note that if the applicant’s passport has been lost, stolen, or damaged, they cannot renew their passport online. They must apply for a new passport in person.

Required Documents

To renew a passport online in the USA, the applicant must provide the following documents:

Proof of Citizenship

The applicant must submit their previous passport as proof of citizenship. The passport must be undamaged and issued within the last 15 years. If the passport was issued more than 15 years ago, the applicant must apply for a new passport in person.

Passport Photo

The applicant must provide a recent passport photo. The photo must be taken within the last six months and meet the following requirements:

Color photo
2 x 2 inches in size
White or off-white background
Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
No glasses or headwear, except for religious reasons

The photo must be in JPEG format and less than 240 KB in size.

Identification Document

The applicant must provide a valid government-issued identification document. This can be a driver’s license, state ID, or military ID. The identification document must be in color and scanned in JPEG format. The file size must be less than 240 KB.

It is important to note that these are the basic requirements for passport renewal. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, additional documents may be required. It is recommended to review the U.S. Department of State’s website for a complete list of requirements and instructions for passport renewal.

Online Application Process

Renewing a passport online is a convenient and efficient way to get your passport renewed without having to visit a passport acceptance facility. The online application process is simple and can be completed in a few easy steps.

Form DS-82 Completion

To renew your passport online, you will need to complete Form DS-82, which is available on the U.S. Department of State website. This form is used for passport renewals for adults who already have a passport that is not damaged, was issued within the last 15 years, and was issued when the applicant was 16 years of age or older.

When completing Form DS-82, make sure to fill out all the required fields accurately and legibly. Any mistakes or omissions can result in a delay in processing your application.

Uploading Documents

Along with the completed Form DS-82, you will also need to upload a recent passport photo and a copy of your current passport. The photo must meet the State Department’s passport photo requirements, which include specific dimensions, lighting, and facial expressions.

When uploading documents, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and ensure that the documents are clear and legible. Any blurry or unreadable documents can result in a rejection of your application.

Fee Payment

The fee for renewing a passport online is the same as renewing it by mail. The current fee for a passport renewal is $110.00. Additionally, there is an execution fee of $35.00 if you choose to use a passport acceptance facility to submit your application.

When making the payment, you can use a credit card, debit card, or electronic funds transfer. Make sure to keep a copy of your payment receipt for your records.

Submitting the Application

Once you have completed Form DS-82, uploaded your documents, and made the payment, you can submit your application online. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a tracking number that you can use to check the status of your application.

It is important to note that the processing time for online passport renewals is the same as renewals by mail, which is currently 6-8 weeks. However, if you need your passport sooner, you can choose to expedite the processing for an additional fee.

Processing Times

When renewing a passport online in the USA, it is important to consider the processing times. According to the official website of the U.S. Department of State, routine processing of passport applications takes approximately 10-12 weeks from the date of submission. Expedited processing, which requires an additional fee, takes about 4-6 weeks from the date of submission.

It is important to note that these processing times do not include mailing times. The total time it takes to receive a renewed passport will depend on various factors, including the volume of applications being processed, the accuracy and completeness of the application, and the mailing time to and from the passport agency or center.

To ensure timely receipt of a renewed passport, applicants should consider applying well in advance of their planned travel dates. It is recommended to apply at least 6 months prior to the expiration date of the current passport. In addition, applicants should always provide accurate and complete information in their application to avoid any delays in processing.

Overall, while the processing times for renewing a passport online in the USA may vary depending on several factors, applicants can expect to receive their renewed passport within a reasonable timeframe if they apply well in advance and provide accurate information in their application.

[1] U.S. Department of State. “Processing Times for U.S. Passports.” Travel. Available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/processing-times.html.

Tracking the Application Status

After submitting the passport renewal application, applicants may wonder how long it will take to receive their renewed passport. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of State offers a convenient online tool to track the status of passport applications.

To check the status of a passport renewal application, applicants can visit the U.S. Department of State’s passport status website. They will need to provide their last name (including suffixes), date of birth (in the format MM/DD/YYYY), and the last four digits of their Social Security Number.

After entering the required information, the website will display the current status of the passport application. The status may indicate that the application is in process, has been approved, or has been mailed out. If the passport has been mailed out, the website will also display the tracking number for the package.

It is important to note that the passport status website is updated only once a day, so applicants should not expect real-time updates. Additionally, the website does not provide any information about the expected processing time for the passport application.

Overall, tracking the status of a passport renewal application is a simple and convenient process that can help applicants stay informed about the status of their application.

Receiving Your Passport

Once your passport renewal application has been processed and approved, you will receive your new passport in the mail. The processing time for a passport renewal is typically 4-6 weeks, but it can take longer during peak travel season or if there are issues with your application.

When you receive your new passport, make sure to check that all the information is correct, including your name, date of birth, and passport expiration date. If there are any errors, contact the National Passport Information Center immediately.

It is important to note that your old passport will be invalidated once you receive your new one. Do not attempt to use your old passport for travel, as it will not be accepted. Instead, you should keep your old passport as a personal record of your travel history.

If you need your passport sooner than the standard processing time, you can request expedited service for an additional fee. Expedited service can take as little as 24 hours, but it is important to note that this service is only available for certain circumstances, such as a life-or-death emergency or urgent international travel.

In summary, receiving your new passport is a straightforward process that involves waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Make sure to check all the information on your new passport and keep your old passport as a personal record. If you need your passport sooner, expedited service is available for an additional fee.

Special Considerations

When renewing a passport online, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind.

Name Changes

If you have legally changed your name since your last passport was issued, you will need to provide documentation of the name change when renewing your passport. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or a court order for a name change. Make sure to include the original or a certified copy of the document when submitting your renewal application.

Lost or Stolen Passports

If your previous passport was lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a new passport in person rather than renewing online. You will need to fill out Form DS-11 and provide documentation of your identity and citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate. Additionally, you will need to provide a police report if your passport was stolen.

It is important to report a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible to prevent identity theft or fraud. You can report a lost or stolen passport by calling the U.S. Department of State at 1-877-487-2778.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps involved in renewing a passport online in the United States?

To renew a passport online in the United States, you need to complete the following steps:

Fill out Form DS-82 online
Print and sign the completed form
Collect all necessary documents
Pay the passport renewal fee
Mail the completed form and documents to the National Passport Processing Center

What documents do I need to submit for online passport renewal in the USA?

To renew your passport online in the USA, you will need to submit the following documents:

Your most recent U.S. passport
A color passport photo
Payment for the passport renewal fee

How can I check the status of my passport renewal application?

You can check the status of your passport renewal application online by visiting the U.S. Department of State’s website and entering your last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

What is the quickest method to renew a passport online in the United States?

The quickest method to renew a passport online in the United States is to use the expedited service. This service is available for an additional fee and will process your application within two to three weeks.

Is it possible to renew my passport online if it has already expired?

You can renew your passport online if it expired less than five years ago and you were over the age of 16 when it was issued. If your passport expired more than five years ago or you were under the age of 16 when it was issued, you will need to apply for a new passport in person.

How long does the online passport renewal process typically take?

The online passport renewal process typically takes 4-6 weeks from the time you mail in your application to the time you receive your new passport. However, if you choose to use the expedited service, you can receive your new passport within two to three weeks.

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