MENG ANNOUNCES NEW ONLINE PASSPORT RENEWAL SYSTEM

WASHINGTON, D.C. - After recently announcing a pilot program to allow travelers from Queens and throughout the nation to renew their passports online, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) said today that the initiative has become permanent.

Meng announced the pilot program last summer. It provided a limited number of slots for individuals to submit renewal applications, and the application window closed each day once the system reached its daily limit. The new and permanent online system, which aims to enhance how borough residents and other travelers renew their passports, is now fully functional and will be available 24/7 from cell phones, tablets, and computers.

"As a lawmaker who has fought to reduce wait times for passports, I am thrilled that the process for renewals has been modernized and made easier through this new online tool which is now up and running," said Meng. "This new platform will take advantage of technology to provide another option for those in Queens and across the country who are seeking to renew their passports. The service will be a huge convenience for travelers seeking to plan international vacations, visit loved ones abroad or conduct business around the world. I am excited to see the online system benefit our borough and country, and positively impact travel for many years to come."

To renew a passport online, travelers from Queens and the rest of New York and the U.S. must meet the following requirements:

1. The passport you are renewing is or was valid for 10 years, and you are age 25 or older.
2. The State Department issued the passport you are renewing between 2009 and 2015, or over 9 years but less than 15 years from the date you plan to submit your application.
3. You are not changing your name, gender, date of birth or place of birth.
4. You are not traveling for at least 8 weeks from the date you will submit your application.
5. You are applying for a regular tourist passport.
6. You live in the United States.
7. You have your passport with you, it is not damaged, and you have not reported it as lost or stolen.
8. You can pay for your passport using a credit or debit card.
9. You can upload a digital passport photo.
10. You are aware that the State Department will cancel the passport you are renewing after you submit your 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 Blinkenabout the problem during a congressional hearing in May 2023. According to the State Department, standard processing timeshave since been reduced to 6-8 weeks and expedited processing is down to just 2-3 weeks.

Meng's office routinely helps residents of 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. She has also held several events at Queens post offices to help constituents apply for or renew a passport. For emergency requests, constituents can continue to reach out by calling 718-358-MENG with any questions.

To renew a passport online, travelers can go here.