How to Renew Passport: Ultimate 2025 Guide with Ea

How to Renew Your Passport in Summer

Renewing a passport in summer means preparing for higher demand and travel plans — and one of the most common reasons renewals get delayed is a wrong or noncompliant passport photo. This guide focuses exclusively on passport photo requirements, validation, preparation, and compliance so your DS-82 renewal packet is accepted the first time.

Why the passport photo matters

The U.S. passport photo is a mandatory piece of your renewal packet (DS-82). The State Department will reject renewal applications that include a damaged, outdated, or noncompliant photo, which can add weeks to your processing time.

Core official requirements you must meet

• Size: 2 x 2 inches. The photo you include with your renewal must match this exact size.

• Background: White or off-white background is required.

• Expression: A neutral facial expression is required.

• No glasses: Glasses are not permitted in the passport photo.

• Recency: The photo must be recent (one recent passport photo required in the renewal checklist).

These are the explicit photo rules stated in the renewal guidance; your photo packet should meet each point exactly.

How to include the photo with your renewal

If you are renewing by mail using Form DS-82, include one recent 2"x2" passport photo with your application packet. The DS-82 checklist lists “One recent passport photo (2"x2")” as a required document.

Verify photo condition and relevance

Before sealing your packet, confirm the photo is not damaged or otherwise altered. “Using a damaged or outdated passport photo” is specifically listed among common mistakes that cause rejection or delays.

Where to get a compliant photo

Many pharmacies, post offices, and retail stores offer passport photo services that comply with government standards. The guidance explicitly names CVS, Walgreens, and USPS offices as common providers of compliant photos.

Cost to expect at retail locations

Retail passport-photo services typically charge about $15–$20. The guide lists “Passport photo service at retail locations: ~$15–20” under optional add-ons.

Actionable preparation steps (before you get photographed)

1. Confirm the photo must be 2 x 2 inches with a white or off-white background.

2. Plan for a neutral facial expression and no glasses.

3. Use a reputable retail provider such as CVS, Walgreens, or a USPS office to obtain a photo that meets government standards.

These steps directly follow the requirements and recommendations in the renewal guidance.

Actionable steps at the photo provider

1. Tell the photo clerk this photo is for a U.S. passport renewal (DS-82) so they use the correct framing and background.

2. Ask the provider to verify the photo is 2 x 2 inches, on a white/off-white background, shows a neutral expression, and depicts you without glasses.

3. Inspect the printed photo immediately for damage, creases, smudges, or printing errors before leaving the store.

These steps help catch problems on the spot so you don’t submit a faulty photo.

Common mistakes to avoid (photo-focused)

• Including a damaged or outdated photo.

• A photo with glasses.

• Incorrect size or wrong-colored background.

• Submitting the packet without the required recent 2"x2" photo included.

The source explicitly lists damaged/outdated photos among common mistakes; the others are direct corollaries of the stated requirements.

Summer-specific timing and planning tips

The renewal guidance recommends starting the renewal process at least 6–9 months before expiration and to avoid peak renewal seasons. For summer travelers, that means plan photo acquisition and application mailing early — don’t wait until peak travel months where processing demand can be higher.

Final validation checklist before mailing

• One recent 2"x2" passport photo included.

• Photo background is white or off-white.

• No glasses and a neutral facial expression in the photo.

• Photo is not damaged or altered.

• Photo provider confirmed compliance (CVS, Walgreens, USPS, or other compliant retailer).

Confirming each item on this checklist reduces the chance of a return or rejection.

What to do if a photo is rejected

If the State Department or a passport acceptance agent finds your photo noncompliant, it will delay your renewal. The immediate remedy is to obtain a new compliant photo (follow the checklist above) and resubmit it with your application or follow the agency’s instructions for resubmission.

Quick actionable summary

• Obtain one recent 2"x2" passport photo on a white or off-white background.

• Ensure a neutral facial expression and no glasses.

• Use a trusted retail provider (CVS, Walgreens, USPS offices often provide compliant photos).

• Inspect the photo carefully for damage or printing issues before mailing.

• Include the photo with your DS-82 renewal packet and mail to the correct address.

Following these steps — and checking each photo requirement against the official list — is the fastest way to keep your summer passport renewal on track and avoid delays caused by photo noncompliance.