The U.S. State Department has officially launched an online passport renewal system, allowing eligible Americans to renew their passports digitally, bypassing the traditional mail-in process. This new system, available to adults whose passports were issued between 2009 and 2015 and who are over 25 years old, is expected to expedite the renewal process significantly. Applicants can now complete the process by filling out an online form, uploading a digital photo, and paying the renewal fee online. The State Department credits increased staffing and technological advancements for reducing average processing times to well under the previously advertised six to eight weeks. While this service is a significant improvement, it is not available for first-time applicants, children's passports, or those living outside the U.S. The department estimates that about five million Americans will benefit from this service annually.