The U.S. Department of State announced plans to allow first-time passport applicants to complete the process entirely online beginning next year, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The new system, launching through the America.gov platform, eliminates the requirement for in-person visits to authorized facilities.
The online application process will enable applicants to submit personal details via their login.gov accounts, upload a passport photo taken on their device, pay fees digitally, and track their application status without printing forms or visiting an acceptance facility. Rubio described the change as making the process more accessible for all Americans, regardless of location, during a September 29 event introducing America.gov.
Currently, adults applying for a first passport must visit an authorized facility in person to complete paper forms and submit a passport photo meeting specific criteria, including a plain white or off-white background and recentness within six months. The new system will allow users to take and upload their own photo directly through the platform, with the ability to preview how it will appear on the passport before submission.
The State Department also unveiled a redesigned U.S. passport expected to roll out in 2028, marking the first major passport redesign since 2021. The updated design incorporates new security features and technologies as part of ongoing modernization efforts. The America.gov platform is described as an AI-powered government services hub designed to simplify access to federal services.
Rubio highlighted the elimination of intermediaries and fees associated with third-party services, stating that applicants will no longer need to rely on external providers for tasks such as photo submission or form completion. The system aims to streamline the process by guiding users through each step digitally. The Department of State did not provide additional details on the exact launch date within 2024 or the full scope of services available through America.gov beyond passport applications.