US passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| In inches | 2.01 × 2.01 in |
| At 300 DPI | 602 × 602 pixels |
| Digital photo | Square, between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels |
| Head size | 25–35 mm, chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
Rules your photo must follow
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Head 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head
- No eyeglasses
- Neutral expression or natural smile, both eyes open, facing the camera
- No filters, heavy retouching or shadows on the face or background
The same 2 × 2 inch format is used for US visas and many other US documents. If you print at home, use a 4 × 6 inch photo print — the sheet below fits two photos with room to cut.
Requirements can change. Always confirm the current rules with U.S. Department of State: travel.state.gov.
How to make a US passport photo at home
- Set up. Stand about 50 cm (20 in) in front of a plain, light-coloured wall, facing a window so daylight falls evenly on your face.
- Take the photo. Ask someone to hold the phone at your eye level about 1.5 m (5 ft) away. Avoid the selfie camera — it distorts faces at close range.
- Crop it here. Choose the photo above, then drag and zoom until your head fills the dashed oval: chin at the bottom, top of hair at the top.
- Download. Use the digital file for online applications, or the 4×6" sheet for printing.
- Print. Order a standard 4×6" (10×15 cm) photo print at any pharmacy or photo kiosk, then cut along the grey lines. Print at 100% scale — never "fit to page".
Common reasons photos are rejected
- Shadows on the face or behind the head — use soft, even light from the front.
- Head too small or too large — use the oval guide.
- Background not plain or not light enough.
- Glare on glasses, or tinted lenses.
- Photo is blurry, pixelated, or edited with filters.
- Photo is older than allowed.
Other countries
UK passport photo (35 × 45 mm) · Canadian passport photo (50 × 70 mm) · Australian passport photo (35–40 mm wide × 45–50 mm high) · Schengen visa photo (35 × 45 mm)
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US passport photo?
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The head must measure 25–35 mm from chin to the top of the head. Digital photos: square, between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels.
What background does a US passport photo need?
Plain white or off-white, with no patterns, objects or shadows.
Can I take my passport photo at home with a phone?
Yes, in most cases. Stand facing a window for even light, in front of a plain light wall, and have someone take the photo from about 1.5 m (5 ft) away at eye level. Then crop it here to the exact size.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Cropping and resizing happen entirely in your browser; the photo never leaves your device.
Will my photo definitely be accepted?
This tool gets the size and framing right, but acceptance also depends on lighting, expression and image quality. Always check the latest rules from U.S. Department of State before you submit.