US Passport Photo Size (2026): U.S. Passport Picture Specifications, 2x2 Rules, White Background, and Digital Uploads
U.S. passport picture specifications from the Department of State: exact 2x2 passport photo size, American passport photo size terms, 2 inch by 2 inch print dimensions, white background, and digital upload requirements.
Overview
The United States requires a 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) passport photo for all passport books, passport cards, and most visa applications processed by the U.S. Department of State. Whether you search for a U.S. passport photo, a 2x2 passport photo, or the American passport photo size, you are still looking at the same federal rule set.
The same photo specifications apply to U.S. visa photos submitted through the DS-160 form. Photos that do not meet the requirements are one of the most common reasons for application delays, so it pays to get it right the first time.
The same demand also appears in plain wording like 2 x 2 passport photo, 2 by 2 passport photo, or 2x2 passport photos. Those queries still point to the same Department of State rule set: a square 2 x 2 inch photo, the correct head-height range, and a clean white or off-white background.
A lot of search traffic does not phrase that as “U.S. passport photo.” It comes in as American passport photo size, American passport picture size, or America passport size photo. Those queries all lead back to the same official rule set: a 2x2 inch photo with the right head height, background, and digital upload dimensions.
Another common version is U.S. passport picture specifications. In practice that means the same checklist, just phrased more formally: a square 2 x 2 inch photo, a white or off-white background, the correct head-height range, and a digital file that still fits the Department of State upload limits when you need an online submission.
That also answers the direct question what size is a U.S. passport photo. The answer is still 2 x 2 inches, with the same State Department framing and background rules on top. Users also search for U.S. citizenship photo specifications in similar language because several U.S. document routes reuse the same passport-style baseline even when the form itself is different.
The same intent also shows up in shorter searches like 2 by 2 passport, 2x2 passport size, 2x2 passport picture, and 2x2 photo dimensions. Those are not separate rule sets. They are all asking for the same U.S. passport photo baseline: a square 2 x 2 inch image, the correct head-height range, and a white or off-white background.
If your question is mostly about the square format math, keep the 2x2 passport photo size guide open alongside this page. If your problem is the file you need to upload, pair it with the digital passport photo requirements guide so the crop and the portal constraints stay aligned.
American Passport Photo Size Explained
Many people search for American passport photo size, American passport picture size, or America passport size photo. In practice, all of those searches mean the standard U.S. passport photo format: 2 x 2 inches, which is about 51 x 51 mm.
That outer square size is only part of the requirement. The face must still fit the Department of State head-height rules, so a random square crop is not enough. If you specifically need the format math and pixel conversions, see the 2x2 passport photo size guide. If you need the official American passport rules, keep following this page.
That distinction matters because a lot of people search for the dimensions first and the compliance rules second. The dimensions are easy to repeat. The actual U.S. passport picture specifications are what decide whether the file still survives the print counter or the upload form.
| US requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Printed size | 2 x 2 inches |
| Metric equivalent | 51 x 51 mm |
| Digital size | 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 px |
| Head height | 25-35 mm |
Official Specifications
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Document | Passport |
| Size | 51 × 51 mm |
| Background | White |
| Head height | 25–35 mm |
The photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. Your head, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair, must be between 25 mm and 35 mm (1 to 1-3/8 inches). The image must be in color and taken within the last 6 months.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) |
| Head height | 25–35 mm (1–1⅜ inches) |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Color | Full color (no black & white) |
| File format (digital) | JPEG, 600x600 to 1200x1200 px |
| File size (digital) | 240 KB minimum |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
Background Requirements
The background must be plain white or off-white. No patterns, textures, or shadows are allowed. The U.S. Department of State will reject photos with visible shadows on the background or on your face.
If you are taking the photo at home, use a blank white wall or hang a white sheet behind you. Position yourself about 4 feet (1.2 m) in front of the background to avoid casting shadows. Ensure even lighting from both sides.
Shadow-Free Lighting
Stand near a large window for natural light, or use two lamps placed at 45-degree angles on either side of your face. This eliminates harsh shadows that cause rejections.
Clothing and Appearance
Your everyday appearance should be reflected in the photo. You should have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. Smiling with teeth showing is not permitted.
- Glasses: Not allowed. As of November 2016, the U.S. Department of State no longer accepts passport photos with any type of eyeglasses.
- Head coverings: Not permitted unless worn daily for religious reasons. A signed statement is required, and your full face must remain visible from hairline to chin.
- Uniforms: Military, airline, or other uniforms are not allowed. Wear normal civilian clothing.
- Hats and headbands: Not permitted.
- Jewelry: Allowed if it does not obscure your face. Avoid highly reflective pieces that may cause glare.
- Hair: Must not cover your eyes. Keep hair pushed back if necessary.
How to Make It with Passlens
Passlens makes it easy to create a compliant US passport photo at home in minutes. No need to visit a drugstore or photo studio.
If your starting query was closer to create passport photo online free or free passport photo maker, keep the free passport photo maker online guide open as well. It explains the broader browser workflow, while this page stays focused on the exact U.S. 2x2 rule set.
That is useful whether you need a printed 2x2 sheet or a digital upload. The same official crop drives both outputs, but the online application workflow adds pixel and file-size checks on top of the print rules.
If your file is already close but you do not trust the final export yet, keep the passport photo validator online guide and the passport photo upload checker guide nearby. They are the quickest follow-up when the crop looks right but the submission path still feels risky.
- Open Passlens and select the US Passport preset from the country list.
- Take a photo or upload an existing one. Use a front-facing camera, look straight at the lens, and keep a neutral expression.
- Passlens will automatically detect your face, crop to the correct 2 x 2 inch dimensions, and verify head size compliance.
- The AI background removal tool replaces your background with regulation white instantly.
- Review the automated compliance checks — head size, centering, and background color are all validated.
- Download your photo as a digital file for online submission, or generate a print-ready 4x6 sheet with multiple copies.
Where to Submit
US passport applications are processed by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. There are several ways to submit your application and photo:
- In person: At a passport acceptance facility (post offices, libraries, county clerk offices). Bring two identical printed photos.
- By mail (renewals): Mail Form DS-82 with one printed photo to the address on the form.
- Online (digital): Upload a digital photo through the online renewal system at travel.state.gov. The image must be 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels in JPEG format.
| Processing Type | Timeline | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Routine | 6–8 weeks | $130 (book) / $30 (card) |
| Expedited | 2–3 weeks | $130 + $60 expedite fee |
| Urgent (agency) | 1–2 days | By appointment only |
Common Mistakes
The Department of State rejects thousands of passport photos every year. Here are the most frequent reasons for US passport photo rejection:
- Wearing glasses — This is the single most common mistake. Remove all eyewear.
- Shadows on face or background — Often caused by overhead lighting or standing too close to the wall.
- Incorrect head size — Head must fill 50–69% of the frame vertically (25–35 mm).
- Photo too old — Must be taken within the last 6 months. Significant appearance changes require a new photo.
- Wrong background color — Only white or off-white is accepted. Cream, grey, or blue backgrounds will be rejected.
- Low resolution or blurry image — Digital submissions must be at least 600x600 pixels.
- Selfie perspective — Arm-length selfies cause distortion. Use a tripod or have someone else take the photo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smile in my US passport photo?
A natural, neutral expression is required. A slight, closed-mouth smile may be acceptable, but showing teeth is not allowed. The safest approach is to keep a relaxed, neutral face.
Can I wear a hijab or turban in my passport photo?
Yes, religious head coverings are permitted if you wear them daily. You must include a signed statement explaining that the head covering is part of your religious practice. Your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.
Are US passport and visa photos the same size?
Yes, both US passport photos and US visa photos (for the DS-160 application) use the same 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) specification. The digital requirements are also the same: 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels in JPEG format.
Is a 2 by 2 passport photo the same thing as a 2x2 passport photo?
Yes. 2 by 2 passport photo, 2 x 2 passport photo, and 2x2 passport photo all describe the same U.S. requirement: a square photo that measures 2 inches by 2 inches, or about 51 x 51 mm.
How many passport photos do I need?
For in-person applications, you need two identical printed photos. For mail-in renewals, you need one printed photo. For online renewals, you upload one digital image.
Can I take my own passport photo at home?
Absolutely. The Department of State accepts home-taken photos as long as they meet all specifications. Use a white background, good lighting, and a tool like Passlens to ensure compliance with size and formatting requirements.