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In a widely expected move, the U.S. State Department has announced that renewing your passport online is finally a reality, and in most cases eliminates the necessity of filling out numerous forms, writing a check, taking a new photo, and mailing the packet to a passport processing center.
The online method is not just easier, it is supposed to cut down on wait times as well. The current time to renew a passport by mail is a roughly a six-to-eight week wait. The advertised time to renew online is two-to-three weeks.
There are a list of caveats though. The main ones being that the online system cannot handle name or gender changes or expedited passport requests, so those must be handled by your local post office or mailed in. You must also currently be living in the United States or its territories, so if you’re living abroad, you must still file a paper application. Finally, the online system only allows those over 25-year-old to renew their passports.
The process to renew online is relatively simple, you must create an account with the State Department, fill out the digital paperwork, enter the info off your old passport, confirm your next date of travel to ensure there is time for your passport to arrive, upload a new photo, and finally enter your payment information.
For those traveling in less than three weeks, you must visit the post office to renew your passport or visit the nearest passport center in Minneapolis for same-day emergency service.
According to Watertown passport clerk Shannon Eitreim, you can walk-in to renew your passport in person at the Watertown post office every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m. You will need to bring your paperwork filled out in black ink, old passport, and check, cash, debit card to pay. Also, you can bring a new passport photo with your or a new one can be taken on-site. Expedited service is available in person for an additional $60.
