United States Passport card photo requirements
The US passport card uses the same 2 x 2 inch photo as the passport book. A card can be renewed online with a digital photo (JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF, 54 KB to 10 MB) if your previous document was a card or a book and card.
| Photo size | 50.8 x 50.8 mm (2 x 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 600 x 600 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 50–69% of photo height |
| Eye line from bottom | 56–69% of photo height |
| Background | white or off-white |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | at least 54 KB |
| Background editing | Not allowed by the official rules; we crop and resize only |
| Last verified | 2026-10-31 |
Official source: travel.state.gov
Guide: US passport online renewal photo – upload rules and why photos get rejected
How to take your United States Passport card photo
- Stand about 50 cm in front of a white or off-white wall, with nothing else in the background.
- Use soft, even light from the front (a window in daylight works well). Avoid shadows on your face and behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo from 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Avoid arm-length selfies.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed and both eyes open.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones unless the rules allow them (religious or medical exceptions vary).
- Leave space above your head and below your shoulders so the tool can crop to the exact size.
FAQ
- What size is a United States Passport card photo in pixels and KB?
- 600 x 600 px, JPEG, at least 54 KB, on a white or off-white background. The printed size is 50.8x50.8 mm (2x2 in). The head should take up 50–69% of the photo height.
- Can I take my United States ID card photo with a phone?
- Usually yes, if the photo is sharp, evenly lit and taken from about 1–2 m away with the camera at eye level. Ask someone else to take it rather than using a selfie at arm's length, which distorts facial proportions.
- Can I wear glasses?
- Many authorities no longer accept glasses in photos, and others require no glare or tinted lenses. Check the official source linked on this page.
- What background should I use?
- The published requirement is: white or off-white. Stand about 50 cm in front of a plain wall to avoid shadows.
- Will my photo be accepted?
- We format your photo to the published spec, but acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.
Official source
Requirements are published by the issuing authority at https://travel.state.gov/en/passports/apply/help/photos.html. Last verified: 2026-10-31.
Disclaimer: We format your photo to the published spec; acceptance is decided by the issuing authority.