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CHICAGO, Ill. — U.S. Citizens can now renew their passports online, forgoing a long-winded mail-in paper application process that usually ends in delays for many.

On Wednesday, the State Department announced its online passport renewal system is fully operational.

“By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The requirements for renewing a passport remain the same for the online system. This includes uploading a passport photo, paying fees, and renewing within a certain timeframe. Similar to mail renewal, a passport that has expired within the last five years can be renewed online.

Currently, only adult passports can be renewed online, and only those living in the U.S., either a state or territory, can do so.

In 2021, the pandemic led to staffing shortages and caused significant delays in passport processing. However, the department responded by increasing hiring and implementing technological improvements, which have decreased wait times by approximately one-third compared to last year. Most applications are now completed much faster than the previously advertised six to eight weeks, and introducing an online renewal system is expected to reduce processing times further.

Requirements to renew passport online

You have your passport with you, it isn’t damaged or destroyed, you haven’t reported it as lost or stolen 

You’re 25 or older.

You’re renewing a passport issued between 2009 and 2015.

You aren’t changing any personal information.

You won’t travel overseas for at least eight weeks after you apply.

You live in the U.S.