Americans with a US mailing address can now fill out a passport renewal application via its website, rather than needing to print a physical copy of a form and mail it in with a check. Applicants can upload a photo, fill out the related form and make a payment entirely online, the Department of State announced.
In a blog post, the Department of State said it also made other changes to expedite the passport renewal process, such as adding more staffing and boosting technological advancements to cut down on wait times. It now takes about one-third of the time to approve a renewed passport, often under the promised 6- to 8-week window, compared to last summer, according to the agency.
The effort is part of President Biden's Executive Order to modernize government services and make them more accessible.
The service is available for applicants aged 25 or older with a 10-year passport that expired within the last five years. The change only applies for regular tourist passports.
For first-time passport applications, however, adults are still required to print a physical form and mail it in or visit various processing facilities in person. Check CNET's guide to find out exactly how to renew your passport online.