Get a Digital Passport Photo [+Expert Check]

Not so long ago, printed passport photos were the only option for US citizens who wanted to apply for or renew their passports. Since August 2022, Americans are more than welcome to prepare digital copies of their passport pictures when renewing their passport. This is thanks to the government pilot program of online passport renewals.

US applicants can now renew their passports online through a MyTravelGov account. To complete the application, they must upload a digital image that meets all US passport photo requirements.

The U.S. Department of State only accepts electronically-created passport images without any digital alterations. Just like with printed passport photos, digital pictures must reflect the applicant's current appearance.

Here, you will learn: 

• the additional regulations for US digital passport photos
• how to get a digital passport-style photo, and
• where to obtain a digital passport photo.

Check out also visa photos for other countries:

• Chinese visa photo
• Canadian visa photo 
• Indian visa photo

Requirements for a digital passport photo

What's a digital passport photo? Electronic passport photos must follow specific technical requirements to be accepted during the online application. These specifications include the image’s:

• dimensions
• file format
• file size
• resolution, and
• quality 

Take a look at the table with detailed information on each requirement.

On top of that, a digital photo for a passport must meet the general requirements for US passport photos. They include the applicant’s face, clothing, and position. Take a look at our thorough checklist to make sure your picture meets every regulation.

Where can I get a digital passport photo?

There are two ways in which US citizens can obtain a digital passport photo. Both require applicants to use electronic devices, such as computers or smartphones.

Here's how to get a digital passport photo at home:

1. Upload your existing picture into a dedicated photo tool, like the PhotoAiD® passport photo resizer.
2. Take a new photo with your smartphone and transform it into a compliant digital passport picture.

In case you have a printed passport photo, do not scan it. The U.S. State Department does not accept scanned electronic copies, which is due to the usually bad resolution and quality.

If you already have a digital copy of your passport photo, make sure it meets all the requirements. To do this, put it through a professional photo app that will check every detail. 

There are many tools on the market, but PhotoAiD® comes with a double verification (AI check and human expert feedback) and a 100% compliance guarantee. Try it out today!

If you don’t have a digital image, you can take your passport photo easily at home with your smartphone. With a dedicated passport photo maker, such as PhotoAiD®, applicants can get their pictures in just 3 seconds! Snap it and let the app do the rest. See how easy it is!

Take a look at some of the US official documents you might want to get in the future:

• 2x2 photo
• EAD card photo
• USCIS photo

Where to get a passport photo with a digital copy

There are various places where US citizens and residents can get their passport photos taken, ranging from shopping malls and drugstores to professional photography studios. However, if you're looking for a reliable and affordable option, you can consider Walgreens passport photo services. Apart from getting high-quality printed passport photos, you can also check if your nearest Walgreens store provides digital copies.

The easiest way to get a digital passport photo is to use your smartphone! This solution comes with no additional abilities or requirements. Simply take a picture or ask somebody to do it for you—no need to travel or search for the nearest passport photo-taking service. Read on to know more!

How to take a digital passport photo with your phone

With PhotoAiD®, you can create any self-portrait into a digital passport photo online.

Grab your smartphone, pose in a well-lit room (preferably in daylight), and snap a photo! Thanks to our passport photo tool, your digital image will meet all US requirements.

PhotoAiD® is an innovative photo app that crops, resizes, and edits every picture to meet the regulations of a given country. Regarding the United States, applicants can be sure that their digital passport photo will turn out 100% compliant with the rules posed by the U.S. Department of State.

Right after taking a photo with our app, it goes through a double-check; first, by advanced AI technology, and then it gets verified by a human expert who always comes back with feedback. If any errors occur, don’t worry—every retake is free, and you are welcome to use it as much as you need!

When the photo is accepted, you will receive your image immediately at the provided email address. Your US digital passport photo is ready for online submission!

Sources:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html