How to Renew US Passport Online with a 2×2 digital photo?

Read this article to find out if you are eligible to renew a passport online with a 2×2 digital photo and everything else you need to know.

Last update:5/20/2025

Table of Contents

1 What is the U.S. digital passport photo requirements for the online passport renewal?

2 How to upload a digital passport photo for the online US passport renewal application?

3 8 Steps to renew your passport online

What are the U.S. digital passport photo requirements for the online passport renewal?

A U.S. digital passport photo is required by the U.S. Department of State for passport application renewals. This type of photo is required for individuals who choose to renew their passports online through the MyTravelGov portal.

To be accepted, your passport photo must meet the following criteria:

Digital format

Resolution: At least 600 x 600 pixels
Color: Must be in color; black and white photos are not accepted
Format: Must be in JPEG file format
Size: Must be at least 54 kilobytes and no more than 10 megabytes
Compression: The compression ratio must be less than or equal to 20:1

General rules

No smiling
Shadows on the face are not allowed
No spectacles
Cannot be shirtless
No uniform (including camouflage attire)
Must have a plain white or off-white background
No hats or head coverings (there are some exceptions for religious or medical reasons)
Earbuds or headphones are not allowed
Jewelry in the way of the face is not allowed
No clothing that matches the background

How to upload a digital passport photo for the online US passport renewal application?

When you renew your passport online, you must upload a digital photo to the photo tool as part of the application process.

To do this, check our detailed guide on how to upload a 2×2 digital photo correctly.

8 Steps to renew your passport online

Follow these steps to successfully renew your passport online and track your application status:

Confirm you meet the requirements – Ensure you are eligible for online renewal, including having a valid passport that is undamaged and issued within the last 15 years.
Create your account – Register on the MyTravelGov portal to access the online renewal system.
Start your application – Provide your details as required in the online form.
Enter your most recent passport info – Input the details of your current passport, including issue and expiration dates.
Enter travel plans – If you have upcoming travel, provide your departure details to determine if expedited processing is needed.
Upload a digital photo – Use a compliant passport photo that meets the U.S. State Department’s requirements (you can use our online passport photo tool to ensure compliance).
Sign and pay – Electronically sign your application and pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card.
Enroll in email updates – Subscribe
to email notifications to receive updates on your application status and expected processing time.

Sources

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html