Americans seeking to renew their passports without the face of President Donald Trump may have to act fast, as new passport designs are set to be implemented starting in 2028. While the State Department has yet to confirm the final design, early previews suggest a portrait of Trump will feature prominently.

The anticipation surrounding the new design was sparked during a recent State Department livestream event where Secretary of State Marco Rubio unveiled a grid of potential passport pages. Among these, a portrait of Trump emerged, raising concerns among those hoping to distance themselves from the current administration’s image.

This new passport, dubbed the “Flight of the Eagle,” will encompass 38 pages chronicling 250 years of American history, with a unique visual effect that makes a bald eagle appear to fly as pages are flipped. However, for some, the incorporation of Trump’s likeness may overshadow the artistic endeavor.

Currently, individuals can avoid having Trump’s image on their passport by getting a commemorative version issued earlier this summer for America’s 250th anniversary. This version was available only by request and features the president’s portrait.

For those who have recently obtained a passport, the impact could be long-lasting. Since adult passports are valid for ten years, anyone applying for or renewing their passport now might find themselves traveling well into the 2030s with Trump’s image attached.

Industry expert David Alwadish, founder and CEO of ItsEasy.com, commented that the visibility of Trump’s image seems to be a fixed feature based on Rubio’s preview. He cautioned that those wanting to sidestep the design have a “narrow window” to beat the upcoming change.

Given the potential of the new design, quick action is necessary for applicants wishing to avoid the Trump portrait. The current passport renewal process requires specific eligibility criteria, including having a 10-year passport issued within the past 15 years.

For mail-in renewals, applicants must submit the Form DS-82, provide their current passport, include a passport photo that meets specific guidelines, and pay the $130 renewal fee. Anyone who has changed their name must also include documentation to support the change.

When renewing online, the requirements get even stricter. Applicants need to be at least 25 years old and must hold a passport that expires within one year or has expired within the last five years. Those with urgent travel plans or other discrepancies in their application process might find online renewal a challenging path.

Individuals facing imminent travel plans can request an urgent appointment at a local passport agency if they are traveling within 14 days. For those navigating online renewals, any changes in travel schedules can complicate the process, necessitating a call to the State Department’s helpline.

With the controversy surrounding the new design, questions remain regarding how many passports will prominently feature Trump’s likeness post-2028. As the deadline approaches, potential travelers are urged to stay informed and proactive to avoid any unwanted presidential associations on their travel documents.

The launch of America.gov, intended to streamline access to government services, ushered in discussions not only about administrative efficiency but also about the potential implications of branding under the Trump administration.

Indeed, the choices regarding national identity in design—through items as common as passports—carry deeper meanings. They reflect both an individual’s preferences and broader sociopolitical sentiments, shaping how Americans are perceived globally.

As the nation edges closer to the release of the 2028 passport, the dialogue hinges on public sentiment surrounding the administration and its impact on national symbols.

Some are embracing the changes as reflective of an important era in American history, while others see it as an unwanted association. This divide continues to stoke discussions on political branding and public perception.

For now, those wishing to sideline the controversy and hold onto their current passport design still have time, but they need to be informed and prepared. With many complexities in the application processes, the coming years will be crucial for travelers needing to navigate these changes.

Ultimately, the fate of the new passport design may be more than just an aesthetic shift—it could influence how an administration is remembered, imprinted on the very documents that represent America abroad.

As the conversation around the design unfolds, the implications will likely resonate beyond mere travel—affecting how Americans engage with their identity in a rapidly shifting political landscape.