US Passport Photo Size and Requirements
The US State Department asks for a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) colour photo taken in the last 6 months. Your head, from chin to the top of your hair, must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), and glasses have not been allowed since November 2016.
Upload a photo and Auto Generate sizes it to these rules. Try it free; pay only to download the finished photo.
At a glance
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Background | White / Off-White |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Print resolution | 300 dpi or more |
| Online passport renewal | JPEG, 600 × 600 px, up to 10 MB. Your purchase includes a file made to this. |
Official requirements
- White or off-white plain background — no shadows, textures, or lines
- Head height (top of head to chin): 1"–1⅜" (25–35 mm, 50–69% of photo height)
- Eyes between 1⅛"–1⅜" from bottom (29–35 mm, 31–44% from top)
- Full face visible, top of shoulders must be shown
- Eyes open, looking directly at camera — no head tilt
- Neutral expression or natural smile, mouth closed
- No eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses (since Nov 2016)
- No hats or head coverings (religious/medical exceptions with signed statement)
- No uniforms, camouflage, or uniform-like clothing
- No headphones or wireless devices
- Taken within last 6 months; high-resolution, not blurry or pixelated
Good to know
- Renewing online? The State Department asks for a digital photo instead of a print.
- For a paper application, print the photo on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.
How it works
- Upload a clear, front-facing photo against a plain wall.
- Choose US Passport and press Auto Generate: the photo is cropped and sized to the rules above.
- Review the compliance check, then download the photo and a printable sheet.
Source: travel.state.gov, fam.state.gov. Last checked 14 October 2026.
The office that issues your passport or visa decides whether to accept a photo. Rules change, so check the official page before you apply.