The United States has unveiled plans for a redesigned passport called “Flight of the Eagle”, which is expected to enter use in 2028.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the new passport on September 29, 2026, in an event to kick off America.gov, a new digital platform to connect federal government services and information.
The new passport will still have the familiar blue cover, but will have a very different visual design, with a bigger gold American eagle on the front.
What will change in the new passport?
The redesigned passport will still have the American eagle, but the emblem will be much more prominent.
The words “United States of America” will appear above the larger eagle emblem, and the interior pages will have new artwork depicting important moments and themes from US history.
The pages are expected to contain imagery from events ranging from the American Revolution to America’s space programme.
One unusual feature is an eagle illustration on the right-hand pages. When the pages are quickly flipped, the illustrations are designed to give the impression that the eagle is flying. The effect uses a zoetrope-style animation technique.
First-Time Passport Applications Going Online
Another major change involves the passport application process.
In December 2026, Americans applying for their first passport will be able to apply through America.gov to complete the process online.
Applicants will be able to use their Login.gov credentials, take or upload a passport photograph using their device, preview the photograph and pay the application fee online.
The system will also have the ability for applicants to track the progress of their application and receive an estimated delivery date.
With this in mind, the digital approach should be a good alternative for first-time applicants to apply for the old kind of applications, through printed forms and in-person appointments.
New Passport Packaging
The redesign will also extend to the passport.
In 2028, the new passport is expected to arrive in premium packaging, similar to the type of packaging for high-end consumer electronics.
The packaging is part of a broader effort to modernise the passport experience with the redesigned document.
Starting next year, most Americans will apply for their passport entirely online. A revolution in how government works for the American people. The Trump Administration is making government simpler, faster, and more accessible. pic.twitter.com/dTrv2GzZTk
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) September 30, 2026
Why is the US changing the passport?
The US State Department said the changes were made to modernise the passport and the application process.
The digital application is intended to reduce paperwork and make it easier for citizens to apply and track their documents. For the redesigned passport, American history, national symbols and document presentation are more prominent.
The new system is being developed alongside America.gov, which is meant to be a single digital gateway to federal government services.
When was the new passport made public?
The announcement was made on September 29, 2026, by Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the launch of America.gov.
The online first-time passport application system is expected in December 2026, and the new Flight of the Eagle passport is planned for 2028.
So there are two timelines to be announced: digital applications later this year and the redesigned passport in 2028.
