For most of us, getting a passport is a pretty straightforward process. Go to the post office for an application, fill it out, get a picture taken, make a copy of your birth certificate, write a check ...

Online passport renewal has become more widely available to Americans. The State Department touted it as a “secure process that will save time and effort" for those seeking routine renewals.

Applying for a passport can be confusing and costly, but the Department of State is actively trying to figure out how to improve the user experience — and it’s taking suggestions straight from ...