Just found out the State Department finally launched online passport renewal and honestly it's kind of a mixed bag. The process is definitely easier now - you can upload a digital photo, fill everything out from home, and pay with a card instead of mailing a check. But here's the thing: it still costs $130 and that price hasn't budged since 2021.

You can only use it if you're 25 or older, live in the US, and your passport was issued between 2009-2015 or is somewhere between 9-15 years old. Also can't expedite online, so you're looking at up to eight weeks for processing.

The good news is they're actually processing passports way faster now - like one-third the time compared to last year. Secretary of State Blinken mentioned they beefed up staffing and improved tech, so the average routine passport is taking less than six to eight weeks now.

If you're planning a trip and need a new passport, just head to MyTravelGov to get started. Just know that if you're also getting Global Entry, prices are going up $20 starting October. Seems like everything travel-related is getting pricier these days.