U.S. Department of State Pilots Online Passport Application for Some Adults

U.S. Department of State Launches Online Passport Application Pilot

The U.S. Department of State is introducing a new way for some Americans to apply for a passport. Starting November 16, 2026, a pilot program will allow eligible adults to complete the DS-11 passport application online. This initiative aims to streamline the process for certain applicants, moving parts of the application, including the oath, to a digital format.

Previously, online passport services were limited to those eligible to renew their passports using Form DS-82. The new DS-11 pilot program expands online options to first-time applicants and individuals who cannot use the DS-82 renewal form. This pilot is a step towards potentially offering a fully online application process for all U.S. passports in the future.

Who Can Apply Through the DS-11 Online Pilot?

The initial phase of the DS-11 passport pilot is available to two specific groups of adults in the United States. To be eligible, applicants must be 18 years or older and possess identification that is accepted by the Login.gov system. The program is designed to simplify the application for those who meet these criteria.

The first eligible group includes first-time adult applicants who are using a Certificate of Naturalization issued by USCIS as proof of their U.S. citizenship. The second group consists of individuals who have previously held a valid U.S. passport but are not eligible to renew it using the standard Form DS-82. Applicants can check their eligibility directly on the America.gov website.

Required Identification for Online Applicants

To use the online DS-11 application, individuals must provide an accepted form of identification. The Department of State accepts valid U.S. passport books and cards, as well as driver’s licenses or non-driver identification cards issued by a state, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. territory. It is important to note that mobile driver’s licenses are not considered valid for this process.

Applicants who need to submit documents like an affidavit or a court order will be directed to the traditional paper application process. Additionally, certain technical limitations might prevent an otherwise eligible applicant from using the online system. The screening questions on the website are designed to guide individuals to the correct application method based on their circumstances.

The Online Application and Oath Process

The online application process involves several steps, beginning with an eligibility screening. Eligible applicants will then proceed to verify their identity through Login.gov. This verification includes signing in or creating a Login.gov account, providing an accepted ID, passing a liveness check, entering a Social Security number and address, and confirming the information.

After identity verification, applicants return to the passport application to review and correct any biographical details transferred from Login.gov. They then complete the remaining sections of the DS-11 form, which may include details not collected by Login.gov, such as an emergency contact and occupation. A crucial step involves uploading a compliant passport photo and recording an oath, stating under penalty of perjury that the provided information is true and correct.

Passport Execution Fee Remains

Despite the shift to an online process, the $35 execution fee for the DS-11 application will still apply to eligible applicants. The Department of State anticipates that the cost of reviewing an online application will be similar to the cost of an in-person execution, as passport agents must still examine the application, identity evidence, and the recorded oath.

Certain applicants who qualify for fee exemptions as outlined in 22 CFR 51.52(b) will continue to be exempt from passport and execution fees. The department plans to monitor the costs associated with the pilot program and may adjust its fee schedule in the future based on these findings. The pilot temporarily modifies some in-person application and oath procedures but does not alter the fundamental requirements for establishing U.S. citizenship and identity.

Expanding Online Passport Services

The DS-11 pilot program represents a significant expansion of online passport application services. Before this pilot, online filing was exclusively available for passport renewals through Form DS-82. The DS-11 process covers a broader range of applicants, including first-time applicants and those who do not meet the criteria for DS-82 renewal.

In fiscal year 2025, the State Department processed over 13.9 million DS-11 applications. The existing paper application process takes an average of 85 minutes per response. While the agency expects the online system to reduce the time applicants spend, the actual time savings will be measured during the pilot phase. The department may introduce additional applicant groups to the pilot as testing progresses, potentially including first-time applicants using a Certificate of Citizenship or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The pilot is scheduled to run until November 20, 2027, unless extended, and will be used to evaluate the possibility of a permanent online option for DS-11 applications.

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