An executive order signed by President Joe Biden earlier this week will make renewing your passport even easier. Currently, Americans have to physically send in documents during the passport process, but thanks to this new executive order, Americans will soon be able to apply for their passport renewal entirely online. The hope is that this new online passport renewal system will save applicants a lot of time and money.
Can I Currently Apply For a Passport Renewal Online?
Though you can start your passport renewal application online, you cannot complete the entire process solely online. There are some parts of the passport renewal application that you can fill out online, but you will need to physically mail in specific documents to the agency you are applying through. Having to send in documents can cause the applicant to spend their precious time and money. The hope is that the new online passport renewal system will help save Americans time, money, and confusion that the current system may cause.
What Will the Online Passport Renewal Process Entail?
The new online passport renewal process will allow Americans to apply for their passport renewal entirely online without physically sending in documents. Instead of sending in documents, applicants will be able to upload any required documents online with the simple click of a button. Doing this online instead of having to send in documents or applying in person should shorten the turnaround time for passport renewals, save applicants money, and make it easier for people to receive their passports in time for their trip.
Will the Online System be Secure?
Being able to safely and securely submit your information while using the new online system is crucial. You are submitting sensitive and personal information while applying for a passport renewal, and it’s important that this information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
A statement that can be found in a fact sheet released by The White House states that the safety and security of your personal information are of the utmost importance while using the new online passport application system: “Americans will be able to renew their passports securely online, saving time from having to wait and the effort and cost required to print, go to a post office, and use a paper check. This new online process will be done with safety and security.”
How Will the New Online System Help Applicants?
The new online system will make a substantial difference in the way that people renew their passports. This system will help applicants save time and money, and make applying for a passport renewal a lot more convenient.
When applicants use the current passport renewal process, they have to send in physical documents to complete their application. This can take up a lot of time and money, considering that you have to print out and gather all of the required documents, get them packaged and ready to ship, and then wait for the documents to reach their destination. The new system will allow you to complete the passport renewal process entirely online from the comfort of your home.
When Can I Start Using This New Online Passport Renewal System?
As of December 16, 2021, there is no exact date set for when the new online passport renewal system will be ready to use. Though there is no set date quite yet, based on the executive order, they expect the system to be ready in 6-12 months. Once the new system is online, you can expect a smooth and easy process when it comes to getting your passport renewed. Being able to apply online rather than in-person or by mail will save you a whole lot of time, money, and stress.
Will I Still be Able to Apply For my Passport Renewal In Person?
Even though the new online passport renewal system will be an incredibly convenient option for most applicants, some people may want to try and get their passport renewed in person. Typically, people only apply in person for a passport renewal in specific circumstances, such as for a life-or-death emergency or for urgent travel that isn’t for an emergency. So, while applying online will be the preferred way for people to apply for a passport renewal, applicants should still be able to apply in person if they meet the requirements listed on the travel.state.gov website.
The new online passport renewal application system will help many Americans save a whole lot of time, money, and stress. The convenience of applying for your passport renewal completely online is a huge transition from applying in person or sending in documents.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about obtaining a passport renewal or a new passport, please don’t hesitate to contact us. A member of our knowledgeable team would be happy to help answer any questions you may have and can help you get the process started.
