Funviralpark This process, which eliminates the time some people spend filling out paperwork and queuing at passport offices, is a backlog of passport renewals that was created while various federal facilities were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also intended to help eliminate Related restrictions.
In fact, recognizing that the federal government still relies on paper-based systems and processes rather than leveraging technology, millions of people needlessly lose time each year. Last year, President Biden signed an executive order directing 17 federal agencies to streamline their processes. One of these government services is passport renewal.
According to the White House, “Americans will now be able to renew their passports securely online, saving them the time, effort and cost of waiting in line, printing, traveling to the post office and using paper checks.” That’s what I mean. “This new online process will be conducted in a safe and secure manner.”
The first online passport renewal pilot program was launched earlier this year for federal employees and contractors. A second limited-time pilot was then launched in August of which he had 25,000 civilians.
Here’s what you need to know about online passport renewal.
Online Passport Renewal Eligibility
According to the US Department of State, 10 criteria must be met to determine whether to renew your passport online. For example, if your current passport is valid for 10 years, expires at least 25 years old, and was issued more than 9 years before your current passport was issued and has been within 15 years, you can renew your passport online. . Renew passport.
However, there are some reasons why you cannot renew your passport online, such as if your passport is more than 15 years old or you need a new passport because it has been lost, stolen or damaged. In that case, the passport must be applied for in person.
Online passport renewal process
If you are eligible, the process of renewing your passport online is fairly straightforward.
First, you need to create a MyTravelGov account.
Once you have created your account, your next step is to open the “Account Verification” email sent to you by the State Department and click the hyperlink to activate your MyTravelGov account.
Please note that it may take up to 24 hours for the Department of State to register your account.
After that, you can log in to your account and click on the “Renew Passport” button to start the application.
If you have a technical problem or need assistance, you can email the Department of State with a support question.
Finally, if you plan to travel soon, don’t try to renew your passport online.
The U.S. Department of State explains, “We are proposing the same processing time for updating online as for updating by mail.” “If you are traveling internationally in the next 6 weeks, do not renew online.”
How to upload passport photo
Of course, you must provide a recent photo. Of course, you can hire a professional photographer, but you can also ask your family and friends to take your photos.
The State Department says some standards apply to photos as well. For example, the photo must show a clear face, the photo must be without eyeglasses, and the photo must be taken against a white or off-white background without shadows or lines.
Importantly, only photos that follow State Department guidelines are accepted.
Finally, the State Department offers tips and advice on uploading photos.
How to pay for online passport renewal
As you can imagine, you will need to transfer funds from your bank account using a credit card, debit card, or automated clearing house payment to pay your online passport renewal fee. Payment is completed at the Pay.Gov secure portal. This portal is encrypted to ensure the protection of your personal and payment information.
Adult passport books cost $130. The adult passport card, valid only for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean, costs $30. Adult passport book and card costs $160.
You can learn more about other passport renewal fees on the Department of State’s Passport Fees webpage.
