The U.S. State Department now lets eligible adults renew online at opr.travel.state.gov. The digital photo specs are different from paper applications — here's exactly what you need.
| File format | JPG / JPEG / HEIF |
| File size | 54 KB – 10 MB |
| Pixels (target) | 600×600 – 1200×1200 |
| Head height | 50%–69% of image height |
| Eye height | 56%–69% from bottom |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Recency | Within last 6 months |
| Filters/AI | Not allowed |
You must meet all of these conditions. If you miss even one, you'll need to renew by mail (DS-82) or in person.
The only official site for online passport renewal is:
The State Department warns that third-party sites claiming to process online renewals may be fraudulent. Report impostor sites to the FTC.
Both require: white/off-white background, neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed, no glasses, no filters/AI edits, taken within 6 months.
Bad photos are the #1 reason passport applications are put on hold. These are the most common upload failures:
Not JPG/JPEG/HEIF, or file size outside 54 KB – 10 MB range.
State warns this triggers "background errors." Zoom in — shoulders should frame the bottom.
Texting yourself the photo degrades quality. Transfer via AirDrop, email, or cable.
Textured walls, shadows, objects behind you. Use a plain white wall or white sheet.
Any beauty filters, retouching, or AI-based alterations are prohibited.
Low resolution or images captured by scanning/photographing a printed photo.
Must be taken within the last 6 months. Don't reuse old photos.
Remove all eyeglasses. Medical exception needs a signed doctor's note.
The MyTravelGov portal uses Login.gov for authentication. Set this up first at login.gov.
Have your current passport, a credit/debit card, your SSN, an emergency contact, and a digital photo ready.
Fill in personal details at opr.travel.state.gov. The form will ask standard passport renewal questions.
Select from device or drag-and-drop. The system runs automated checks and lets you reposition/crop. If something fails, you're told what to fix and can retry.
$130 (book), $30 (card), or $160 (both). Optional 1–3 day delivery: +$22.05. Your old passport is canceled upon submission.
Routine service: 4–6 weeks (plus mail delivery time). Online renewal has no expedited option. A State employee also reviews your photo after submission.
| Attribute | Online Renewal | Mail (DS-82) | In Person (DS-11) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Adults 25+ meeting all criteria, not in a rush | Adults eligible for renewal but not meeting online criteria | First-time applicants, minors, people not eligible to renew |
| Photo type | Digital upload (JPG/HEIF, 54KB–10MB) | Printed 2×2 on photo paper, stapled to form | Printed 2×2 — don't staple (agent does it) |
| Fee (book) | $130 + optional $22.05 delivery | $130 + optional $60 expedite + $22.05 delivery | $130 + $35 acceptance fee + optional expedite/delivery |
| Processing | 4–6 weeks (routine only, no expedite) | 4–6 weeks routine, 2–3 weeks expedited | 4–6 weeks routine, 2–3 weeks expedited, urgent if <14 days |
| Travel constraint | Cannot travel for 6+ weeks — passport canceled on submit | Must mail old passport (can't use during processing) | Urgent service available if traveling within 14 days |
| From abroad? | No — must be in U.S. state/territory | Options vary, may route to embassy | Available at U.S. embassies/consulates |
Online renewal launched nationwide
Successful online renewals by May 2025
Of recent renewals done online (reported)
Get an upload-ready digital photo in 3 minutes. AI checks format, size, background, and framing — so the State Department portal accepts it on the first try.
Also need a printed photo? We include a 4×6 print template — print at Walmart for $0.16.