When Do You Need a New Passport Photo?

Love it or hate it, you’re stuck with your passport photo for the next decade. But what happens if your appearance changes? Will you need a new passport photo? According to the U.S. Department, in most cases, the answer is no, but there are specific times when you will need to get a new passport photo.

When You Need a New Passport Photo

That said, there are some circumstances in which you might need a new passport photo. According to the Department of State, “New photos are only required if your appearance has significantly changed from what is in your photo.” Examples of “significant changes” include:

“Significant” facial surgery or trauma. Minor cosmetic procedures shouldn’t be an issue, but if you’ve had a lot of work done, you may need a new passport photo to match the new you.
Lost or gained a large amount of weight.
Have undergone a gender transition (or are in the process of doing so and have significantly changed your appearance).
Added or removed extensive facial tattoos or piercings.

Where to Get a New Passport Photo

You can get a new passport photo at all of the usual places:

Take it yourself with a free app like Passport Photo Creator,
or G3 Passport and Visa Photo Booth.
Drug stores with photo departments, like Walgreens or CVS.
Big-box stores like Walmart
Fed-Ex Office locations (you can apply for an expedited passport renewal there, too!)
Some post offices, libraries and government buildings.

How to Get a New Passport

Unfortunately, the only way to get a new passport is to get a new passport photo.

If you already have a passport, you may be eligible to renew your current passport. You can learn more here: How To Renew Your Passport
If you’re not eligible to renew by mail, follow these instructions to apply for a new passport: How to Apply for a New Passport
Applying for a passport for a child? There are some additional application requirements. Learn more here: How to Get a Child Passport

What About Child Passport Photos?

Passports for children under age 16 are good for five years. Kids can change a lot in those five years, and that’s okay. As with adults, significant facial surgery or trauma may require a new photo, but normal aging is just fine. You don’t need to get a new passport photo just because your tiny newborn is now a rambunctious toddler!

Passport Processing Times

No matter how you apply for your new passport, be sure to allow 6-8 weeks for processing. If you use the government’s expedited service, you should get your passport within 3 weeks. Processing times can vary according to how busy the State Department is; you can find the most up-to-date information here.

If you need your passport in a shorter time frame, you can either make an appointment at the nearest regional Passport Agency or use a private passport expediting company.

Need a new passport or passport renewal in a hurry? We’d love to help!

3 Responses

August, 11th 2021Shevonne Abraham
Very informative.
August, 24th 2019Wayne Kelley, Sr
Passport has picture of me with full beard, do not have beard now. Do I need new picture? Thanks Going to El Salvador middle of October.
- August, 28th 2019David P
  This shouldn't be an issue. You should be able to travel with the passport. However, if you think there could be some delays with them reviewing your passport, you should renew it prior to this trip.