The Department of State (DOS) has launched a beta release of an updated online passport renewal system that the agency said will allow American citizens to renew their passports online.
Creation of the new online program was driven by the need to speed up the process of filing passport renewals. In recent years and especially during the pandemic, the State Department has dealt with daunting passport application backlogs that have drawn frequent criticism from lawmakers.
“Eligible U.S. citizens can now renew their passports online. We’re conducting a beta release of an updated online passport renewal system,” the agency said.
“During the next several months, we plan to continue to limit the number of applications accepted each day so we can monitor the system’s performance in real time,” the State Department said. “This beta release during which we are limiting the daily applications is an important and standard part of the software development process.”
“You may not be able to start your application on the day of your choice,” the State Department said. “The system will open for a limited midday eastern time window each day, and will close once we reach our limit for the day.”
The beta program urges applicants to follow eight steps:
- Confirm you meet the requirements;
- Create your account;
- Start an application;
- Enter the most recent passport info;
- Enter travel plans;
- Upload digital photo;
- Sign and pay;
- Enroll in email updates.
“We appreciate your patience while we test our system and prepare for a full launch of the updated online passport renewal system,” the agency said.
