Digital passport photo for online renewal

Take it on your phone. We check it first, then give you a file ready to upload to the State Department's renewal form.

Start my photo
  • Free to check. You pay $9.99 only after your photo passes.
  • Never edited. The government doesn't allow it, so we only crop to size.
  • Stays on your device. Your photo is never uploaded to us.
head1–1⅜ in 2 in PASSED
  1. Choose
  2. Take photo
  3. Download

What is the photo for?

Tap one. Checking your photo is free.

4 × 6 in print sheet · two 2 × 2 in photos

What you get for $9.99

  1. A photo file for online formsThe right size and file type for online passport renewal or the DS-160.
  2. A 4×6 print sheetTwo 2×2 photos. Print it at CVS, Walgreens or Walmart and cut along the lines.

Photo requirements

Size2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Head size1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to top of head
Eye height1⅛ to 1⅜ inches from the bottom of the photo
BackgroundPlain white or off-white, no shadows
ExpressionNeutral face, both eyes open, mouth closed. A closed-mouth smile is fine.
GlassesNot allowed (take them off)
EditingNot allowed: no filters, apps or AI changes
Age of photoTaken in the last 6 months
Digital file (online renewal)JPG, PNG or HEIC file, 54 KB to 10 MB. Ours is a square 1200×1200 JPG.

Summarised from the U.S. Department of State photo guidance and, for green card photos, the USCIS Form I-485 instructions. Always check the latest official rules for your application.

Questions

How do I get a digital passport photo for online renewal?

Take a new photo with a phone or digital camera. The renewal form accepts a JPG, PNG or HEIC file between 54 KB and 10 MB. On PicPassed you take the photo with your phone, we check it against the rules, and you download a square JPG that is ready to upload.

Can I scan a printed passport photo, or take a picture of one?

No. The State Department says not to scan a printed photo or take a photo of one to make your digital file. Take a new photo instead.

Why was my online renewal photo rejected?

The State Department's own examples are: a background that is not plain, shadows or uneven light, a head that is too close or too far away, a blurry or scanned image, glasses or a hat, and photos that were edited or filtered. The upload tool only checks the basics, and an employee reviews the photo again after you apply.

Can I reuse an old passport photo?

No. Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months.

Do you edit or retouch my photo?

No. The U.S. Department of State says not to change your photo with software, apps, filters or artificial intelligence. We only check your photo and crop it to the official size. We never smooth skin, change the background or alter your face.

Is my photo uploaded anywhere?

No. Your photo is checked and prepared on your own phone or computer. It is never uploaded to our servers.

How do I print it at CVS, Walgreens or Walmart?

Download the 4×6 print sheet and order it as a normal 4×6 photo print (choose "actual size"). Each sheet has two 2×2 inch photos to cut out. The State Department asks for matte or glossy photo paper.

More help: Passport photo rejected · How to take a passport photo at home · Passport photo with glasses

Stuck? A person will help.

Email [email protected] and we'll reply as soon as we can.