How to Renew Your U.S. Passport: New Rules, Online Applications & Everything Travelers Should Know

If you’ve ever renewed a passport, you know it hasn’t always been the most convenient process. Between getting passport photos, filling out paperwork, mailing documents, and waiting for your new passport to arrive, it can feel like a lot of work.

Fortunately, things are changing!

The U.S. government is working to make passport applications and renewals easier, including expanding online services and introducing a new passport application system.

And if you’re planning an international trip, there are a few important things you should know before booking your flights.

Big News: Passport Applications Are Going Digital

Beginning in 2027, the State Department plans to introduce a system that will allow eligible Americans to apply for their first passport online.

That means applicants may eventually be able to:

• Complete passport applications online.
• Take passport photos at home.
• Upload required information electronically.
• Pay passport fees online.
• Track their applications digitally.

The new system is expected to be introduced through a federal government portal called America.gov.

Important: This is a planned change, not a service currently available to everyone. Until the new application system launches, first-time applicants should continue following the State Department’s existing application procedures.

The government is also proposing changes to online passport renewal eligibility, including removing the restriction that currently prevents people from renewing online more than one year before their passport expires.

These proposed changes have not yet taken effect, but keep an eye out for updates.

Can You Renew Your Passport Online Right Now? Yes!

The U.S. Department of State already allows eligible Americans to renew their passports online, and for many travelers, this is significantly easier than renewing by mail.

Who qualifies for online passport renewal?

As of October 2026, you generally qualify if:

• You’re at least 25 years old.
• Your previous passport was valid for 10 years.
• Your passport expires within one year or expired less than five years ago.
• You’re not changing your name or other personal information.
• Your passport isn’t damaged, lost, or stolen.
• You’re physically located in the United States or a U.S. territory when applying.
• You won’t be traveling internationally for at least six weeks.

You must also have your existing passport available when completing the application.

Online renewal is available for routine processing only. You cannot request expedited processing when initially applying online.

Renew your passport online through the official U.S. Department of State website

The actual government application portal is here.

Be careful! There are unofficial websites that charge unnecessary fees to help you complete passport applications.

Always make sure you’re using an official .gov website.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Passport?

Here are the standard U.S. passport renewal fees as of October 2026:

Passport Type Renewal Cost
Passport Book $130
Passport Card $30
Passport Book + Card $160
Expedited Processing (by mail) Additional $60

A passport book is what you’ll need for international air travel.

A passport card can be used for certain land and sea crossings between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean destinations.

A passport card cannot be used for international air travel.

If you’re applying for your first adult passport in person, there’s generally an additional $35 acceptance fee.

You can review current fees here:

How Long Does Passport Renewal Take?

One of the biggest questions travelers have is how long they’ll have to wait.

Current State Department processing estimates are:

Service Processing Time
Routine Processing 4–6 weeks
Expedited Processing 2–3 weeks
Urgent Travel Appointment required

These estimates do not include mailing times.

The State Department advises that mailing can add up to two weeks each way.

That means a routine application could potentially take considerably longer than the advertised processing time.

My advice? Don’t wait until the last minute.

If you know you’ll be traveling internationally, check your passport expiration date several months before your trip.

You can find current processing times and expedited service information here:

What If You’re Traveling Soon and Need a Passport?

If your international trip is approaching quickly, you may have options.

Traveling in less than six weeks?

You can request expedited processing when applying by mail or in person.

The additional fee is $60.

Traveling within 14 days?

You may qualify for an urgent passport appointment at a U.S. passport agency or center.

Appointments are limited, and you generally need proof of upcoming international travel.

If you need a foreign visa, you may qualify for an appointment within 28 days of travel.

Official expedited passport information can be found here.

Don’t assume that paying a private passport expediting company will guarantee faster service. Check the State Department’s options first.

Don’t Forget the Six-Month Passport Rule!

This is one of the most important things international travelers need to understand.

Your passport can be technically valid and still prevent you from taking your trip.

Why?

Because many countries require your passport to remain valid for a certain period beyond your planned travel dates.

For some destinations, that’s six months.

For others, it may be three months or another period.

Imagine you’re planning a family vacation in July, and your passport expires in October.

You might think you’re fine because your passport doesn’t expire until after your vacation.

But depending on your destination, you could be denied boarding because your passport doesn’t have enough remaining validity.

And that could mean losing money on flights, hotels, and other nonrefundable reservations.

How do you know what your destination requires?

The U.S. Department of State maintains country-specific travel information, including passport validity requirements, visa rules, and entry restrictions.

Check your destination’s requirements here.

I recommend checking these requirements before booking international travel.

What About Children’s Passports?

If you travel internationally with children, there’s another important rule to remember.

Children’s passports expire much sooner than adult passports.

Here’s how it works:

Age When Passport Is Issued Passport Validity
Under 16 5 years
16 or older 10 years

Even more importantly, passports issued to children under 16 cannot be renewed.

Instead, children must apply for a new passport using the required application process.

For children under 16, both parents or legal guardians generally must provide consent. In many cases, both must appear with the child.

There are exceptions and special procedures when one parent cannot attend.

You can find the official instructions here.

Family travel tip: Before planning an international vacation, check the expiration dates on everyone’s passports.

It’s surprisingly easy to forget that your children’s passports may expire years before yours.

How Do You Renew a Passport by Mail?

If you don’t qualify for online renewal, you may still qualify to renew by mail.

Generally, you’ll need to:

1. Complete the appropriate passport renewal application.
2. Include your most recent passport.
3. Provide a new passport photo.
4. Include payment for the applicable fees.
5. Mail your application to the appropriate processing address.

Eligibility requirements apply, so make sure you review the instructions before mailing anything.

Official passport renewal information

If your passport was issued more than 15 years ago, or you don’t otherwise qualify for renewal, you may need to apply in person instead.

Can You Take Your Own Passport Photo?

Yes, if you’re eligible for online renewal!

The online application process allows you to upload a digital passport photo.

However, there are specific requirements.

Your photo must:

• Be recent and clearly show your face.
• Have a plain, light-colored background.
• Show you looking directly at the camera.
• Have appropriate lighting without distracting shadows.
• Meet the State Department’s digital photo requirements.

Don’t use filters or digitally alter your appearance.

And remember, passport photos have specific rules about glasses, hats, and head coverings.

Follow the official photo instructions provided during your online application.

What Happens to Your Old Passport?

When you renew your passport, your old passport becomes invalid for international travel.

If you renew online, you generally keep your physical passport during the application process, but the State Department cancels it electronically.

That means you should not plan to use it for another international trip after submitting your renewal.

If you renew by mail, the State Department generally returns your old passport separately from your new one.

Your new passport will also have a different passport number.

Travel tip: If you’ve already booked an international flight using your old passport information, remember to update your reservation with your new passport details when you receive it.

Another Change Coming: A New U.S. Passport Design

The government has also announced plans for a redesigned U.S. passport beginning in 2028. The proposed design includes updated security and visual features, including changes to the cover and interior pages. The new format is expected to have 38 pages.

But don’t worry! You won’t need to replace your current passport just because the design changes.
Existing valid passports will continue to be accepted until they expire.

My Passport Checklist Before International Travel

Before every international trip, I recommend checking the following:

• Check your expiration date. Don't assume your passport is valid just because you haven't reached its expiration date.
• Review your destination's entry requirements. Some countries require three or six months of remaining passport validity.
• Check every family member's passport. Children's passports are only valid for five years when issued before age 16.
• Confirm your passport has enough blank pages. Some destinations require one or more blank pages for entry stamps or visas.
• Make a copy of your passport. Keep a secure digital copy and a separate physical copy in case your passport is lost or stolen.
• Check visa requirements. A valid passport doesn't necessarily mean you can enter a country without additional documentation.
• Renew early. Don't wait until you've booked an expensive international vacation to discover that your passport is about to expire.

Here are the government resources worth bookmarking:

Renew Your Passport Online

Passport Renewal and Replacement

Apply for Your First Adult Passport

Children’s Passport Applications

Passport Fees

Expedited and Urgent Passport Services

International Travel Requirements and Advisories

One Last Tip

International travel is exciting, but discovering a passport problem right before departure can turn an amazing vacation into a very expensive headache.

The good news is that renewing your passport is becoming easier, especially with online renewal already available to eligible travelers and additional improvements planned.

My recommendation is simple: Check your passport expiration date today, even if you don’t have an international trip planned.

That way, when an amazing flight deal or points-and-miles opportunity comes along, you’ll be ready to go!

Happy travels!

Simply Points Travel
Helping you travel smarter, pack better, and make the most of your points and miles.

You can view all my TRAVEL ESSENTIALS for a safe and comfortable trip here!