US Passport Photo Size & Requirements — Online Maker
Official U.S. passport photo specifications (2x2 inches / 51x51mm), plain white background rules, composition guidelines, and online photo maker.
Official Photo Specifications
Requirements shown are for reference only. Always verify the latest requirements with the official source before submitting your application. This platform is an independent tool and is not affiliated with any government authority. Read full disclaimer →
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Upload your photo to crop to exact dimensions, adjust the background to white, and download a printable A4 sheet or digital JPEG.
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Target preset: US Photo (2x2 in) (50.8 × 50.8 mm)
About US Passport Photo Requirements
United States passport photograph requirements are regulated by the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs. Standard specifications mandate a 2 × 2 inch (50.8 mm × 50.8 mm / 51 mm × 51 mm) color photograph printed on photo quality paper or submitted digitally for eligible renewal portals.
The photograph must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. Head composition must strictly measure between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm), occupying between 50% and 69% of the total image height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
The background must be plain white or off-white with uniform illumination and no shadows. Eyeglasses are strictly prohibited in U.S. passport photos (mandated since November 2016) unless accompanied by a signed medical statement.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Official document processing centres and digital verification algorithms frequently reject photographs due to the following non-compliance issues:
- 1
Applicant is wearing eyeglasses (prohibited in U.S. passport photos since 2016).
- 2
Head size is outside the 1 inch to 1-3/8 inch (50% to 69%) vertical frame proportion.
- 3
Background is patterned, colored, textured, or contains noticeable shadows behind the head.
- 4
Photograph is older than six months and does not reflect the applicant’s current appearance.
- 5
Lighting is uneven, causing harsh shadows across the face or washed-out overexposure.
- 6
Non-neutral facial expression (e.g. exaggerated smile, open mouth, or squinting eyes).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official photo size for a US passport application?
- Physical U.S. passport photos must measure exactly 2 × 2 inches (50.8 mm × 50.8 mm / 51 mm × 51 mm). For online renewals, digital uploads must be square (minimum 600 × 600 pixels up to 1200 × 1200 pixels) in JPEG format.
- Can I wear eyeglasses in my US passport photo?
- No. The U.S. Department of State strictly prohibited eyeglasses in passport photos in November 2016. Eyeglasses are permitted only in rare documented medical emergencies with a signed doctor’s statement.
- What background color is required for US passport photos?
- The background must be plain white or off-white without any patterns, objects, or ambient shadows.
- Can I smile in a US passport photo?
- The U.S. Department of State permits a natural, unexaggerated smile with both eyes open, or a neutral facial expression with mouth closed.
- Can I take my US passport photo with a smartphone at home?
- Yes, provided the photo is taken in good daylight against a plain white wall, positioned at eye level from 4–6 feet away (not a selfie), and cropped to exact 2 × 2 inch proportions with correct head height.
- What clothing should I wear for a US passport photo?
- Wear everyday street clothing. Uniforms, clothing that resembles a uniform, and camouflage attire are prohibited. Hats and head coverings are permitted only for documented religious or medical reasons, provided the full face is clearly visible.