The final rule giving eligible applicants the option to renew passports online is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register tomorrow.

Key Points:

  • Eligible applicants will have the option to apply online via MyTravelGov by filling out the application online, uploading a photo and paying the government fee via pay.gov.
  • Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to use the Online Passport Renewal (OPR) system; otherwise, they must use the mail-in application process.
  • The OPR system will initially apply to individuals in the U.S. and later be rolled out to those applying from abroad.
  • The final rule is effective on Dec. 23, 2021.

Additional Information: U.S. passport renewal applicants typically use the mail-in process, requiring applications to be initially processed through a lockbox and then sent to a passport agency or center for further processing. The final rule provides more flexibility for the renewal applicant; eliminates the physical application and lockbox processing times; and increases data quality, protection and traceability.

BAL Analysis: The rule should help streamline the renewal process for eligible U.S. passport holders. Passport applicants are reminded that the State Department is still seeing extended processing delays and should apply at least six months before planned travel.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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