Passport Renewal Picture [+Human Expert Check]

You can now get a complaint US passport renewal photo and renew your document without stepping outside. But before we discuss how to do it, let’s clarify:

• You need only one color photo to renew your passport. It’s true whether you need a digital passport photo (to apply online) or a picture printed on high-quality paper if you want to renew using a paper form.
• You don’t necessarily need a new photo for passport renewal. If you have a picture taken no longer than six months ago that meets all official requirements, you can use it to renew your passport.

What are the photo requirements for passport renewal?

A passport photo for renewal must be taken within the last six months and comply with the US Department of State’s requirements.

Here’s a table presenting all technical passport renewal photo rules:

Glasses, smile & other guidelines

Passport renewal pictures must meet the same requirements as first-time application photos. Here are additional guidelines you must be mindful of:

• Wearing glasses in passport photos is acceptable but only under strict conditions, as discussed in our detailed guide. It’s best to remove the glasses to avoid rejection.
• You can smile in your passport photo as long as your teeth aren’t showing and your eyes are fully open. Maintaining a neutral facial expression is recommended.
• If you’re wondering what to wear for a passport photo, opt for casual clothes in darker colors and without patterns. Don’t wear white and off-white attire (it’ll blend with the backdrop).
• Your head must be centered, with white spaces on the sides and above. The neck and top of your shoulders must be visible.

For more details, read these guides:

• Passport Photo Hair Rules: Bangs, Hair Up and Down, and More
• Facial Hair in Passport Photos [Beard Requirements Explained]
• Passport Photo Makeup [Foundation, Trends & Other Tips from Makeup Artists]
• What to Wear for a Passport Photo [Tank Top, White & More Clothing Rules]
• Can You Wear Makeup for a Passport Photo? (Rules on Lashes, Eyeliner, and More)
• Can You Wear a Hijab in a Passport Photo [+Written Statement]

Photos for online passport renewal

US citizens can now renew their passports online. All you need is a digital picture that meets said specifications and additional online passport renewal photo requirements.

A photo for an online passport renewal must be 600 x 600 pixels in resolution. You must upload it in JPEG format, with a file size between 54 KB and 10MB. When saving your picture, select the highest quality setting, and don’t compress the file. Don’t scan printed pictures, or they’ll be rejected.

How to upload your photo to the online application

1. Ensure your image is compliant. Consult the requirements table or use our passport photo checker.
2. Create a MyTravelGov account.
3. Select the "Renew Your Passport" option and start the application.
4. In “Step 2,” you’ll be asked to upload a passport renewal photo. Click “Upload image” at the bottom of the screen.
5. Select a digital photo from your device.
6. If necessary, you can adjust the picture. Ensure your head is centered.
7. Click “Save photo.” 

If your photo passes the initial check, you’ll see a green box above it confirming that you can submit your passport photo. When ready, click “Next” and finalize your application.

Passing an initial check doesn't mean your photo will be accepted. Once you lodge your application, a passport agent will review it. Should your picture be rejected, you'll receive an email asking for a new image.

Would you rather avoid processing delays due to a rejected photo? Here are five steps to ensure compliance.

Expert-verified passport renewal photo online

Thanks to Passport Photo Online, you can take your own photo for an online passport renewal at home—all you need is your phone. Our photo editor will adjust your self-portrait to all government requirements.