United States Passport photo requirements
2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm). Head from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head 1–1 3/8 in (25–35 mm), i.e. 50–69% of the photo height; the State Department photo template puts the eyes 56–69% up from the bottom. Glasses are not allowed. Digitally altered photos, including background edits, are rejected. For online renewal, upload a JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF file between 54 KB and 10 MB; the file from this page is a JPEG of at least 54 KB.
| 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
Guides: How to take a passport photo at home with your phone · What to wear for a passport photo – clothes, hats, glasses and jewellery · Passport photo background colour – white, cream or light grey? · Passport photo file too large? Size limits and how to fix it · Glasses and glare in a passport photo – US, UK and Canada rules · Shadows on a passport photo – why they get it rejected and how to fix them · US passport online renewal photo – upload rules and why photos get rejected
How to take your United States Passport 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 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 US passport 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.
- Can I edit the background?
- No. The US Department of State does not accept digitally altered photos, including background changes. This tool only crops and resizes proportionally.
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.