If you’ve tried to renew your passport at any point over the last two years, you’ve likely encountered longer than normal wait times. According to the U.S. Department of State, routine processing currently takes approximately 7-10 weeks and expedited processing run about 4-6 weeks. Not to mention that it can take up to two weeks from the date of your application for it to even be “in process” by the government!
To make things even more time consuming, individuals had only two options for renewal: either by mail or in person.
Last month, however, the State Department launched a new pilot program allowing individuals to renew their passports online, a significant step forward for the majority of us who do pretty much everything via the web.
Although the initial pilot program is now closed after reaching its initial 25,000 applicants, the State Department plans to re-open online enrollment again next month around mid-October.

If you need to renew your passport in order to travel internationally within 72 hours for a life-or-death emergency, or within 14 days for other urgent reasons, call the State Department at 1-877-487-2778 to inquire about your eligibility and to schedule an appointment.
Otherwise, individuals who meet all of the following requirements are eligible to renew online:
- Your most recent passport is/was valid for 10 years and was issued over 9 years ago (in 2013), but less than 15 years ago (in 2007).
- Your most recent passport is not expired.
- You have your passport, it is not damaged, and it has not been previously reported as either lost or stolen.
- You are age 25 or older.
- You are not seeking to change your name, gender, or date or place of birth.
- You are not traveling internationally for at least six weeks from the date your application is submitted.
- You are applying for a regular passport; not a special issuance like a diplomatic passport.
- You live in the United States.

Subscribe to The Mod Traveller and we’ll keep you updated as soon as we hear that online applications are being accepted again.
Once the pilot program re-opens, head to MyTravelGov to create an online account. After the State Department approves your registration, which typically takes about 24 hours, you can login to apply for your passport renewal online.
You will need to submit a digital passport photo in a .JPEG format, so go ahead and secure one now. There are several online photo makers if you want to do it yourself (just make sure you follow these guidelines) or you can head to your local CVS or Walgreen’s to have one taken.
Additionally, keep in mind that passport renewal fees will need to be paid online via either credit/debit card or an ACH bank transfer so make sure you’ve got that information handy.

Renewing Your Passport Online.

Travel Workout Apparel + Accessories.