US online passport renewal photo (JPEG, 54 KB to 10 MB)
Renewing a US passport online means uploading a digital photo instead of mailing a print. The State Department lists the accepted file types and a size window but no pixel size, because its system crops the photo itself. CropPass builds a square file on the 2×2 in framing rules, so it holds up when the portal crops it.
| Size | At least 600×600 px · CropPass exports 1200×1200 px (not stated for online renewal; CropPass uses the 2×2 in rule) |
|---|---|
| Shape | Square (1:1) |
| File size | 54 KB–10 MB |
| Format | JPEG (JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF are accepted) |
| Head height | 50–69% of the photo height, chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, in colour |
| Digital editing | Not allowed · CropPass only crops and resizes |
Last verified 12 October 2026 against the source: travel.state.gov ↗
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Head 50–69% of frame height. 51×51 mm, 600×600 px, white background.
Official requirements ↗How to make your US online passport renewal photo
- Take or choose a photo. Face the camera in even light, against a wall that fits the background rule: plain white or off-white, in colour. Upload it as a JPEG, PNG or HEIC file; it stays on your device.
- Line up the frame. CropPass crops to the square shape of the file and marks where your head goes (50–69% of the height). Drag and zoom until your head sits inside the guides.
- Download the file. In the download step, check that "US passport renewal (online upload)" is selected and click "Download US passport renewal (online upload)". CropPass encodes a 1200×1200 px JPEG (54 KB–10 MB) and shows its final size, ready to upload. The preview is free; downloading needs a pass.
Questions and answers
Which files does online renewal accept?
JPG or JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF, from 54 KB to 10 MB, in colour. CropPass exports a 1200×1200 px JPEG, which sits comfortably inside that window.
Does the renewal portal give a pixel size?
No. Pixel size, shape and head size are not stated for online renewal, because the portal crops the upload. CropPass follows the 2×2 in print rules instead: a square of at least 600×600 px with the head at 50–69% of the height.
Can I use a filter or touch up my photo?
No. The State Department says it will not accept a photo that is edited or filtered. CropPass only crops and resizes, and background cleanup stays off for every US document.
What if I renew by mail instead?
Renewing by mail with form DS-82 needs a printed 2×2 in photo, not a file. The 2×2 in print page below makes the photo and a print sheet from the same picture.
More United States photos
- Standard United States photo · 51×51 mm print
- US passport photo for DS-11 and DS-82 (2×2 in print) · 2×2 in (51×51 mm) print
- US visa photo for the DS-160 · 600×600 px · JPEG · 54–240 KB
- US Diversity Visa (DV lottery) entry photo · 600×600 px · JPEG · 54–240 KB
- Guide: US passport photo requirements for 2026: size, background and rules
- Guide: Digital passport photos: which countries accept them, and how to submit one