Applying for a passport is about to change: Here's what we know

The U.S. passport is getting a facelift.As first reported by Newsweek, the Trump administration has announced upcoming changes to the passport's appearance as well as the application process. Here's everything travelers need to know.New application process and designMINISERIES/GETTY IMAGESThe biggest change is a new online process for first-time passport applicants, who historically had to apply in person at an authorized facility (though online renewals have been available for years). The new process — part of the AI-powered government services platform America.gov, which launched Tuesday — will allow applicants to apply for their first passport entirely online.The online platform will streamline the process by pre-populating information that the government already has, allowing applicants to take their own photo and upload it directly from their device, and facilitating online payments. Then, a new real-time tracking feature will keep applicants up to date on their application status, so they will know exactly when to expect their shiny new passport.And the new passports will indeed be shiny. The updated design, coming in 2028, will feature a more prominent Great Seal (the offici...