- U.S. unveils passport for 250th anniversary.
- Special-edition passport available July 6.
- Applicants to complete passport process online.
The U.S. UNVEILED a passport marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, along with plans to digitize much of the application process in the coming months. It will be available beginning July 6.
The special-edition passport features artwork commemorating America's founding while retaining the security features of the standard U.S. passport, according to IANS. The redesigned passport is part of a broader effort to modernize the U.S. passport program.
"The passport is not just a travel document; it's incredibly valuable in what it represents," said Marco Rubio, secretary of state. "It's a tremendous source of pride for many of us when we travel abroad and present an American passport."
He said the commemorative edition marks "the 250th anniversary of the founding of the single greatest nation in all of human history."
Beginning with the commemorative edition, passports will be delivered in a presentation box with a certificate of authenticity.
"We thought for something as important, as dignified as the American passport, it really should have something more than that," Rubio said.
He also outlined plans to let applicants complete almost the entire passport application process online.
"You'll actually be able to go online. You'll be able to do almost all of it entirely online," Rubio said.
Under the proposed system, applicants will be able to take passport photos with a computer or mobile device. The department's security system will verify their identity, reducing the need to visit photo centers.
"It should cut down on the long waits, the long lines, the appointments," Rubio said, adding that the digital improvements are expected to be introduced in the coming months.
Future passport editions are expected to include QR codes linking to short videos about significant moments in American history.
"When you go on that QR code, it will prompt you to like a video presentation of that moment in American history," Rubio said. "We think it'll be a great source of pride."
The State Department said the commemorative passport reflects "our shared history and our ongoing commitment to lead, innovate, and inspire for the next 250 years."
It said the document honors the enduring ideals of liberty, self-government and unity while maintaining the advanced security features that have made the U.S. passport "the gold standard for travel and identity documents."
In June, Brand USA unveiled a global platform providing verified travel information to travel advisors, tour operators, airlines, destination marketers and other stakeholders.
