As someone who travels for a living, few things are more stressful than realizing your passport is about to expire, especially when an international trip can pop up at any moment. If you need to renew your passport, do it NOW! I just went through the process, and let me tell you, it was shockingly fast.

I renewed my passport online on February 1, 2025 and received my brand-spankin’-new passport on February 10, 2025…all without paying for expedited service. Yep, you read that right: 9 days start to finish.

If you’re looking for a quick, hassle-free way to renew your passport, here’s exactly how to do it online.

Can You Renew Your Passport Online?

Yes, BUT, not everyone is eligible for online renewal. Before you start, make sure you meet these requirements:

• The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older.
• The passport you are renewing is either expiring within one year or has expired less than five years ago.
• You are not changing your name, sex, date of birth, or place of birth.
• You live in the U.S. (online renewal isn’t available for those living abroad).

See full list of requirements here.

Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Passport Online

Step 1: Take a Passport Photo 

I took my own passport photo and resized it using idphoto4you.com—the same site I used 10 years ago for my last renewal.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a plain white background, face the camera straight on, and make sure there are no shadows. Resize your image according to the government’s requirements.

Don’t trust yourself to take your own photo? You can go to places like Walgreens or CVS to get your passport photo taken. The price is around $16.99 + tax for two government-compliant photos at the time of this post.

Step 2: Create an Account on the State Department’s Website

Head to the official U.S. Passport Renewal site and create an account.

Step 3: Fill Out the Application

The online system will guide you through entering your details. You’ll need:

• Your current passport information
• Your new passport photo (upload it here)
• Payment method for the renewal fee ($130 for a standard passport book)

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

You can pay using a debit or credit card. Standard processing is free, but you can choose expedited service for an additional $60.

Step 5: Submit and Wait

Once you hit submit, you’ll get a confirmation email. From there, it’s a waiting game, but as my experience shows, it might be way faster than you expect!

How Long Does It Take to Renew a Passport Online?

Processing times vary, but in 2025, they’ve been surprisingly quick:

• Regular Processing: Estimated 6-8 weeks, but mine arrived in 9 days.
• Expedited Processing: Estimated 2-3 weeks ($60 extra).
• Urgent Travel (In-Person Only): 5-7 days (appointment required).

FAQs About Online Passport Renewal

1. Can I Renew Online If My Passport Is Lost or Stolen?

Nope. If your passport is lost or stolen, you’ll need to apply in person using Form DS-11.

2. Can I Change My Name During Online Renewal?

No. If your name has changed, you must apply by mail or in person with legal documentation.

3. How Will I Receive My New Passport?

Your new passport will be mailed to you. I received mine via USPS.

4. What If I Have International Travel Soon?

If you’re traveling within 5-7 weeks, choose expedited service. If you’re traveling within 14 days, you’ll need an in-person appointment at a passport agency.

5. Will I have to mail in my old passport?

No. You keep your old passport; however, once your application is approved (this took about a day or so from the time I submitted it), your old passport will essentially be rendered “deactivated” and you will not be able to use it.

6. How early can I renew my passport?

There is no time limit on how early you can renew your passport. Still have 2 years left on your current passport? 5 years left? You can renew — as long as you meet the rest of the requirements.

Renew Your Passport Now!

If you’re even thinking about renewing your passport, do it now. You never know when an opportunity for international travel will come up, and the last thing you want is to scramble for an appointment at the last minute.

My renewal process was shockingly smooth and fast. Hopefully, yours will be too! Take your photo, submit your application, and get ready for your next adventure!

PLANNING A TRIP?

• Book your accommodations with Expedia, Vrbo, or Hotels.com and earn OneKeyCash with every stay!
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• Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing. You never know when you might need it. Lost luggage, trip cancellation, accidents. Better to be safe than sorry.
• Don’t forget these packing essentials you didn’t even know you needed!

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