U.S. passport online renewal photo requirements
Renewing a U.S. passport online means uploading a digital photo instead of mailing a print. These are the published upload rules, and the file BrainDV prepares.
Acceptance is decided by the authority
BrainDV follows the published requirements as we read them, but only the relevant authority decides whether a photo is accepted. Requirements can change. Always read the source pages before you submit.
Online renewal photo size and file limits
- Size of the BrainDV export
- 1200 × 1200 pixels
- Format
- JPEG
- Maximum file size
- 10 MB
- Minimum file size
- 54 kB
Head size, eye position and background
- Head height (chin to top of head)
- 50% to 69% of image height
- Eye height, measured from the bottom edge
- 56% to 69% of image height
- Background
- Plain white or off-white
- Eyeglasses
- Not allowed
- Religious head covering
- Allowed for religious reasons, as described by the source; the full face must be visible
- Photo age
- Taken within the last 6 months
How to take this photo with your phone
- Stand in front of a plain white or off-white wall with nothing behind you.
- Face soft, even light, such as a window in daylight, so there are no shadows on your face or the background.
- Take off eyeglasses. Remove hats and head coverings unless you wear them for religious reasons; your full face must be visible.
- Look straight at the camera with both eyes open and your head level.
- Ask someone to take the photo from a few steps away with the phone at eye level, instead of an arm's-length selfie.
- Use a new photo taken in the last 6 months, with no filters, beauty modes or edits.
Intended use
Digital photo upload for U.S. passport online renewal.
Known limitations
- The online renewal page does not state pixel dimensions; 1200x1200 is a conservative square choice and head/eye ratios are borrowed from the visa template.
- The page asks for the original, unedited photo. Cropping is applied; confirm at review whether a cropped export is acceptable or the original should be offered.
Sources
Authority: U.S. Department of State
Sources retrieved on October 17, 2026
This profile has not yet been reviewed by a person against its sources. Next review due January 17, 2027.
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