Written by How to Renew a U.S. Passport Online in 2026
The United States now allows eligible adults to renew a passport online for routine service. It is not for every traveler, and it cannot be expedited, so the first step is checking whether online renewal is actually the right path.
Who can use online renewal?
Use only the official State Department site ending in .gov. The State Department warns that the only authorized online renewal site is its official passport renewal system.
- Your passport was valid for 10 years.
- It is expiring within 1 year or expired less than 5 years ago.
- You are age 25 or older.
- You are not changing your name, sex, or other personal information.
- You are not traveling for at least 6 weeks; online renewals cannot be expedited.
- You are in a U.S. state or territory when applying.
- Your passport is not damaged and was not reported lost or stolen.
Online vs. mail vs. in person
| Method | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Online renewal | Eligible adults needing routine service | No expedited service; do not travel on the old passport after renewal because it will be canceled. |
| Renew by mail with DS-82 | Adults who qualify for renewal but prefer paper/mail | You must mail your most recent passport and documents. |
| In-person application | Lost/stolen passport, damaged passport, child passport, old passport issued too long ago, urgent travel | Appointment and extra documentation may be required. |
Basic online renewal steps
- Go to the official State Department online renewal page.
- Confirm eligibility before starting.
- Create or sign in to the required account.
- Enter your passport information exactly as shown.
- Upload a digital passport photo that meets U.S. photo rules.
- Pay the renewal fee and submit.
- Track the application status and wait for the new passport.
When online renewal is the wrong choice
If you are traveling soon, need expedited processing, need to change personal information, have a child passport, lost your passport, or have a damaged passport, use the appropriate mail or in-person path instead. Online renewal is convenient, but it is not an emergency service.
Official links
Last checked: July 2, 2026. Requirements, fees, processing times, and online system availability can change.
Confirm eligibility on the issuing authorityโs site
Online passport renewal is not available in every circumstance. Eligibility, photo standards, fees, delivery timing, and emergency options must be confirmed in the U.S. Department of Stateโs current instructionsโnot inferred from the year in this articleโs title.
Before you rely on this page
- Use the State Department eligibility tool or current renewal instructions.
- Check photo and mailing requirements before paying.
- If travel is soon, use the official urgent-travel guidance.
Official reference: U.S. Department of State: renew a passport ยท Life Atlas