Documents · United States
US passport renewal online photo size and requirements
The photo rules for the US passport renewal online in plain words, from travel.state.gov. In short: digital file.
Requirements
- Digital file
- 54 KB to 10 MB, JPEG
- Head height
- The rules give no exact head size
- Background
- Plain and even: white, off-white
- Glasses
- No glasses, unless needed for a medical reason
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed
- Selfies
- Not stated. A photo someone else takes is safest
- How recent
- Taken in the last 6 months
- Print sheets in PassPic
- Digital file only
Source: travel.state.gov, last checked 14 October 2026.
“The file size should be between 54 KB and 10 MB.”
Common mistakes
- A busy or uneven background, or one that isn't white or off-white.
- Wearing glasses without a medical reason.
- A smile with the mouth open, or any expression that isn't neutral.
- An old photo. It must be taken in the last 6 months.
- A file of the wrong size or type. It must be: 54 KB to 10 MB, JPEG.
- A photo that was retouched, filtered or had its background replaced.
PassPic can't measure some things, so check them yourself: glasses, head coverings and hair over the eyes.
How PassPic helps
PassPic checks your photo against these rules on your phone and marks each check Passed, Check or Fix, with a one-line tip. It crops and scales the photo to size and never changes your face or your background. Your photo is checked on your phone and never uploaded.
PassPic is coming to Google Play.
Related documents
We can't promise that any office will accept a photo; the issuing authority decides. Rules change, so read travel.state.gov before you send your photo. PassPic is an independent app. Not affiliated with any government.