Time flies, and so do trends and personal styles. Just think about how much can change in a decade. From tech advancements to personal transformations, ten years is a long time. Considering that U.S. adult passports are valid for ten years, you might find yourself wondering, “How can I change my passport photo?” especially if you’ve undergone significant changes in appearance or simply don’t like your current passport picture.
This guide will clarify the circumstances under which you need to update your passport photo before your passport expires and explore whether you have the option to change it whenever you wish.
Short on time? Here are the main points:
- You can update your passport photo if it’s flawed due to printing issues (using Form DS-5504), if your appearance has significantly changed, or even if you just dislike the photo.
- If you’re unhappy with your passport photo, you can change it at any time, even before expiry, by applying for a passport renewal.
- Changing your passport photo involves passport renewal fees, which are $130 for applicants aged 16 and older.
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Person using PhotoAiD passport photo maker on a phone, showcasing the ease of use and digital solution
PhotoAiD interface on a phone showing steps to create compliant passport photos online
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When Do You Need to Change Your Passport Photo? Eligibility Explained
Generally, a significant change in your appearance necessitates updating your passport photo through a new U.S. passport application. This is to ensure that your passport accurately reflects your current look for identification purposes.
It’s important to understand what constitutes a “drastic” change. Growing a beard, even a substantial one like a Santa Claus beard, when your previous passport photo showed you clean-shaven, does not require a passport photo update. Similarly, changes in hair length, style, or color do not typically necessitate a new photo. The key factor is whether your fundamental facial features have changed.
For more clarity, you can review passport photo examples to understand what is acceptable according to official guidelines.
According to the U.S. Department of State, a passport photo change, requiring a new U.S. passport application (regardless of your current passport’s expiry date), is officially required under the following conditions:
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Sustained significant facial trauma | Permanent damage to bone or soft tissue (such as scarring) resulting from accidents, assaults, gunshot wounds, falls, burns, etc. |
| Undergone significant facial surgery | Cosmetic surgeries that substantially alter facial proportions (e.g., major rhinoplasty or facial implants). |
| Notable weight gain or loss | Significant changes in facial structure due to gaining or losing a large amount of weight. |
| Gender transition | A gender transition that has altered your facial appearance from your gender at birth. |
| Addition or removal of facial tattoos or piercings | Laser removal of tattoos or removal of piercings on the face or neck. The addition of new tattoos that cover significant portions of the face or neck. |
The crucial factor determining the need for a new passport photo is whether your facial proportions have changed to the extent that the distances between your facial features differ noticeably from your previous photo. Passport agents use biometric measurements of facial features for identification.
Diagram showing biometric facial measurements used for passport photo identification, highlighting key facial features and distances
Therefore, minor cosmetic procedures like Botox or lip fillers are unlikely to necessitate a new passport photo. However, significant transformations, surgeries, or traumas that alter your core facial structure will require a new passport application and photo change.
It’s important to note that children under 16 years old are not required to change their passport photos due to natural aging.
If you need to apply for a new passport and require a compliant photo quickly, PhotoAiD’s tool can provide government-compliant passport photos in seconds. With a high average rating of 4.6 stars and thousands of reviews on Trustpilot, you can trust PhotoAiD to help you get the best possible photo.
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How to Change Your Passport Photo: Utilizing Passport Renewal
Another avenue for changing your passport photo is through U.S. passport renewal. The Department of State suggests renewing your passport up to nine months before it expires. This allows you to update your passport photo to reflect your current appearance sooner than your passport’s actual expiration date.
Despite this recommendation, you can renew your U.S. passport at any time. Therefore, if you wish to change your passport photo simply because you want a more current picture, you can apply for a passport renewal with your new 2×2” U.S. passport photos even months or years before your current passport expires.
To reiterate, changing your passport photo is possible at any time. However, it requires submitting either a new passport application (due to significant appearance changes) or a U.S. passport renewal (when your appearance still resembles your existing passport photo) to officially update your photo.
Update Your Passport Photo with PhotoAiD®
Do you need to retake your passport photo for an upcoming renewal or due to a change in appearance? PhotoAiD® empowers you to take photos until you achieve a passport picture you’re happy to present at the airport.
Unlike traditional photo booths or studios, PhotoAiD®’s user-friendly mobile app (available for Android and iOS) lets you take unlimited photos until you capture the perfect shot. You have full control over the final image; PhotoAiD ensures it meets all the necessary guidelines set by the Department of State.
The best part is, PhotoAiD can transform any existing photo into a government-compliant passport photo using advanced AI-powered background removal and editing technology. Furthermore, every PhotoAiD passport photo is reviewed by human photo experts to guarantee quality. This rigorous process allows PhotoAiD to offer an industry-leading guarantee: 100% compliance or double your money back!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about changing your passport photo:
Can I get a new picture on my passport?
Yes, theoretically. To get a new picture on your passport, you must apply for a passport renewal. You can then submit your updated photo along with Form DS-82.
Can you change your passport photo before it expires?
Yes, you can change your passport photo at any time, even before it expires. However, U.S. citizens cannot change just the photo itself; they must go through the passport renewal process, which includes submitting a new photo and other required documents.
How To Change Passport Photo?
The only way to change your passport photo is by submitting a new U.S. passport application or a passport renewal. Changing the photo independently is not possible; a new passport document must be issued.
How much does it cost to change a passport photo?
Changing your passport photo requires paying the fees for a new U.S. passport book, which range from $130 to $165. The price difference depends on whether you are submitting a new passport application or a U.S. passport renewal. This cost excludes any additional fees for passport photos or expedited processing.
How often can you change your passport photo?
There is no limit to how often you can change your passport photo. However, each change will require either a new U.S. passport application or a U.S. passport renewal, each incurring the associated fees.
When can I change my passport photo?
You can change your passport photo during a U.S. passport renewal. Alternatively, you can apply for a new U.S. passport if your appearance has significantly changed and your current passport photo no longer accurately represents your appearance.
Can You Change a Passport Photo: Key Takeaways
Is it possible to update your passport photo? Yes, absolutely. For printing errors, use Form DS-5504 for a free replacement. If you simply dislike your photo but it’s printed correctly, or if your appearance has changed, use Form DS-82 (if eligible) and pay the standard renewal fees.
Before you invest time and money, consider whether a passport photo change is truly necessary. If you decide a new passport photo is needed, PhotoAiD® is an excellent tool to ensure you get the perfect, compliant photo that U.S. passport agents will accept.
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Simon Wojtyczka
Simon Wojtyczka is a writer with international experience across 7 countries, enriching his writing. With a Master’s in Applied Linguistics, he possesses a deep understanding of language and its cultural connections.
