MENG ANNOUNCES PILOT PROGRAM TO RENEW PASSPORTS ONLINE

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced today a new pilot program launched by the U.S. State Department that allows travelers from Queens and throughout New York and the nation to renew their passports online.

Beginning at midday each day, the program will allow applicants to submit information to renew their passport as long as they meet the stated requirements. The application window will close each day once the system reaches its daily limit. The cap is designed to allow the State Department to monitor and test the beta program in real time, while addressing any issues and making improvements where necessary. This pilot program is part of the agency’s plans to launch a full online renewal system, but the official date has not yet been announced. It aims to reduce the lengthy process many travelers experience when trying to renew their passports.

“Getting a passport renewed should not be a headache for U.S. travelers including those in Queens and across New York,” said Congresswoman Meng. “After months of backlogs and delays following the COVID-19 pandemic, I am pleased to see the State Department taking steps to simplify and modernize the renewal process. This online platform will reduce delays caused by the often-drawn-out bureaucratic processes and facilitate travel, which will make it easier for my constituents to see their loved ones, travel, and conduct business around the world.”

Renewing a passport online involves a six-step process:

1. Create a free MyTravelGov account.

2. Log in and start a renewal application by clicking on the "Renew Your Passport" button.

3. Fill in all the boxes on the form with the information currently printed on your passport.

4. Enter your plans to travel internationally if your departure is within the next eight weeks.

5. Upload a photo of yourself.

6. Pay the passport renewal fee and digitally sign the application.

 The number of Americans with valid passports has grown exponentially over the past 30 years. In 1990 just five percent of Americans had passports. Now, that number has grown to 48 percent.

In 2023, the State Department fielded half a million passport applications a week and issued a record 24 million passports. Standard processing times for a passport ranged from 10-13 weeks and expedited requests took about 7-9 weeks. In calling for the passport backlog to be addressed, Congresswoman Meng pushed the State Department to decrease the long wait times, and that included questioning Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the problem during a congressional hearing on the State Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request in May 2023. According to the State Department, standard processing times have since been reduced to 6-8 weeks and expedited processing is down to just 2-3 weeks.

Meng’s office routinely helps those in her district fulfill passport requests, especially for those with emergency and last-minute travel plans. Last year, her constituent services team assisted with more than 400 passport requests from constituents who were seeking help booking limited appointments at U.S. Passport Agency locations throughout New York.

Constituents needing assistance with applying for or renewing a passport, can contact Meng’s team for assistance. For emergency requests, constituents should reach out within 14 days of their date of travel by calling 718-358-MENG with any questions.