US Passport Online Renewal Photo

Prepare a digital photo for renewing your US passport online, or a 2 × 2 inch print for a paper application. Free, and your photo never leaves your device.

Select your photoUse a photo taken against a plain white or light background

US passport renewal photo requirements

The State Department asks for an original, unedited photo: no filters or retouching, and don't photograph a printed photo. Use a plain white or off-white background, remove glasses, and frame your head and the top of your shoulders. The online application lets you crop and checks the photo for you.
UseSize and format
Online renewal (digital)JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF, between 54 KB and 10 MB, colour, taken in the last 6 months
Paper application (printed)2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm)

Based on official portals and published guidance as of October 2026. Requirements can change, so check the portal you are applying on.

Read the full guide: US passport renewal photo requirements explained

How to make your photo

  1. Take a photo. Stand in front of a plain white wall in good light and face the camera.
  2. Fit it. Add the photo above, choose the size, then zoom and drag so the face fits the guide.
  3. Download. Save the photo for online upload, or the 4×6 sheet for printing.

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Frequently asked questions

What photo do I need for US passport online renewal?

Online renewal (digital): JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF, between 54 KB and 10 MB, colour, taken in the last 6 months; Paper application (printed): 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm). Check the official portal before you apply, as rules can change.

How do I make the photo on my phone?

Take a photo against a plain white wall in good daylight. Open this page, add the photo, pick the size, drag and zoom so the face fits the guide, then download.

Can I change the background to white?

No. This photo must be original and unedited, so the background button is turned off on this page. Take the photo in front of a plain white wall or a white sheet.

Are my images uploaded?

No. Everything happens inside your browser on your own device. Your files are never sent to any server.