The most annoying part of applying for an American passport will be fixed next year

Is anyone really happy with their passport photo, ever? Most photos, taken at the drugstore, post office or a shady photo booth, end up looking like mugshots. But take heart, things are about to change.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a major overhaul of the U.S. passport experience during the launch of America.gov, and the biggest highlight for anyone getting or renewing a passport is the photo process. First-time applicants will soon be able to apply entirely online—and yes, that means you can snap a fresh selfie with your smartphone, or upload your favorite camera-roll photo, right from the couch. You'll be more comfortable taking your own photo, and it will no doubt show on your face.

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Through Login.gov, you'll be able to upload your picture, check a real-time preview, pay the fee online and track your passport's delivery status step-by-step. While grown-ups get to enjoy this couch-side convenience, keep in mind that kids under 16 will still need in-person visits to keep safeguards intact. The new, online process will also make it easier to get or renew a passport on short notice.

The digital upgrade is only part of the transformation. By 2028, the State Department is rolling out a redesigned physical booklet cheekily titled “Flight of the Eagle”. The sleek blue cover will showcase a bolder, extra-gilded Great Seal, but the interior is where things get fun. The right-hand pages feature a flipbook animation of a bald eagle in mid-flight as you thumb through. The inner pages will feature colorful artwork highlighting iconic moments in American history, from the American Revolution at Lexington to the Wright brothers and the Artemis program.

To accommodate avid globetrotters, the new standard passport will expand from 26 to 38 pages. Even the physical delivery is getting a facelift, swapping out flimsy paper envelopes for upgraded, premium packaging fitting for such an important document.

If your current passport is still valid past 2028, there is no need to rush out for a replacement—it remains valid until its printed expiration date. But for new and renewing applicants, the process is about to get easier—just keep those selfies professional!