Baller Alert Entertainment & Lifestyle
Renewing passports will be easier starting next year, thanks to a successful pilot program.
The State Department is expected to roll out the virtual passport renewing option in 2023.
The idea was first tested through a pilot program in August and will likely become available to all by early next year, Travel + Leisure reported.
As part of the online application process, travelers will be able to take and upload their own photos and pay with a credit or debit card or by using an ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment.
However, for those that want to use the convenient option, they must meet specific requirements, including the 25 years old age requirement, their most recent passport was valid for ten years, and their old passport was issued between nine years ago and 15 years ago.
Travelers renewing online will not be able to change their name, gender, date of birth, or place of birth.
The launch follows an executive order signed by President Joe Biden last year that requires the government to create a new online system.
It also follows a pilot program in which 25,000 applicants were allowed to renew entirely online.
Passport wait times for online renewals are the same as mail-in renewals, with average process times of seven to 10 weeks for routine service or four to six weeks with expedited service, the State Department confirmed.
Travelers renewing their passports must pay $130 for the passport book and an additional $60 if they want to expedite it.
There is an extra $18.32 for one to two-day delivery.
