A US passport photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). It needs a plain white background and must be taken in the last six months. Get these basics wrong, and the State Department can send your application back.
This guide covers the exact US Passport Photo Dimensions, the key passport photo requirements, and the easiest ways to get a compliant photo. You’ll also see the mistakes that cause most rejections.
Table of Contents
US Passport Photo Dimensions (2026)
The U.S. Department of State sets one standard size for every adult and child. Here are the passport photo dimensions at a glance:
| Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) |
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 to 1 3/8 in (25 to 35 mm) |
| Eye line | 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 in from the bottom edge |
| Color | Color only |
| Paper | Matte or glossy photo paper |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
Your head should fill about half to 70% of the frame. A head that is too small or too large is a common reason for rejection.
What Are the Digital Passport Photo Specs?
Online renewal uses a digital passport photo. The file must follow these rules:
- Size: 600 x 600 pixels minimum, 1200 x 1200 pixels maximum
- Shape: perfectly square
- Format: JPEG in sRGB color
- File size: under 240 KB
For printing, aim for 300 PPI so the image stays sharp.
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US Passport Photo Requirements: Background, Face, Clothing & Glasses
The Department of State follows biometric standards so officers can match your face to your identity. That’s why the US passport photo rules are so strict. Here is what they cover.
Background and Lighting
Use a plain white or off-white background. It must have no pattern, no texture, and no shadows.
Light should fall evenly on your face. Shadows on your neck, ears, or the wall behind you can fail the photo. Stand a little away from the wall, and face a window for soft, even light.
Face and Expression
- Face the camera straight on. Do not tilt your head.
- Keep both eyes open and clearly visible.
- Show a neutral expression or a soft, natural smile.
- Keep your mouth closed or only slightly open.
- Keep hair off your eyes and the sides of your face.
Do You Have to Remove Glasses for a Passport Photo?
Yes. Eyeglasses are not allowed in a US passport photo. Glare and frames can hide your eyes. If you cannot remove them for medical reasons, you need a signed statement from your doctor.
Clothing and Accessories
- Wear everyday clothes.
- Skip uniforms and camouflage.
- Leave off headphones and wireless hands-free devices.
- Jewelry and piercings are fine if they don’t cover your face.
- Hearing aids are allowed.
Can you wear a head covering in a passport photo? Only for religious or medical reasons, with a signed statement. Your full face must stay visible, and the covering must not cast shadows.
What Are the Photo Requirements for a US Tourist Visa?
A B-1/B-2 tourist visa photo follows the same core rules. It must be 2 x 2 inches, in color, on a white background, and taken within six months. You upload it as a digital file with your DS-160. Some consulates also ask for a printed copy at the interview, so check your appointment instructions.
Passport Photo Rules for Babies and Children
Children follow the same passport photo requirements as adults. The main difference is that no parent or caregiver can appear in the frame.
For a baby, lay a plain white sheet on the floor. Place your child on their back and shoot from above. Stand so your own shadow doesn’t fall on their face. Take plenty of shots and pick the sharpest one.
How to Get a US Passport Photo: DIY, Online & In-Store Options
You have three simple routes. Pick the one that fits your budget and deadline.
How Do I Convert My Photo to US Passport Size?
Follow these steps:
- Ask someone to take a front-facing photo. Selfies are not accepted.
- Use the Department of State’s free photo tool or a trusted passport photo app to crop to 2 x 2 inches.
- Center your head and check the head height and eye line.
- Do not apply filters, touch-ups, or AI edits.
- Save as a JPEG for online use, or print at 300 PPI on photo paper.
Where Can You Get Passport Photos Printed?
Many stores take compliant photos in minutes. These include Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Staples, The UPS Store, and some USPS post offices. Prices usually run from about $8 to $17 for a set, but they change by location. Call ahead, because some sites need an appointment.
Which Option Is Best?
- In-store: fastest if you’re close to your travel date.
- DIY at home: cheapest, but you control the lighting and background.
- Online passport photo apps: handy for digital uploads, but pick one that checks size and background without altering your face.
Common US Passport Photo Mistakes & What Happens If Yours Is Rejected
Most rejections come from a handful of small slips. Each one has a quick fix.
- Shadowed or colored background: use a plain white wall and soft front light.
- Selfie angle or tilted head: ask a friend to shoot at eye level.
- Glasses or glare: take them off.
- Photo older than six months: retake it.
- Filters, retouching, or AI edits: submit the raw photo.
- Home-printed copy on plain paper: print on photo paper.
- Wrong size, such as 35 x 45 mm: recrop to 2 x 2 inches.
What Happens If Your Passport Photo Is Rejected?
The State Department returns your application by mail. This is called a return for correction. Your processing clock starts over once they receive the fixed application. If you have a trip coming up, you may need expedited passport service.
Quick Pre-Submission Checklist
- Size is 2 x 2 inches
- Head measures 1 to 1 3/8 inches
- White background, no shadows
- No glasses or glare
- Taken within six months
- Printed on real photo paper, or a clean JPEG under 240 KB
FAQs
What’s the size of a U.S. passport photo?
A U.S. passport photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). Your head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of hair.
Is 3.5 x 4.5 a passport size photo?
It is for the UK and Schengen countries, but not for the U.S. The U.S. needs a square 2 x 2 inch photo.
Is US visa photo 2×2?
Yes. A US visa photo is also 2 x 2 inches. Digital uploads must be 600 to 1200 pixels square, in JPEG format, and under 240 KB.
What is the correct size for a U.S. passport photo?
The correct size is 2 x 2 inches, with the eye line 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from the bottom edge. Center the head in the frame.
Conclusion:
A compliant passport photo takes a few minutes and saves weeks of delay. Match the 2 x 2 inch size, keep the background plain white, and skip glasses and edits. Then check the details once more on the official U.S. Department of State photo page before you apply.
Measurement Researcher, Size Comparison Writer & Content Specialist
Timmy Ahad is a dedicated content writer and research specialist at SizesVisualizer.com, where he focuses on creating accurate, easy-to-understand content about measurements, dimensions, size comparisons, and real-world object visualization.
