Overview
- The State Department cautioned that submitting a renewal through its online portal cancels the current passport at once, so it cannot be used for travel even if it has not expired.
- The online option is restricted to applicants who are physically in a U.S. state or territory, and Americans abroad are directed to embassies or consulates where emergency, limited-validity passports may be available.
- Routine processing for the online system typically takes four to six weeks, leaving applicants without a valid document to depart or reenter the United States during that time.
- Eligibility is narrow, including being 25 or older and renewing a 10‑year adult passport that expires within one year or expired less than five years ago, with no name or sex changes and no damage to the document.
- Officials urge applicants to use only opr.travel.state.gov and to expect standard fees of $130 for a passport book, $30 for a card, or $160 for both, with optional 1–3 day delivery costing $22.05.