Americans applying for their first U.S. passport will have a new, more streamlined option beginning next year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced as the Trump administration unveiled America.gov, a new online portal for federal government services.
Rubio said the State Department is working with America.gov to allow Americans to complete first-time passport applications entirely online. By the end of 2027, the State Department plans to make online passport and passport card applications available to most Americans.
The new process is expected to eliminate several steps that currently require first-time applicants to complete paperwork and appear in person at a passport acceptance facility.
Under the planned system, applicants will be able to sign in through Login.gov, review information already available to the government, upload or take a passport photograph using a phone or other device, pay online and track the application. Rubio also demonstrated a feature that would provide an estimated passport delivery date.
For families preparing for international travel, the change could make applying for passports more convenient, particularly for people who live far from passport acceptance facilities or have difficulty scheduling appointments.
America.gov is currently operating primarily as an information and question-and-answer website. The passport application and other transaction features are expected to be added in 2027.
Rubio also unveiled a redesigned U.S. passport that is scheduled for 2028. The “Flight of the Eagle” design will feature a larger Great Seal and new visual and security elements.
For now, first-time applicants must continue following the existing in-person application process until the new online system officially launches.
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