CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — Workers in the Carbon County Prothonotary's Office in Jim Thorpe take calls all day long, answering questions from people about their passports and how to keep them up to date.
"Renewals have always been done on your own, meaning that you would come to an acceptance facility such as our office to get your application, but you would process it and mail it in yourself," said Kayla Semmel, Carbon County Prothonotary.
Now, those renewals can be done online.
The U.S. Department of State recently launched a new system to make the process more convenient for travelers.
People will now be able to submit their documents, photos, and payments online and skip the paperwork.
Kayla Semmel says even though it's an option- people can still come to the office if they need help renewing, "I know getting on the computer and going through, I believe it's an 8-step process online can be really intimidating, especially with the picture part so when you renew in person we take the photograph here for you it runs it against the passport against the agency standard."
However, not all services can be done online passports for minors, and special issues still need to be done in person.
"If you are looking for an expedited passport that is something you have to come in person for. If you are traveling within eight weeks, you cannot apply online," said Semmel.
Officials say whether you renew online or in person, it will still take 6 to 8 weeks to process.