The pilot application will be accessible through America.gov, the federal government’s AI-powered chatbot. #
The State Department will begin testing an online passport application process for certain first-time applicants and other individuals who are not eligible to renew their passports online.
According to a document scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on Monday, the pilot will launch on Nov. 16 and run through Nov. 20, 2027. The application will be accessible through America.gov, the artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that the White House launched this fall.
The pilot will allow eligible applicants to submit Form DS-11, the standard application for first-time passports and other applicants who cannot use the existing online renewal process.
Currently, only individuals eligible to renew their passports using Form DS-82 can apply online. The new pilot will initially be available to adults in the United States who previously held a valid U.S. passport but are ineligible for a DS-82 renewal, as well as first-time adult applicants who can establish U.S. citizenship with a Certificate of Naturalization.
Applicants will answer a series of questions on America.gov to determine whether they qualify for the program before proceeding with an online application. Those who qualify will also be directed to Login.gov to verify their identity.
Applicants will also upload a passport photo, choose their passport product and delivery method and record themselves reciting the required oath declaring that their application information is accurate. A passport agent will review the recording and other application materials.
“As the department makes progress on testing and technological capability, it anticipates later expanding the pilot,” the document says.
The department said the pilot may eventually include applicants using U.S. birth certificates, Certificates of Citizenship and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, as well as eligible applicants located overseas.
The State Department processed roughly 13.9 million DS-11 applications in fiscal year 2025. Completing the existing paper application takes an average of 85 minutes, according to the department.
“The department anticipates that accepting a percentage of these applications online will decrease the time burden for the applicants, although the amount of time saved will be one of the data points to be learned in the pilot,” the document says.