TUSCALOOSA -- The Department of State's Online Passport Renewal system is now open 24/7 for all Americans.
According to a Department of State press release, the new system allows the public to renew their passports without having to print an application, write a check and mail in the fee and application. The option to physically mail in an application and fees is still available though.
OPR also digitizes your passport photo so applicants no longer need to stand in line somewhere to have their photo taken.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said in the same press release that the Department is embracing digital transformation to provide a smooth online passport renewal experience for Americans.
"Our online passport renewal system is an important example of how the Department is modernizing government services for the benefit of Americans and delivering on President Biden's Executive Order, 'Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government'," Blinken said.
In June, applicants begin testing out the software for the new renewal system. The number of applicants using the software was slowly increased over time.
The program has tested and processed 750,000 passport renewals since February 2022.
According to the press release, applicants are receiving their new passports before the six to eight weeks estimated processing date. Users can receive their passports in a third of the time it takes to receive it after completing a mail-in application; however, applicants are still encouraged to apply early when using the online system to ensure enough time for processing before traveling.