Don’t sign on the dotted line for an international trip before double-checking your passport expiration. You’ll want to renew in plenty of time, but that just became a little easier.
Much-heralded online passport renewal went into effect in September after a successful testing period.
According to the Department of State, not all passport holders will qualify for online renewal. You might if:
- You are at least 25 years old, and your passport was valid for 10 years.
- The passport was issued between 2009 and 2015.
- You are not making changes to your name or other data.
- You are a minimum of 8 weeks from departure.
- You live in the United States or a U.S. territory. As of now, APO/FPO addresses do not qualify.
- You are applying for a regular, tourist passport.
- You have your passport, and it is undamaged.
- You are able and willing to pay the renewal fee online with a credit or debit card.
- You are able to upload a digital passport photo.
- IMPORTANT: You understand that your current passport will NOT be valid after you submit your renewal. It will be canceled.
If you’re still with us, you might be a candidate for online renewal. Visit the State Department to find out more and apply.
