Carbondale Reporter

Congressman Mike Bost shared information about the new online passport renewal option, saying, "It's a secure, straightforward system that streamlines the whole process," in a Sept. 22 Facebook post.

"Good news for Southern Illinois travelers - the State Department has launched an Online Passport Renewal system, making it easier for U.S. citizens to renew passports 24/7 from home," said Bost, U.S. Representative, according to Facebook. "No more hassle with paperwork or waiting in long lines. It's a secure, straightforward system that streamlines the whole process. All you need to do is submit your application, payment, and photo online."

To renew online, an individual must meet all of the following requirements: have a valid or expired 10-year passport issued between 2009 and 2015. Individuals must not be changing name, gender, date or place of birth information on a passport, and the travel date must be at least eight weeks later than the application. This service is for U.S. residents applying for a regular tourist passport. Individuals must have their passport undamaged and should not mail it to the U.S. State Department. They must be able to pay for the passport with a credit or debit card and upload a digital photo. Finally, individuals must understand that the passport they are renewing will be canceled after they submit the application.

Screenshot of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's Sept. 22 Facebook post | U.S. Rep. Mike Bost's Facebook page

According to Bost, he shared a link to the online renewal portal, which explains the requirements and options for individuals who do not qualify to renew their passports online. There are eight steps in total: first, one must confirm they meet the requirements; then they can create an account and start an application. Individuals can enter their most recent passport information in the portal, enter travel plans, and upload a digital photo. Then sign and pay. Once they enroll in email updates, the process is done.

The State Department announced the new renewal system on Sept. 18 in a press release. It said, "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." The statement continued by saying that by offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, "the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible."

Bost has been serving as the representative for Illinois’ 12th District since January 6, 2015. He has two decades of experience in the Illinois State House of Representatives where he served as House Republican Caucus Chair. A lifelong resident of Murphysboro and former U.S. Marine Corps member from 1979-1982, Bost worked for 24 years at Bost Trucking Service as a driver and truck manager before joining the Murphysboro Fire Department after graduating from the University of Illinois’ Certified Firefighter II Academy in 1993.