More Americans Could Soon Be Eligible for Online Passport Renewals

The U.S. State Department has proposed expanding online passport renewals, allowing Americans abroad to renew online for the first time and eliminating two in-person consular visits. The plan gradually eases restrictions limiting online renewals to passports expiring within a year, expecting about 60% of an estimated 10.5 million FY2027 renewals to go online, saving roughly $148.7 million annually. Fees remain the same, with a final rule after a 60-day comment period.