US passport photo maker (2 × 2 in)
A US passport photo is 2 × 2 inches with the head 1 to 1⅜ inches tall, on a white or off-white background. Crop yours here, then print it on a 4 × 6 sheet or download the digital file for online renewal.
- 50.8 × 50.8 mm
- 1200 × 1200 px digital
- White or off-white background
US passport photo maker (2 × 2 in)
or drag it here. JPG, PNG or WebP from your phone or computer.
Requirements
Checks
Your photo stays on this device. Nothing is uploaded to our server.
US passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 600 × 600 px |
| Digital file | 1200 × 1200 px, JPEG |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 1–1⅜ in (25–35 mm) |
| Eye height | 1⅛–1⅜ in (29–35 mm) from the bottom |
| Background | White or off-white |
| File size | 54 KB to 10 MB |
| Colour | Colour photo, sharp and evenly lit |
Official source: U.S. Department of State: passport photos. Rules can change, so check it before you apply.
The State Department is strict about three things: size, head height and background. The photo must be exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, including hair, the head must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm). The eyes sit between 1⅛ and 1⅜ inches from the bottom edge.
Glasses are not allowed in US passport photos, unless you have a signed medical note. Take them off before you take the picture, even if they have no glare.
If you are renewing online, you upload a digital photo instead of mailing prints. The tool gives you a 1200 × 1200 pixel JPEG that fits the online renewal file limits.
How to take the photo
Find a plain, light wall
Stand about half a metre in front of it so your shadow falls behind you, not on the wall around your head.
Face the light
Daylight from a window in front of you works best. Avoid overhead lights that cast shadows under the eyes.
Have someone take it at eye level
The camera should be about 1.2 m (4 ft) away, level with your eyes. Leave space above your head and include your shoulders.
Crop it here
Add the photo above, check that the top of your head and your chin sit on the red lines, and download.
Tips for this document
- Stand about 4 feet from a plain white wall, with a window or lamp in front of you, not behind.
- Ask someone else to take the photo from about 4 feet away at eye level. Selfies distort the face and are often refused.
- Keep a neutral expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open and your mouth closed.
- Wear normal everyday clothes. Uniforms and camouflage are not accepted.
Common reasons photos are rejected
- Correct
- Head too small
- Head too large
- Head tilted
- Shadow behind
- Busy background
Printing your photos
Download the print sheet and print it at a photo shop, a pharmacy photo counter or at home on photo paper. Choose actual size or 100% in the print settings; “fit to page” shrinks the photos and they will be the wrong size. Cut along the small corner marks so each photo measures exactly 50.8 × 50.8 mm.
Questions people ask
Can I print a US passport photo at home?
Yes. Print the 4 × 6 sheet on glossy or matte photo paper at actual size, then cut out two photos along the corner marks. Do not use regular printer paper.
Can I wear glasses in my US passport photo?
No. Glasses have not been allowed since 2016 unless you send a signed doctor's note explaining that you cannot remove them for medical reasons.
What file do I need for online passport renewal?
A colour JPEG, at least 600 × 600 pixels. Download the digital file from the tool: it is 1200 × 1200 pixels and sized to fit the upload limits.
How recent does the photo need to be?
It must have been taken in the last 6 months and should show you as you look now.