State Department to Pilot Online Passport Applications
A pilot program will let certain first-time U.S. adult applicants submit Form DS-11 through America.gov starting November 16, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Immigration
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The State Department will pilot online passport applications for certain first-time adult applicants, running from November 16, 2026 through November 20, 2027. Applicants will use an AI-powered chatbot on America.gov, launched by the White House this fall, to determine eligibility and begin the application.
Why it matters
Currently only applicants eligible to renew with Form DS-82 can apply online, so the pilot would extend online filing to first-time applicants for the first time. The department says accepting a share of DS-11 applications online could reduce the time burden on applicants, who processed 13.9 million DS-11 applications in fiscal year 2025.
The State Department processed 13.9 million DS-11 applications in fiscal year 2025, and the existing paper application takes an average of 85 minutes to complete. The pilot's applicant capacity and expected share of total DS-11 volume have not been disclosed.
The players
U.S. Department of State
The federal department responsible for issuing U.S. passports and administering the passport application system.
America.gov
An AI-powered chatbot launched by the White House this fall that will host the pilot application.
The details
The pilot allows eligible applicants to submit Form DS-11 online, with eligibility determined through questions on America.gov before applicants are directed to Login.gov for identity verification. Applicants upload a passport photo, select a passport product and delivery method, and record themselves reciting the required oath. Initially the pilot covers adults in the United States who previously held a valid U.S. passport but cannot renew with DS-82, and first-time adults who can establish citizenship with a Certificate of Naturalization.
Timeline
November 16, 2026: Pilot online passport application launches.
November 20, 2027: Pilot is scheduled to end.
Program Trajectory
The pilot extends the DS-82 online renewal system, which currently covers only renewing applicants, to first-time adult applicants filing Form DS-11. The department's stated expansion plans would later add birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship and Consular Report of Birth Abroad applicants and overseas applicants.
Eligible first-time adult applicants will be able to start a passport application online rather than on paper beginning November 16, 2026. Applicants must still verify identity through Login.gov and complete the oath recording as part of the process.
The takeaway
Eligible first-time adults should check their eligibility on America.gov once the pilot opens in November 2026. Applicants can prepare by gathering a passport photo and a Certificate of Naturalization if applicable.
What happens next
The pilot launches November 16, 2026 and is scheduled to run through November 20, 2027, with the department anticipating later expansion to additional applicant types and overseas applicants.
Further reading
Explore more on Immigration for context on how federal documentation rules shape citizenship and travel.
More information
Start the pilot application through America.gov, the AI chatbot hosting the online passport application.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nextgov.
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