Online passport renewal photo
Check your photo free. Then upload your original, unedited photo at opr.travel.state.gov.
The rules at a glance
Online renewal- File type
- JPEG (the portal accepts JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF)
- File size
- 54 KB to 10 MB
- Digital file
- 1200 × 1200 px, framed like a 2 × 2 in passport photo
- Background
- Plain white or off-white, no shadows
- Expression
- Neutral or natural smile, no teeth showing
- Glasses
- Not allowed
- Photo age
- Color photo taken in the last 6 months
Online renewal asks for your original photo, not an edited one. So for online renewal we only check: the check is free, and we don’t sell a processed file. If the report looks good, upload the same original photo to the renewal site.
Why photos get rejected
- Acceptable
Like this
Plain white, centered
RejectedToo far away
Head too small
- Rejected
Head tilted
Keep it level
RejectedSide shadow
Face a window
- Rejected
Too dark
Find more light
RejectedGlasses on
Take them off
RejectedBig smile
Close your mouth
RejectedHair over eyes
Keep your eyes clear
How it works
Take or upload your photo
Stand in front of a plain white wall facing a window. The live coach checks distance, tilt and light before it takes the shot, or you can upload a photo you already have.
We crop it and check it
We crop it to size and set a plain white background. No retouching. Then we check head size, eye line, photo size and face count, and show you every result.
Pay once and download
The preview is free. If it passes, pay once ($6.90 or $9.90) to download the photo and, with Digital + Print, a 4×6 sheet to print.
Upload your original at opr.travel.state.gov
- Take your photo against a plain white wall, facing a window, with no glasses.
- Check it here for free. We report head size, eye line, tilt and expression.
- Upload your original photo at opr.travel.state.gov (opens in a new tab), the only official online renewal site. You can crop it there.
File rules: JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF, from 54 KB to 10 MB (travel.state.gov (opens in a new tab), checked Oct 2026).
No filters.The State Department checks photos for AI tools and edits. Turn off beauty, portrait and HDR modes, and don’t use a background remover.
Questions
I'm renewing my passport online. Can I use this?
Yes, as a free check. The renewal site asks for your original, unedited photo, so we don't sell an edited file for online renewal. Check your photo here, then upload your original photo at opr.travel.state.gov (opens in a new tab), the only official renewal site. It accepts JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF files from 54 KB to 10 MB, and you can crop the photo there.
Do you change my photo?
Yes, in two ways, and we tell you up front. We crop and resize it to the 2×2 inch layout, and our processor sets the background to plain white. We never retouch your face, skin, hair or expression. The State Department asks for an original, unedited photo on a plain white or off-white background, so take it against a plain white wall: that keeps the background change as small as possible. For online renewal we don't sell an edited file at all.
Can I wear glasses?
No. Glasses haven't been allowed in U.S. passport or visa photos since November 1, 2016. If you can't remove them for medical reasons, include a signed doctor's statement with your application. Take them off and keep your hair away from your eyes.
Is this an official government website?
No. US Passport Photo Online is an independent service, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency. The official photo rules are at travel.state.gov (opens in a new tab), and only opr.travel.state.gov (opens in a new tab) can renew a passport online.
Check your photo before you send it
Free preview, no account. You see every result before you pay.
Independent service — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency.