More Americans can now renew their passports online, Here’s how.

Image Name:Online passport renewals open up to the masses.

Image Credit : USA Today

The United States Department of State has recently unveiled an online passport renewal system that seeks to make travel easier and minimize red tape. This is a milestone in the American administration of travel as it shows increased demand for fastness in today’s hurry. Here you learn all about renewing your passport over the internet, who qualifies, what happens during the renewal process and what are the advantages of using the new system.

Why Renew Your Passport Online?
It’s been a long time since you would have had to fill out forms and mail in the documents before waiting for weeks for your passport to be renewed, but no more! The online renewal system which is new tries to simplify this process thus making it faster and easier for eligible citizens in the United States. The State Department expects that by going online, applications that have been lying idle will be cleared promptly while enhancing usability features amidst concerns from users.

Who is Eligible?

The alternative for online passport renewal exists for: 

• Adults with Expired Passports: Your existing passport can be renewed online if it is expired or if it’s going to expire in six months.
• Adults Whose Passports Were Issued Within the Last 15 Years: To be eligible for online renewal, your passport should have been issued in the last 15 years.
• Adults Who Were 16 Years or Older When Their Passport Was Issued: This regulation is pertinent if your passport was issued to you when you had reached above 16 years of age.
• Adults Who Can Use the Same Name:
  If you need to get a new passport because your name needs changing due to marriage or divorce otherwise for any other reason, you may have to undergo a different procedure when renewing it.
  
• U.S. Citizens with No Significant Changes in Personal Information:
  In case there haven’t been any modifications to your identity, sex, or nationality since the last time you received a passport; then it is highly probable that you’re entitled to renew it online.

How to Renew Your Passport Online:

• Know about the Criteria:
  Ascertain that everything possible has been done to meet all these before starting off the renewal process. When you are not qualified for online renewal then you have no option except to follow the manual process of renewing.
• Set up An Account on The Site of The State Department:
  Go to the US Department of State website and create an account there. Your details need to be included, including your Social Security number among others plus a secure password required.
• Fill out The Online Form:
  Complete the DS-82 form which serves as the application for renewing your passport. The form asks for some details found on your old passport such as when it was issued and the corresponding passport number among others.
• Required Documents Upload:
  You must upload a recent passport photograph and any supporting documents that are needed for your application. The photograph must meet exact conditions determined by the State Department concerning size, background colour and facial expression.
• Renewal Fee Payment:
  The online passport renewal system has a fee that is payable via credit or debit card. This charge matches what one would pay during the conventional renewal process.
• Submit Your Application:
  After filling out the form and uploading your documents, double-check if everything is all right before submitting it. A reference number will be included in the email confirming that you have successfully applied to enable you to track its progress later on.
• Track Your Application:
  Tracking progress online is made possible using the reference number found in your confirmation email. When your passport is ready, an email will notify you.

Image Name: Passport Scanning for a renewal

Image Credit : AARP

Benefits of Renewing Online:

• Convenience: Elimination of visiting a passport office or mailing documents for renewal is among the advantages that come with online renewal, and this saves on time and other inconveniences.
• Faster Processing Times: In most cases, online renewals are processed faster compared to traditional applications thus reducing the waiting time of getting your new passport.
• Reduced Risk of Errors: The online system guides you through the process step by step, which also helps in reducing errors and ensuring the completeness of your application.
• Enhanced Security: Online applications utilize secure systems to safeguard the personal information of applicants, making them safer than mailing documents.
  
• Fast Confirming: You get quick acknowledgment of your application, which can ease your mind and help keep you updated on the status of renewal.
  

What happens if you cannot renew online?
In case you do not qualify for renewal through internet channels; it is imperative to take the old route. You will have to send your request via post along with all needed materials, including passport photos, birth certificate as well as proof of citizenship. This method typically takes longer and involves several other steps that are manual but remain a valid approach for getting back your travelling document.

Conclusion
For most Americans, the new online passport renewal system is a welcome development, providing a more streamlined and straightforward method of handling travel documents. By implementing the steps mentioned earlier, qualified persons can go through an efficient process that minimizes waiting time while making it easy to renew. Whether you are going on holiday, travelling for work or reconsidering your identification papers, this recent technology has presented a contemporary way of tackling an age-old bureaucratic issue. Be updated with what is needed to make use of e-renewal when changing your passport next time.