US Opens Online Passport Applications via New AI Portal
Americans will soon be able to submit first-time passport applications entirely over the internet, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Tuesday during the unveiling of a new government platform called America.gov.
Speaking at the launch event, Rubio criticised the existing passport application and issuance system, saying it falls short of what citizens deserve. He said the State Department is working with America.gov to reconstruct the process from scratch, describing the online application capability as a notable first step.
"Starting next year, Americans will be able to apply for their first passport entirely online," Rubio said.
The secretary of state walked attendees through a demonstration of how the system would function. According to his explanation, a person would begin by entering a question such as "How do I apply for my first passport?" into the America.gov search field. The user could then take a passport photograph themselves, preview how that image would appear on the final document, and complete payment.
President Trump launched America.gov on Tuesday. The site employs artificial intelligence to help users navigate federal government services and find information.
At an event held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, Trump praised the platform. He thanked Joe Gebbia, a co-founder of Airbnb who now leads the National Design Studio and serves as the first U.S. chief design officer, calling him the "mastermind behind many of the incredible breakthroughs."
"It's the ultimate product. It's called America when you think about it," Trump said. "With America.gov, the federal government no longer stands in your way, and it stands only at your service. And that's what we're doing. We're simplifying it. We're glamorizing it. We're making it what it should be."
Rubio's remarks tied the passport overhaul to the broader goal of improving how citizens interact with federal agencies. The online first-passport application is scheduled to become available next year, though no specific date was given.
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