You can't swap the photo in a U.S. passport that has already been issued. The photo is printed into the passport, so "changing" it means getting a new passport. If the photo has a printing error, the State Department replaces the passport at no cost using Form DS-5504. If the photo printed correctly and you simply want a new one, you can reapply with Form DS-82 (if you're eligible to renew) and pay the normal fees. Before you submit an application, though, you can retake your photo as many times as you like — and if the State Department rejects your photo, it will ask you for a new one by letter or email.
| Situation | Can you change the photo? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| You haven't applied yet | Yes, freely | Retake the photo until it meets the requirements |
| You applied and the photo was rejected | Yes, you must | Send a new photo in response to the State Department's letter or email within 90 days |
| Your passport is already issued | Not in that passport | Printing error: Form DS-5504, no fee. Otherwise: Form DS-82 if eligible, normal fees, or apply in person |
The State Department's "Change or Correct a Passport" page lists two routes:
If you aren't eligible to renew — for example your previous passport was issued more than 15 years ago, it was lost or stolen, or it was issued when you were under 16 — you have to apply in person instead.
Usually not. The State Department says you only need a new passport if your appearance changed significantly and you can no longer be identified from your current photo.
| Small change — don't apply for a new passport | Big change — apply for a new passport |
|---|---|
| Growing a beard | Significant facial surgery or trauma |
| Coloring your hair | Adding or removing many large facial piercings or tattoos |
| Normal aging | Significant weight loss or gain |
Disliking the photo isn't a reason the State Department lists. You can still renew early to get a new photo, but you'll pay the regular renewal fee.
Until your application is mailed or submitted, the photo is entirely up to you. Retake it if any of these are true:
For online renewal, the application's photo tool checks basic requirements when you upload. If the photo fails, the system tells you what to change and you can try a different photo. A State Department employee still reviews the photo after the application arrives.
Check your shot against our passport photo sample descriptions, our guide on what to wear and the rules on smiling.
The State Department says unacceptable photos are the number one reason it puts applications on hold. If yours is one of them:
Your application may be delayed until you respond, so don't wait.
According to the State Department, current processing times are 4–6 weeks for routine service and 2–3 weeks for expedited service (an extra $60). Mailing isn't included: allow up to 2 weeks for your application to arrive and up to 2 weeks for the passport to reach you. A rejected photo adds the time it takes you to respond plus the time for your reply to be received and processed. Times change with demand, so check the current numbers on travel.state.gov before you book travel.
Upload your photo on the US Passport Photo page. Photo-Visa.Online does automated cropping to the right size, background and compliance check — we don't change your face. The State Department says not to change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, so the fix for a bad photo is always a new photo, not an edited one.
Photo older than a few months? See how long passport photos are valid.
No. The photo is part of the passport, so a new photo means a new passport. A printing error is fixed free with Form DS-5504; otherwise you renew with Form DS-82 (if eligible) and pay the normal fees.
Only if the State Department asks for it. If your photo is rejected, you'll get a letter or email requesting a new one, and you have 90 days to respond.
Not having a flattering photo isn't a reason the State Department lists for a free replacement. You can renew early with Form DS-82 if you're eligible, paying the regular fee.
Only if the change is significant enough that you can't be identified from your current photo. The State Department lists significant facial surgery or trauma and significant weight loss or gain as big changes.
Mail it to the Sterling, VA address on your letter, exactly as written, within 90 days. Reference your application number if you call. If the letter allows it, you may respond by email.
No. The State Department doesn't accept photos changed with software, phone apps or filters. Take a new photo instead.