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United States · Passport

US passport online renewal photo: size and rules

For the online upload, keep the original, unedited camera file (54 to 10,000 KB) as JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF.

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Photo specification

Digital upload
UploadThe original camera file, unedited and uncropped
File size54 to 10,000 KB. The source counts 1 KB as 1,000 bytes.
FormatsJPEG, PNG, HEIC and HEIF

We check sizes and positions; the issuing authority decides acceptance. Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Rules change. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before you apply.

Background and editing

The source asks for a white or off-white background. The rules do not allow digital changes to the photo, so the background has to be right when the photo is taken. Retake it against a plain wall instead of editing the background. PortraitPass keeps background replacement off by default for this document.

Rules from the source

  • Accepted files: JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF.
  • File size between 54 KB and 10 MB.
  • One color photo taken within the last 6 months.
  • Face the camera directly, head centered, both eyes open and visible.
  • No filters or retouching tools; no scan or photo of a printed photo.

Expression, lighting and how recent the photo is cannot be measured from a picture, so check them yourself.

Can you make it at home?

Yes. Upload the original, unedited camera file. Do not crop, resize or filter it, and do not photograph a printed photo.

PortraitPass frames the photo against the head and eye lines above and exports a single photo or a print sheet, with the measurements shown so you can check them yourself.

Open the studio for this document

Sources

Found a wrong or outdated number? Open an issue with the source link.

Common questions

What size is a US passport online renewal photo?

The digital upload is the original file, as JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF.

Can I take a US passport online renewal photo at home?

Yes. The source accepts a photo you prepare yourself.

What background does a US passport online renewal photo need?

The source asks for a white or off-white background.

How many KB can a US passport online renewal photo be?

The file size limit is 54 to 10,000 KB. The source counts 1 KB as 1,000 bytes.

Where do the US passport online renewal numbers come from?

From the issuing authority’s own pages: Uploading a Digital Photo (travel.state.gov) and 8 FAM 402.1 Passport Photographs (fam.state.gov). Last checked 28 Sep 2026.

Guides for this photo

Same document, other route

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