United States passport photo:2x2 inch (51x51 mm)
US passport and visa photo: 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) on a plain white background, head 25-35 mm tall. Crop, print, and download in your browser.
Make a United States photoSpec at a glance
Rules for a United States passport photo
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) square
- White or off-white background
- Head height 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35 mm) from chin to top of head
- No glasses (since 2016 rule)
- Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Color photo, no filters
United States passport photo requirements
Run through this list before you submit. Most rejected photos fail one of these checks.
- Photo size 2x2 inch (51x51 mm), which is 602 x 602 pixels at 300 DPI for digital uploads
- Head measures 25 to 35 mm from chin to crown
- Eye line sits 28 to 35 mm above the bottom edge
- Background is white or off-white, plain and evenly lit
- Glasses are off, including clear ones
- Expression is neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
The size, head height, and background checks are applied for you when you pick United States in the photo tool.
Ready to make your United States photo?
The tool runs in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device.
Open the photo toolCommon questions about United States passport photos
What size is a United States passport photo?+
A United States passport photo is 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) (602 × 602 pixels at 300 DPI). The head must measure 25 to 35 mm from chin to the top of the head. This tool crops to those exact dimensions for you, so you don't have to measure anything by hand.
Why was my United States passport photo rejected?+
The most common reasons a United States photo gets rejected are: the wrong print size (it must be 2x2 inch (51x51 mm)), the head being too large or too small in the frame (it should be 25 to 35 mm tall), a background that isn't white or off-white, shadows on the face or background, a smile (a neutral expression is required), or wearing glasses (they're not allowed). Setting the country here applies the correct size and head height automatically, which removes the most frequent mistakes.
What background colour does a United States passport photo need?+
United States accepts a white or off-white background. The optional background tool can swap a plain near-white wall behind you for the colour you pick, so you can shoot at home and still meet the rule.
Can I use this United States photo for both digital upload and printing?+
Yes. Download a single JPG for online United States applications, or download the 4×6 inch print sheet PDF. It tiles your photo at 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) with cut marks so any drugstore or photo counter can print it. Both files are made in your browser and your photo never leaves your device.