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Has it been on the back of your mind to renew your passport? Jump on it right now, because only the next 25,000 people who apply can renew online, as opposed to going in person to a passport office or entrusting documents through the mail.
As reported by The Points Guy, this pilot program launched by the US Department of State will process these renewals on a first-come, first-served basis. Later this year, this program will launch to the general public.
This is only for folks who aren’t in a hurry. The online processing isn’t any faster than mailing (if you back out the mailing times); routine processing for either method takes 8-11 weeks, while expedited is 5-7 weeks. Moreover, if your planned international travel takes place within the next five weeks, don’t use this avenue.
Now the rules: you must be 25 or older and have held your passport for 10 years (issued between 2007 and 2013) which has either expired less than five years ago or is due to expire within the next year. If you plan to change your name, gender, date or place of birth, this online renewal option is not open to you. If you are trying to change from a passport card to a book or vice-versa, do not renew online. You’ll have to upload your own digital photo in jpeg format.
To be part of the pilot program, create a MyTravelGov account and then, with instructions sent via email afterwards, activate it. Be aware that once you submit an application for renewal, your current passport will be immediately canceled.
For more information, click here.
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