A new online system will make it far easier – and faster – to renew your passport through an eight-step process, beginning with confirming that you meet the requirements.

The State Department says its online passport renewal system is fully operational.

What this means for future users:

You can now skip cumbersome paper applications sent by mail, which can take two months or more to complete.

Once it is confirmed that all requirements are met, you create an account. Users will have 30 days to complete your application after you start it.

Renewal is restricted for those traveling in less than 8 weeks, you cannot renew online. 

You can upload a digital photo, but it cannot scan a printed picture or take a photo of an already printed photo.

More info can be found at Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.