Official US Passport Photo Specifications
These are the exact requirements set by the US Department of State (as of 2026). Your photo must meet all of them or your passport application will be rejected.
Full requirements
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), square |
| Head height | 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25-35 mm) from chin to top of head |
| Eye position | 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches (28-35 mm) from bottom edge |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no patterns or shadows |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since November 2016) |
| Head coverings | Not allowed unless for religious reasons (face must be fully visible) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| File format | JPEG for online, printed on photo-quality paper for mail |
| File size | Between 240KB and 10MB for online submission |
Create Your US Passport Photo
Upload any photo. Our AI removes the background, crops to 2x2 inches, and checks that it meets all US passport requirements.
Drop your photo here or click to browse
Processing your photo...
Removing background and cropping to US specs
US Passport Photo Checklist
Tap each item to check it off as you verify your photo.
- Photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Background is plain white with no shadows
- Head height is between 1" and 1-3/8" (25-35 mm)
- Eyes are open and clearly visible
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- No glasses or sunglasses
- No head covering (unless religious)
- Photo taken within the last 6 months
Where You'll Need a US Passport Photo
The same 2x2 inch photo format is required for:
- New passport application (Form DS-11)
- Passport renewal (Form DS-82)
- Passport card (same photo requirements as the book)
- US visa applications at embassies abroad
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and NEXUS trusted traveler programs
Cost comparison
| Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CVS / Walgreens | $16.99 | 15-20 min in store |
| USPS Post Office | $15.00 | Walk-in, varies |
| Walmart Photo | $7.44 | Same day pickup |
| PassportPhotoHQ | Free | Under 30 seconds |
Need a Different Country's Photo?
Our full tool supports passport photos for 190+ countries with automatic spec detection.
Use Full Photo ToolFrequently Asked Questions
Can I take a US passport photo with my phone?
Yes. Any modern smartphone camera produces photos well above the 600x600 minimum resolution. Hold the phone at arm's length or use a timer. Stand in front of any background and our tool replaces it with white.
How do I print my passport photo?
Download the print sheet, which arranges multiple copies on a standard 4x6 layout. Print at any drug store photo kiosk, Costco, or on your home printer using photo paper. Print at "actual size" without scaling. For more detail, see our printing guide.
Will my photo be accepted by the State Department?
Our tool validates your photo against all published US Department of State specifications: size, head proportions, eye position, background color, and resolution. Photos that pass all checks meet the official requirements. Final acceptance depends on the reviewing officer. See our troubleshooting guide if your photo was rejected.
My previous photo was rejected. What went wrong?
The most common rejection reasons are: shadows on the face or background, glasses still on, head tilted or turned, mouth open, and incorrect dimensions from bad cropping. Our AI tool eliminates all of these issues automatically.