Digital Passport Picture

[Stmar]

This one is way off topic. Has anyone done a Passport Renewal online with a digital photo that you took with a smart phone? It sounds simple but I wanted to get some real world reaction. I keep wondering about how to get it to be a 2"x2" size or does that really not matter when doing it digitally? Do they size it and all you do is attach a picture jpeg file? Happy New Year, haven't had to use the tractor much this winter, don't know if that is good or bad.

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

this is experience from Canada during COVID when gov't was "working from home" so for what its worth I tried it 3x and failed all times ( had to renew wifes and mine as they expired then I had mine stolen shortly aftwards and had to replace)
All 3 times they found reason to complain and reject.
Ended up paying the $10 at Costco to get it done.
Thats my experience but must work for most as they have offered it for a long time in these parts.

 

[William1]

This one is way off topic. Has anyone done a Passport Renewal online with a digital photo that you took with a smart phone? It sounds simple but I wanted to get some real world reaction. I keep wondering about how to get it to be a 2"x2" size or does that really not matter when doing it digitally? Do they size it and all you do is attach a picture jpeg file? Happy New Year, haven't had to use the tractor much this winter, don't know if that is good or bad.

Never done it but.... I am pretty computer savvy. I imagine they compare it to you existing passport image.
A computer compares the two. If a digital 'match, they accept it. Then it is a simple matter to crop and resize. If you had a beard and shaved it off, they will not accept it, ditto with glasses (or no glasses).
Make sure you do not have anything behind you that might be embarrassing...... Blank wall.

 

[McMXi]

This one is way off topic. Has anyone done a Passport Renewal online with a digital photo that you took with a smart phone? It sounds simple but I wanted to get some real world reaction. I keep wondering about how to get it to be a 2"x2" size or does that really not matter when doing it digitally? Do they size it and all you do is attach a picture jpeg file? Happy New Year, haven't had to use the tractor much this winter, don't know if that is good or bad.

Yes, and getting the lighting correct was the biggest challenge. When I renewed my British passport, there was an app (via a link) I had to use to upload a photo. It was very particular about the image having enough definition via sufficient lighting and an appropriate background. It took me a few attempts before the app approved the image for uploading.

I need to check on when my US passport expires but I think it's next year, and I'll most likely do it at a local post office so they'll take care of the photo (I think).

 

[Blue2Orange]

Haven't done. But the online renewal option has a "photo composition template" that sets the parameters required. Possible option. Most USPS Offices I think still take passport images.

 

[JimDeL]

...Most USPS Offices I think still take passport images.

AAA does it for free if you're a member. US$10.00 if non-member.

 

[Blue2Orange]

Just checked and it looks like most USPS offices still take passport images. Last renewal was back in '19 or '20 and added the US Passport Card. I don't have an enhanced driver's license. Sits in the wallet so I don't forget it when traveling by airliner. Card works at TSA. Might work if crossing the Mexican or Canadian border. $130 for Passport renewal. $30 for Card. The bugger is I haven't traveled out of the USA since pre-Covid. Might have a totally blank passport if needing to renew ever again. At least the Card gets used.

 

[Stmar]

Haven't done. But the online renewal option has a "photo composition template" that sets the parameters required. Possible option. Most USPS Offices I think still take passport images.

I had checked Post Office and they will not do "renewals" only first time applications. In the past they did all of it but changed recently. It should be simple, but we are dealing with government, the way they are pushing online renewals. I have some time so will play with it and see what happens. Got this online when I checked:
" You can't renew a U.S. passport at the post office in the same way you apply for a first-time passport; renewals are typically done by mail or online "

 

[Kennyd4110]

Yes, I just my did my passport renewal two months ago. Very easy process.

 

[Blue2Orange]

I had checked Post Office and they will not do "renewals" only first time applications. In the past they did all of it but changed recently. It should be simple, but we are dealing with government, the way they are pushing online renewals. I have some time so will play with it and see what happens. Got this online when I checked:
" You can't renew a U.S. passport at the post office in the same way you apply for a first-time passport; renewals are typically done by mail or online "

Thanks for the update. Up here the USPS is stressed relative to inadequate staffing. Sort of makes sense to reduce their workload and focus on mail delivery. Use to be our rural mail deliver arrived at a similar time each day. Now.... Anytime from 0900 to real late. At least it's a nice half kilometer walk sometimes a few times a day to get the mail.

 

[McMXi]

Everything you need to know to renew a US passport. The second link provides lots of information re the photo that's required.

Renew an adult passport | USAGov

Find out if you can renew your passport or if you have to get a new one. Learn how to renew your passport by mail, online, or in person in an emergency.

www.usa.gov

U.S. Passport Photos

Learn how to submit a quality passport photo if you are applying in person or renewing by mail.

travel.state.gov