Rubio plans online first-time passport applications in 2027

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said first-time U.S. passport applicants are expected to be able to apply entirely online starting in 2027, removing the planned need to submit applications in person at acceptance facilities. The announcement was made at the launch of America.gov, a federal digital services platform. No precise start date was provided, and the online application process has not yet been shown to be operating. Rubio said applicants would be able to submit information and a passport photo taken on a personal device, pay online and track their application through the platform. The State Department’s stated goal is for the vast majority of Americans to be able to apply online for passports or passport cards by the end of 2027. That is a target, not a confirmed rollout outcome, and the available details do not specify the service’s eligibility rules or technical limits. First-time adult applicants currently must appear in person at a passport acceptance facility, such as a post office, library or courthouse, and submit supporting documents and a photograph. Eligible adults renewing an existing passport can already complete that process online.