US Passport Online Renewal (2026 Guide)
The US now offers fully online passport renewal
Eligible adults can complete the entire application digitally — no paper forms, no in-person visit. You upload a digital photo, pay online, then mail in your old passport. No execution fee required.
Am I Eligible for Online Renewal?
You must meet ALL of the following criteria to use the online system:
Note
Photo Requirements for Online Renewal
The online system requires a digital photo upload — not a printed photo. The specs differ slightly from a paper application.
Create a compliant digital photo for online renewal
Online vs. Mail-In Renewal: Key Differences
| Aspect | Online Renewal | DS-82 Mail-In |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Digital form submission | Paper DS-82 form mailed |
| Photo format | Digital upload (JPEG, 600×600px min) | 2×2 inch print mailed with form |
| In-person visit | Not required | Not required |
| Passport mailed in | Yes — after online submission | Yes — with application form |
| Execution fee | None ($130 total) | None ($130 total) |
| Expedited option | Yes (+$60) | Yes (+$60) |
| Routine processing | 6–8 weeks | 6–8 weeks |
| Eligibility | Age 25+, passport issued 16+, issued after 2007 | Age 16+ at last issuance, issued after 15 years |
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Online
You must be a US citizen, have a passport issued when you were 16 or older, be 25 or older now, have an expiring or recently expired passport (within 15 years), and your most recent passport was issued after December 31, 2007.
Go to travel.state.gov and sign in with a Login.gov account. You'll need to verify your identity electronically. Have your current passport ready.
The online system requires a digital photo upload — not a print. Your photo must be JPEG format, between 100KB and 10MB, at least 600×600 pixels, and meet all standard passport photo requirements (white background, no glasses, neutral expression, taken within 6 months).
The system walks you through the DS-82 renewal form digitally. You'll enter your personal information, travel details, and upload your photo. Review carefully before submitting.
The passport renewal fee is $130. No execution fee applies (that's only for in-person submissions at acceptance facilities). Pay by credit or debit card through the secure portal.
After submitting online, you'll receive instructions to mail your current passport to the processing center. Use trackable mail (USPS Priority Mail or better). Do not send the passport before completing the online submission.
Use the State Department's application status portal to track processing. Your new passport is mailed to the address you provided. Current processing times: routine is 6–8 weeks; expedited is 2–3 weeks for an additional $60.
Warning
Current Processing Times (2026)
From the date the processing center receives your mailed passport. Not from the date of online submission.
Faster processing at the agency. Recommended if you have travel within 10 weeks.
Times are estimates. Check travel.state.gov for current processing times before applying — they change frequently.
Create Your Digital Passport Photo — Free
JPEG · 600×600px min · white background · compliant for online renewal
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FAQ
Can you renew a US passport online?
Yes — the US State Department's online renewal system (via MyTravelGov) allows eligible adults to renew their passport entirely online, then mail in their old passport. You do not need to visit a passport acceptance facility or passport agency if you qualify. The system launched in beta in 2024 and is now widely available.
Who is eligible for online passport renewal?
You can renew online if: you are a US citizen, you are 25 or older, your most recent passport was issued when you were 16 or older, your passport was issued after December 31, 2007, your passport is expiring within 15 years or has already expired. If you don't meet all these criteria, you must use DS-82 by mail or apply in person with DS-11.
What photo format is required for online passport renewal?
The online renewal system requires a digital photo upload. The photo must be: JPEG format, minimum 600×600 pixels (square), between 100KB and 10MB in size. All standard passport photo rules apply: white or off-white background, no glasses, neutral expression, taken within the last 6 months, color photo.
How long does online passport renewal take?
Routine online renewal takes 6–8 weeks from when the processing center receives your mailed passport. Expedited processing (additional $60) takes 2–3 weeks. Processing times can vary — check travel.state.gov for current estimates before applying.
What's the fee for online passport renewal in 2026?
The passport book fee is $130. If you want expedited processing, add $60 ($190 total). If you want a passport card in addition to a book, add $30. There is no execution fee for online renewal (unlike in-person submissions that add $35).
Do I need to print anything for online passport renewal?
After submitting your online application, you will receive a submission confirmation and instructions for mailing your current passport. The mailing instructions include a cover sheet you print and include in the envelope. No DS-82 paper form needs to be filled out manually — the system generates it for you.
What if I don't qualify for online renewal?
If you don't meet the online renewal criteria, use DS-82 (mail-in renewal) if you're eligible, or DS-11 (in-person application) if you're applying for the first time or don't meet DS-82 criteria. DS-82 by mail is similar to online but requires printing, signing, and mailing the form with a printed 2×2 photo.
Can I still renew by mail instead of online?
Yes. DS-82 mail-in renewal is still available and works exactly as it did before the online system launched. The online system is an alternative, not a replacement. Many people still prefer to mail a completed DS-82 form with a printed passport photo.