Renewing your passport is getting easier. Here’s what it means for Kansas, Missouri
Passport problems plagued Kansas City residents last year, when travelers who hoped to head overseas had to jump over hurdle after hurdle to get their applications approved before their planned flights.
Now, a new feature by the U.S. Department of State could help Midwesterns if they have future passport application woes.
Travelers in Kansas, Missouri and most of the Midwest are forced to travel hours away to visit passport agencies if they need an in-person appointment to help fix any last-minute application problems.
The closest offices to Kansas City are Chicago and Hot Springs, Arkansas, or you can go even farther to Denver, Dallas and Minneapolis. But the offices, which don’t accept walk-ins, are often booked.
When appointments are available, the time slot might be just one or two days in the future, forcing applicants to purchase expensive last-minute flights or embark on day-long road trips.
A new method for obtaining a passport is on its way, though last-minute help still could require a drive. An online passport renewal service began this week with the department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, where eligible residents can renew their passports online. The system is currently in beta, so it will open for a limited midday window each day and close once it reaches the daily limit. The application window operates in the Eastern time zone.
Does it take less time for Kansans and Missourians to renew their passport through the online portal? How long will it take to receive a new passport? Here’s how to use the new service.
What do I need to renew my passport online?
You can renew your passport online if your current passport was issued between 2009 and 2015, or between nine and 15 years before when you plan to apply. You must also be at least 25 years old, and the passport you’re renewing must have been valid for 10 years.
The passport must also be expiring within one year or have expired less than five years ago.
Other requirements you must meet to be able to renew your passport online include:
- You are not changing your name, gender, date or place of birth.
- You are not traveling internationally for at least eight weeks from the date you submit your application.
- You are applying for a regular passport.
- You live in the United States.
- You have your passport with you, it’s not damaged, and you haven’t previously reported it as lost or stolen. Keep your most recent passport and don’t mail it back.
- You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card.
- You can upload a digital passport photo.
- You are aware that the passport you are renewing will be canceled after you submit the application and you can no longer use it for international travel.
Americans who don’t meet these qualifications but have at least eight weeks before their trip can still apply for a new passport at a local acceptance facility like a post office, or renew by mail.
I qualify to renew my passport online. What do I do next?
If you meet the criteria to renew your passport online, you can create an online account. Once that’s created, you will need to click on the “Renew Your Passport” button on the home page to start.
If the system reaches the daily limit, you will have to try again tomorrow. If it didn’t, you have 30 days to complete your application after you start it.
When you submit your application, you will need to enter your information as it was printed on your passport. For example, if your name is spelled JoAnn, but it’s printed as “Jo Ann” on the passport, use the version that’s on the passport.
However, if you have a hyphen in your name and the passport contains the hyphen, enter your name without it. The service says they’ll add the hyphen when they review your application.
You can renew passport books and cards on the online application.
You will then need to upload a photo in .JPEG format. Have someone else take your photo since the department doesn’t accept selfies. The photo must meet the passport standards, which means no smiling, no glasses, headwear or items blocking your face, a neutral-colored background with no objects hanging behind you, no shadows on your face or in the background, and it’s a clear, high-quality picture.
The last step is the pay for the passport. The cost will depend on what you’re renewing.
How long will it take to receive my new passport?
Since the online portal is only offering routine service, this means applicants can expect to receive their new passport within six to eight weeks.
If you need your passport quicker, you can request expedited service for $60, which usually takes two or three weeks, plus an extra $19.53 for one-to-two day delivery of your completed passport book.
If you need it even quicker, you will still have to get an appointment and take the long drive to one of the passport agencies in the United States.
