Printed and digital workflows differ
A digital upload is defined by pixels, file format, file size and the submission system. For U.S. online passport renewal, the Department of State currently accepts JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF files between 54 KB and 10 MB.
Keep the full-resolution original for online renewal
This tool exports a 600 x 600 square for printing and workflows that explicitly request that size. Do not assume that export is suitable for online passport renewal. Keep the original full-resolution photo and follow the official application\'s upload and cropping instructions.
Keep the original natural
Do not use filters, face reshaping or AI-generated backgrounds unless explicitly permitted.
Check the upload preview
Official upload systems may include their own crop or positioning step.
Do not mix up passport renewal and visa upload rules
Different U.S. government workflows can use different digital specifications. The table below separates two commonly confused cases.
| Workflow | Current file guidance | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. online passport renewal | JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF; 54 KB to 10 MB | The official application includes its own crop and basic photo checks. |
| U.S. visa digital image | JPEG; square; 600 x 600 minimum to 1200 x 1200 maximum; no more than 240 KB | This site's Visa mode exports a 600 x 600 JPEG and targets the 240 KB limit. |
Why one export cannot represent every document process
A file can be technically square and still fail for reasons such as background, pose, expression, image age or application-specific upload rules. Choose the tool mode that matches your workflow, then verify the official page for that exact application before submitting.
Use the receiving authority as the final source
Document-photo rules can change. Use this site to prepare dimensions and catch common image problems, then verify the latest requirements on the official website for the document you are submitting.