The photo rules are the same either way. What you hand over is different. Online renewal takes your original digital photo. Mail renewal takes a printed 2 x 2 inch photo.
Work out which route you're on before you take the photo.
Can you renew online?
You can renew online if all of these are true:
- Your current passport is, or was, valid for 10 years.
- It expires within the next year, or expired less than 5 years ago.
- You're 25 or older.
- You're not changing your name or other personal details.
- You're not traveling for at least 6 weeks. Online renewals can't be expedited.
- You're in a US state or territory when you apply.
- You have your passport, it isn't damaged, and you haven't reported it lost or stolen.
If any of these don't fit, you'll likely renew by mail or in person instead.
Online renewal: upload your original photo
For online renewal, you upload a digital photo straight into the State Department's application at opr.travel.state.gov. That's the only official site for online renewal.
Upload your original camera file, not a cropped version. The official application has its own tool to crop and position your photo, and it checks the basics as you upload.
The file must be:
- A JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF file.
- Between 54 KB and 10 MB.
- In color and taken in the last six months.
When you take it:
- Leave room around your head. The bottom of the photo should reach the edge of your shoulders, near where they meet your arms.
- Don't use filters, beauty modes or retouching.
- Don't photograph or scan a printed photo.
- Don't send the photo to yourself by text message. It lowers the quality.
Use the checker first. Run your photo through it to catch head angle, lighting, background or sharpness problems before you upload. Then upload your original file, not our download.
Mail renewal: a printed 2x2 photo
For a mail renewal, you include one printed photo with your form. It must be:
- 2 x 2 inches.
- Head between 1 and 1⅜ inches, chin to top of head.
- Printed on matte or glossy photo paper.
- Not a photocopy or scan.
- Undamaged, with no creases, holes or smudges.
Our 4x6 print sheet has two 2x2 photos and a ruler to check the size. Print it at a pharmacy kiosk at actual size, check the measurements, and cut along the marks. See how to print a 2x2 photo on a 4x6 sheet.
Check my photo and get the print sheet, free
Rules that apply to both
- Plain white or off-white background, no shadows.
- Facing the camera, head straight, eyes open.
- Neutral expression or a natural smile, mouth closed.
- No glasses, hats or headphones.
- The original, unedited photo.
Your questions, answered
Can I use the photo from my old passport?
No. The photo must be taken in the last six months.
Can I upload a photo of my printed passport photo for online renewal?
No. Upload the original digital file from your camera or phone.
What if my online renewal photo is rejected?
The State Department will send you a letter or email asking for a new photo. Respond within the time it gives you.
I'm under 25. Can I renew online?
Not online. Check the mail renewal and in-person options on the State Department site.
Rules change. Check the State Department's pages on online renewal and mail renewal before you apply.
Your questions, answered
Can FormFitPhoto guarantee acceptance?
No. It flags common issues and helps you prepare; the issuing office makes the final decision.
Does the checker upload my photo?
No. The photo is processed in your browser and is not sent to FormFitPhoto.
By FormFitPhoto · Reviewed October 9, 2026. Requirements reference: US Department of State. This independent guide is not government approval.