Digital Passport Photo

Renewal of a Passport Online: Overview

Renewing your passport online has become more convenient than ever, thanks to recent changes that allow for the use of electronic passport photos. With this new process, you can save time and effort by avoiding printing physical pictures or visiting a photo studio.

For this process, your passport photo’s digital copy is required, and here are two popular options:

• Option 1–Take a Photo at Home: Simply take a high-quality digital passport photo that meets the specific digital image requirements, such as size and composition, and upload it during your online passport renewal application.
• Option 2–Online Passport Photo Tools: Digital passport photos can also be acquired using an online tool like Pixelied to get compliant photos for passport application or Visa photos within minutes. The streamlined approach eliminates the need for physical visits and allows for a smoother and more efficient renewal process.

As per the official website of the U.S. State Department, the online renewal service has been paused since 8th March 2023 to further elevate the customer experience.

Those who applied before the service was paused can easily access their MyTravelGov account and manage their application. However, individuals who still need to apply will no longer find the option to renew online in their MyTravelGov account.

Although online submission is currently unavailable, eligible individuals can still renew their passports by mail. Assistance and support options are available for existing customers with access to their MyTravelGov accounts.

How Much Does a Digital Passport-Size Photo Cost?

The cost of a digital passport-size photo can vary depending on various factors, such as the service provider, location, and additional services offered. You can estimate the price between $5 and $20.

Obtaining a digital passport-size photo is generally more affordable than traditional printed photos. Many online platforms and mobile apps offer digital passport-size pictures for free or minimal fees. These digital pictures can be saved and used in online applications, reducing the need for printing or physical copies. It's essential to check the pricing and terms of the specific service or platform you choose to determine the exact cost of a digital passport-size photo.

Some brick-and-mortar retailers and pharmacies can also provide a digital copy of your passport picture upon request. For more information, visit Target, Walmart, Walgreens, or CVS stores.

Here’s a general price overview of physical stores:

Disclaimer: These prices are generally for a photo shoot and two 2x2 inch prints. The cost of a digital passport picture might be lower or higher.

Where to Get a Digital Passport Photo?

You can obtain electronic passport photos from various sources, including:

Pixelied's Passport Photo Tool

Pixelied offers a dedicated online tool where you can create and download a digital passport photo. It provides auto-correction and adjustments to help you ensure that your photo meets the required specifications.

Mobile Apps

Numerous passport photo apps are available for iOS and Android devices. These apps enable you to take or upload an image and transform it into a digital passport-size photo. They often offer customization options, such as adjusting the background color, resizing the picture, and ensuring it meets the necessary specifications.

Photo Studios and Print Shops

Some photography studios and print shops offer the option to receive a digital copy of your passport picture along with printed copies. They may provide the image in a digital format, which you can save and use for online applications. Make sure to ask for a JPEG because that is the only acceptable format.

What are the Requirements for a Digital Passport Picture?

To obtain digital passport pictures, you must ensure they meet specific requirements set by the State Department. These requirements typically include the following:

1. Dimensions: The color photo must have a minimum size of 600 x 600 pixels. It can be rectangular, but it should provide ample space around your head and torso for automatic cropping.
2. Color: The photo must be in color, with a color depth of 24 bits per pixel. It should be in the sRGB color space, which is a common output for most digital cameras.
3. Format: Save the photo in JPEG file format. It is the recommended format for digital passport photos.
4. Size: The photo's file size should be at least 54 kilobytes and no more than 10 megabytes.
5. Compression: Maintain a compression ratio of less than or equal to 20:1 to ensure clarity and resolution.
6. Quality: Use your camera's highest quality setting when taking the photo, and select the highest quality setting when saving and emailing it.
7. Expressions: Maintain a neutral expression looking at the camera with eyes open and mouth closed.
8. Attire: Wear your normal everyday clothes. Avoid head coverings or camouflage attire. Facial piercings are allowed as long as they do not change your facial features.

Note: If you’d like to scan an existing photo, it must be 2x2 inches in size and a resolution of 300 pixels per inch (12 pixels per millimeter)

Don’ts of Digital Passport Photos

• Avoid editing or digitally manipulating the photo.
• Refrain from sending the image via text message or saving it to a cloud-based application to avoid compression.
• Don’t use any other format than JPEG.
• Avoid scanning a printed photo or taking a picture of an already printed image, as these methods may not meet the required standards.

Things to Remember

When renewing your passport online, you must upload a digital photo. To ensure the quality and compliance of your image, it is recommended that someone else take it for you, avoiding selfies or pictures taken in portrait mode.

How to Use Pixelied’s Passport Photo Tool?

Using Pixelied's passport image tool is simple and straightforward. Here are five steps to guide you through the process:

1. Open Pixelied's Passport Image Tool: Visit Pixelied’s website and navigate to the passport picture tool.
2. Upload a Photo: Upload a digital copy of a photo of yourself that follows the guidelines provided by the U.S. State Department. You can also use your device's camera to capture a new image directly within the tool. Ensure the photo has proper lighting, is well-focused, and meets the necessary composition requirements.
3. Auto Adjustment and Positioning: With the help of Pixelied's AI tool and expert verification, it’ll automatically adjust your photo's size, position, and alignment. The tool will ensure it meets the requirements set by the State Department.
4. Download and Save Your Passport Picture: Once satisfied with the adjustments, click the "Download" button to save your passport image. Pixelied will generate a high-quality image file in the correct dimensions and format, ready for you to use in your passport application or renewal process.

How to Upload a Passport Photo for Renewal?

To upload a passport image for renewal, you must have digital passport pictures. You can either take a shot at home, use an online tool like Pixelied, or visit your nearest photography studio.

Tools You Need

In order to take a photo at home, you need the following tools:

• Smartphone with a high-quality camera or a digital camera
• Tripod stand or any steady surface
• Good source of lighting (daylight will work too)
• Plain white or off-white background

Step 1: Take a Photo at Home

To take a photo at home, follow these steps:

1. Choose a location with ample lighting. Natural light is preferable, so position yourself near a window or in a well-lit room. Avoid harsh shadows and ensure your face is well-lit and evenly illuminated.
2. Use a solid, white-colored wall or hang a plain sheet as your background. Ensure no patterns, objects, or distractions in the background could detract from your face.
3. Stand or sit in front of the camera, ensuring your face is centered and fills most of the frame. Keep your shoulders straight and your face forward without tilting or turning your head.
4. Avoid direct overhead lighting that can create unflattering shadows. Experiment with different lighting angles to find the most even and flattering lighting for your face.
5. Set a timer on your smartphone or digital camera to avoid a camera shake, or use a tripod to stabilize the device. It helps ensure a sharp and focused photo.
6. Capture several photos to increase the chances of getting a good one.
7. Review each photo to assess lighting, composition, and facial expression. Delete any images that don't meet your desired criteria.

Step 2: Uploading Passport Picture for Renewal

1. Ensure you have a digital copy: Make sure you have a digital version of your passport picture. It can be a photo taken with a digital camera or smartphone.
2. Access the online renewal platform: Visit the official website of the passport issuing authority in the US. Look for the online passport renewal platform or application portal.
3. Create an account or log in: If it's your first time using the online platform, create an account with your personal information. If you already have an account, log in using your credentials.
4. Navigate to the photo upload section: Within the renewal application, locate the section designated for photo upload. It is usually clearly indicated and labeled accordingly.
5. Select the photo file: Click on the designated area or the "Upload" button to browse your computer or device for the digital passport photo file. Select the file and confirm the upload.
6. Review and submit: Once the photo is uploaded, review it to ensure it meets the required specifications, such as size, format, and clarity. If everything looks correct, proceed with submitting your renewal application.
7. Pay the renewal fee: Complete the payment process for the renewal application, if applicable, as per the instructions provided.