Condensed guide. Read the full US passport requirements or the rejection diagnostic.
Specification
| Photo size | 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 / 600 dpi | 600 × 600 px / 1200 × 1200 px |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 25.4–34.9 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | 28.6–34.9 mm |
| Head width | not specified |
| Space above the crown | not specified |
| Background | pure white |
| Background editing | not allowed (retake instead) |
| Glasses | not allowed |
| Expression | neutral or a natural closed-mouth smile |
| Recency | taken in the last 6 months |
| Print requirements | matte or glossy photo-quality paper, matte or glossy — Printed photos must be 2×2 in on photo paper; home printing is accepted if the quality is good. |
| Digital upload | 1200×1200 px JPEG (MyTravelGov online passport renewal); 1200×1200 px JPEG (Printing a 2×2 in photo) |
| Self-taken photos | accepted |
| Prints needed | 1 |
| Infant rules | eyes may be closed, mouth may be open (under 1) |
| Official source | US Department of State – Passport photos |
Check the official source. Some values on this page could not be confirmed from the official page when it was last checked (2026-10-28).
- travel.state.gov blocks automated fetches. Printed size (2×2 in), head 1–1 3/8 in and eye line 1 1/8–1 3/8 in are long-standing published values; re-check on the page.
- Online renewal (MyTravelGov) digital photo pixel and file-size limits were not confirmed; 1200×1200 is used as a safe square JPEG. Confirm the current limit before relying on it.
- Head size and eye-line bands are stated in inches by the State Department; the millimetre values here are converted.
Can I take it myself? Yes
Yes. The State Department allows photos taken at home, provided someone else takes them, the background is plain white or off-white and the photo is not edited. Selfies are specifically called out as unacceptable. For a paper application print the photo on photo paper at 2×2 inches; for online renewal upload the JPEG this tool makes.
Why US passport photos get rejected
- Glasses in the photo. Remove them. This is now the most common reason the State Department rejects photos.
- Head too small or too large. Keep chin-to-crown between 25 and 35 mm and the eye line between 28 and 35 mm from the bottom. The checker shows both.
- Shadows on the face or background. Face the light and step away from the wall. Even lighting on both sides of the face.
- Background not white. Use a plain white or off-white wall or sheet. Do not replace the background digitally; edited photos are rejected.
- Selfie distortion. Have someone else take the photo from over a metre away. Arm's-length photos enlarge the nose.
US passport photo FAQ
What size is a US passport photo?
2×2 inches (51×51 mm). The head must be 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the chin to the top of the hair, and the eyes 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo.
Can I take my own passport photo?
Yes, as long as someone else takes it, the background is white or off-white and nothing is edited. Selfies are rejected.
Are glasses allowed?
No. Since November 2016 glasses are not allowed in US passport photos unless you have a doctor's statement that they cannot be removed.
Can I smile?
A neutral expression or a natural, closed-mouth smile is fine. Exaggerated expressions are rejected.
Can I renew online with a digital photo?
Yes, if you are eligible for online renewal. Upload the square JPEG from this tool. Paper applications still need one printed 2×2 photo.
Can I edit the background to white?
No. The State Department rejects edited photos, including background replacement. Retake against a white wall instead.
Related documents
US visa photo (DS-160)
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmUS green card photo (Form I-485)
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–34.9 mmUS Diversity Visa (DV lottery) entry photo
50.8×50.8 mm · head 25.4–35 mmCanadian passport
50×70 mm · head 31–36 mmLast verified 2026-10-28 against US Department of State – Passport photos. Spotted a mistake? Report an error.