Online renewal
How to Renew Your Passport Online, Step by Step
Short answer
To renew your passport online, confirm you are eligible, then go to opr.travel.state.gov, fill out the application in one session, upload a recent color digital photo (JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF, 54 KB to 10 MB), pay by credit or debit card, and submit. Keep your old passport; it is cancelled once you apply. Watch your email for status updates until your new passport arrives.
On this page
Online renewal takes most of the paperwork out of getting a new U.S. passport. There is no form to print, no check to write and no envelope to mail. But the system expects you to arrive prepared, and the photo upload trips up more people than any other step. This guide walks you through the whole process in order, based on the State Department's online renewal pages as checked on October 7, 2026.
Before you start: confirm you qualify
Online renewal is only for adults who meet every one of these conditions: you are 25 or older; your passport was valid for 10 years and expires within 1 year or expired less than 5 years ago; you are not changing your name or sex; you are in a U.S. state or territory; you are not traveling for at least 6 weeks; and your passport is with you, undamaged and never reported lost or stolen. If you are unsure about any of them, use the online renewal eligibility checklist first.
What you need before you start
Gather everything before you open the application. The State Department warns that if you leave and come back later, your session may expire and you will have to start over.
| Item | Why you need it | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| The passport you are renewing | You enter its details | Keep it; do not mail it |
| Credit or debit card | Online fees are paid by card only | Book $130, card $30, both $160 |
| Digital passport photo | Uploaded during the application | Saved on the device you are using |
| Social Security number | Required on the application | Have the card or number ready |
| Emergency contact details | Required on the application | Name, phone and address |
| Email address you check | Status updates and requests arrive by email | Check spam folders too |
| Uninterrupted time | Sessions can expire | Use a computer if you can |
Step-by-step: renewing at opr.travel.state.gov
- Go to the official site. Type opr.travel.state.gov yourself or follow the link from travel.state.gov. The State Department says it is the only authorized place to renew online, and that sites ending in .com, .org or .us are not part of the government, even with "gov" in their name.
- Start the application. Follow the on-screen prompts to sign in or create an account. You must complete your own application; no third party can submit it for you.
- Confirm eligibility. The system asks questions about your passport and situation. Answer accurately. If you do not qualify, it will point you to another way to apply.
- Choose your document. Pick a passport book, a passport card, or both. Online, you can renew what you have or add a card or book, but you cannot switch from only a card to only a book or the other way around.
- Enter your personal information. Name, date of birth, Social Security number, contact details and emergency contact. Your name must match your current passport.
- Upload your photo. Select the file or drag and drop it. Crop and reposition it in the tool. The tool checks basic requirements and tells you if something needs to change. More on this below.
- Review everything. Check spelling, dates and the mailing address where your new passport will be sent.
- Pay. Enter your credit or debit card. You can add 1 to 3-day return delivery for a passport book ($26.87 as of October 7, 2026).
- Submit. Your current passport is cancelled at this point. Do not use it for international travel.
The photo upload: get this right the first time
The State Department says unacceptable photos are the number one reason it puts passport applications on hold. The online tool only checks the basics. A staff member reviews your photo after you submit, and if it fails, you will get a letter or email asking for a new one.
File rules
- File type: JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF. Most phone photos already save in one of these.
- File size: between 54 KB and 10 MB.
- Color, taken in the last 6 months.
- Original and unedited: no filters, no retouching, no beauty modes.
- Not a scan or a photo of a printed picture.
- Do not send the image to yourself by text message; the State Department notes this can lower the quality.
Our digital passport photo size guide goes deeper on file dimensions and how to check them on your phone or computer.
How to frame it
Stand several feet from a plain white or off-white wall, with someone else taking the photo several feet away from you. Face the camera directly with both eyes open and a neutral expression or natural smile, without showing teeth. The bottom of the frame should be around the edge of your shoulders. If you are not sure, leave a little extra room; you can crop in the upload tool.
-
CorrectCentred, neutral, even light
-
ShadowsLight from one side
-
Head tiltedKeep your head level
The most common photo problems
| Problem | What causes it | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Shadows on face or wall | Light from one side, standing close to the wall | Face a window, step away from the wall |
| Background not white | Gray, colored or textured wall | Use a white wall or hang a white sheet |
| Head tilted or turned | Arm's-length selfie | Have someone else take it at eye level |
| Blurry or grainy | Low light, digital zoom, compression | Use daylight and the highest quality setting |
| Glasses | Habit | Remove them unless you have a signed medical statement |
| Edited look | Filters, portrait mode, background tools | Upload the original file |
Selfies cause many of these problems at once. See why selfies get rejected if you plan to use your phone.
After you submit
Status emails
The State Department emails you when your application is in process, when it is approved, and when your passport is mailed. Our guide to checking your passport renewal status explains each message.
If they need something from you
If there is a problem, often with the photo, you will get a letter or email. You must respond within 90 days of the date on it, and your application is on hold until you do. Read what to do when your photo is rejected to fix it quickly.
If your plans change
Online renewals cannot be expedited when you apply. If a trip comes up after you submit, or you move to another U.S. address, call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 to ask about expedited service or 1 to 3-day delivery, or to update your mailing address.
What to do with your old passport
Do not mail it. The State Department says to keep it. It is cancelled and cannot be used for international travel, but an old passport can still serve as proof of citizenship even when it is expired. If it holds a visa you still need, ask the embassy or consulate that issued the visa whether you can keep using it. Your new passport will have a new number, so update any travel accounts that store it, such as Global Entry.
Not sure your photo is ready? Run it through the free passport photo checker before you start the application.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to renew a passport online?
Filling out the application can be done in one sitting if you have everything ready. Processing is routine service, listed by the State Department at 4 to 6 weeks as of October 2026, plus mailing time for your new passport. Online renewals cannot be expedited at submission.
Can I take my own photo for online passport renewal?
Yes. You can take it at home as long as it meets the rules: color, taken in the last 6 months, plain white or off-white background, no glasses or filters, and saved as JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF between 54 KB and 10 MB. Having someone else take it works best.
Do I need to mail anything when I renew online?
No. You do not mail a form, photo or your old passport. You keep your previous passport, which is cancelled after you submit. You only need to respond by mail or email if the State Department asks for more information.
What payment methods are accepted for online renewal?
The State Department says to use a credit card or debit card when renewing online. Checks and money orders are for mail renewal. Fees as of October 2026 are $130 for a book, $30 for a card and $160 for both.
Can someone else fill out my online renewal for me?
No. The State Department says you must complete your own online application and cannot use a third-party service or have someone submit it on your behalf. For technical issues, call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778.
Sources
- Renew Your Passport Online - U.S. Department of State
- Uploading a Digital Photo - U.S. Department of State
- Passport FAQs - U.S. Department of State
- Check Your Application Status - U.S. Department of State
Rules change. Always confirm on travel.state.gov before you submit. See our editorial policy.