US Passports will sport a redesigned look and come with new packaging by 2028. Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, unveiled the first impression of a redesigned passport called “Flight of the Eagle”, along with plans to digitalize first US Passport applications starting in 2027. He announced several upgrades to the existing US Passport during a media briefing at the launch of the new AI-powered American.gov website.
First US Passport Applications Go Online
“Starting next year (2027), Americans will be able to apply for their first passport entirely online and track the status online,” said Marco Rubio. Presently, online application is limited to US passport renewals, and that too within the American borders. US citizens living or traveling abroad need to visit the US Embassy or Consulate for passport renewal. Recently, the State Department proposed to expand the ease of online passport renewal to Americans outside the country.
According to some sources, the first-time US Passport applications will go digital as soon as this December 2026. Rubio described the current application process as a “maze” of physical paperwork, printing, appointments, and waiting in line. Once online, the application process will become utterly simple, with real-time status and a tentative delivery date. All you will need to do:
- Sign in to Login.gov
- Access your information
- Click a photo instantly with your mobile phone
- Or, upload an existing one from the phone
- Check preview of the photo’s appearance
- Submit the passport fee online
- Check the application status in real time
- Note the estimated delivery date
“With the digital system shortening the passport application and delivery timeline, US citizens can plan travel on a short notice and book last-minute flight tickets with the peace of mind,” said Dheeraj Duvvuru, CEO of IndianEagle.com, the most trusted source of unbeatable flight deals and international tour packages.
Redesigned US Passport 2028: Key Changes
The new Flight of the Eagle passport will feature better visual aesthetics from cover to interior pages. By 2028, the US Passport redesign will change the cover, the inner artwork, the overall look, and the number of pages.
The Cover: The same dark blue cover with a bolder version of the Great Seal and American Eagle emblem will prominently define your American identity. The Great Seal will exude more gold sheen and have the words – United States of America – above it rather than below it.
Flipbook Pages: The right-side pages will feature illustrations of a bald eagle in a series. Flipping through the booklet will give you an animated impression of a flying eagle.
Inner Artwork: The interior pages will get a new artwork displaying monumental events in the US history, like the American Revolution at Lexington, the Wright brothers, the westward migration, and the Artemis program.
Number of pages: Starting in 2028, new US passports will be issued with 38 pages. The redesigned passport with 38 pages will give more space to frequent travelers than the standard 26-page passport book. At the same time, it will provide 12 fewer pages than the 50-page book.
When will you get the redesigned US Passport?
The new Flight of the Eagle passport with the above changes will roll out in 2028. Not only the passport booklet is being redesigned but also packaging will get an upgrade. Discarding the present envelope-based packaging for physical delivery, the State Department is planning new packaging as part of the US Passport 2028 redesign, given the importance of this document.
Will the existing US passports be replaced or become invalid in 2028?
If your passport has validity beyond 2028, it will remain valid for use until the printed date of expiration. First-time applicants and those applying for renewal will get the redesigned US Passport starting in 2028.
