By Nathalie Voit
The Department of State may soon roll out online passport renewals.
The agency launched a special pilot program earlier this month to test the proposed offering. According to an Aug. 12 update, the agency was looking for 25,000 volunteers for the first phase of the pilot program.
While the online renewal service is currently closed for testing, the State Department said new spots would open again in September. Interested applicants must meet ten criteria to renew online, including having a recent passport that is/was valid for 10 years, being at least 25 years of age, and not traveling internationally for a minimum period of five weeks from the day they apply.
Processing times for online passport renewals are expected to be similar to those for renewal by mail. Consumers volunteering in the program should expect to wait for 8 to 11 weeks to receive their new passports or 5 to 7 weeks if they choose the expedited processing option.
The costs associated with renewing a passport are not expected to change. The standard renewal fee of $160 ($30 for the passport card and $130 for the application book) will still apply for online renewals.
Waiting times are expected to decrease as the agency simplifies the renewal process and slashes costs.
The service is expected to be fully launched by 2023.
