Source: The Points Guy
Summary
The U.S. passport is undergoing design and application process changes. The new online system, part of America.gov, will allow first-time applicants to apply entirely online. The updated design, set for 2028, includes a larger Great Seal and more prominent text. Passports issued before the changes will remain valid until expiration. The new system is expected to launch by 2027.
Our Reading
The escape is carefully planned.
First-time applicants will apply online, skipping in-person visits. The new design features a gold Great Seal and historical pages. Real-time tracking will update applicants on their status. The flipbook eagle will give a sense of movement. The trip to the passport office is now a click away.
Author: Evan Null
New Application Process and Design
The biggest change is a new online process for first-time passport applicants, who historically had to apply in person at an authorized facility. The new process — part of the AI-powered government services platform America.gov, which launched Tuesday — will allow applicants to apply for their first passport entirely online.
The online platform will streamline the process by pre-populating information that the government already has, allowing applicants to take their own photo and upload it directly from their device, and facilitating online payments. Then, a new real-time tracking feature will keep applicants up to date on their application status, so they will know exactly when to expect their shiny new passport.
And the new passports will indeed be shiny. The updated design, coming in 2028, will feature a more prominent Great Seal (the official emblem of the U.S. government, which centers a bald eagle) and larger “United States of America” text, both in gold.
Inside, the pages will show major moments in U.S. history, such as the American Revolution and NASA’s Artemis missions. There will also be a flipbook-style eagle design, so that flipping through the pages will give the impression of an eagle in flight.
What It Means for Travelers
You can still travel with an older passport design; existing passports will remain valid through the expiration date listed.
When the time comes to renew — if you do so after these changes are implemented — you can expect an easier process thanks to the new online system. That means foregoing an in-person photo appointment with a third-party service (most of which charge fees) and tracking your application in real time.
The online platform is slated to be up and running by the end of 2027, and the new design is expected to roll out in 2028.
Related Reading
Related reading includes tips on avoiding common passport mistakes, guidance on when and how to renew a passport, and information on same-day passport services. There are also guides for getting a child’s passport and taking a baby’s passport photo.
Editorial Disclaimer
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Conclusion
The U.S. passport is getting a modern update, both in design and application process. The new online system aims to make the process more efficient, while the 2028 design will include a more prominent Great Seal and historical content. Travelers can still use older passports, but the new system will streamline future applications.
