US passport photo size and requirements

A US passport application on paper needs one 2 × 2 inch photo taken within the last 6 months, with 1–1⅜ inches from the chin to the top of the head. The Department of State requires an original, unedited photograph and prohibits AI alterations. Read the caution below before using any AI-assisted portrait for this route.

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Photo size & positioning

United States Passport dimension templateFront-facing portrait with width, height, head-height and top-gap dimension arrows. Eye height is shown only when specified for this format.50.8 mm2 in600 px50.8 mm2 in600 pxHead height29.5–33.5 mm1.16–1.32 in348–396 pxSuggested top gap2–6.1 mm0.08–0.24 in24–72 px
Illustrative template. Head guides estimate visible head height. Check anatomical crown measurements manually.

Photo requirements

Photo size
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Pixels
600 × 600 px at 300 DPI (exactly 2 × 2 inches when printed)
Head height
1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head
Background
Plain white or off-white
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months
Editing
Original, unedited photo; AI alterations are prohibited
Glasses and expression
No glasses; eyes open and full face visible
Route
Paper application; online renewal uses different upload instructions

Photo rules

  • Submit an original photo without editing, filters or AI changes.
  • Remove your glasses for the photo.
  • Face the camera with your eyes open and your full face visible.
  • Wear a head covering only for religious or medical reasons, with the full face visible.
  • Use even light so there are no shadows on your face or the background.
  • Print on photo-quality paper at exactly 2 × 2 inches, without scaling.

Common reasons for rejection

  • Photo edited with filters, retouching or AI
  • Head smaller than 1 inch or larger than 1⅜ inches
  • Glasses in the photo
  • Shadows on the face or the background
  • Photo older than 6 months or not showing your current appearance
  • Print that is not exactly 2 × 2 inches

3 steps with VisaPhoto

  1. 1

    Upload a selfie

    Take a clear, front-facing photo with your phone and upload it.

  2. 2

    Generate and check

    AI creates a portrait in this format; framing and image quality are checked.

  3. 3

    Review and download

    Compare the result with the official rules, then download your JPEG files.

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Example

Original selfie 1Reframed photo example 1
Illustrative example in the Schengen 35 × 45 mm frame.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a US passport photo?

2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), with 1–1⅜ inches from the chin to the top of the head. At 300 DPI that is 600 × 600 pixels.

Can I take my US passport photo with my phone?

The rule that matters is that the photo stays original and unedited: no filters, retouching or AI changes. A phone picture that has been processed by an AI tool no longer meets that rule.

What background colour is required?

Plain white or off-white, with no shadows or pattern.

Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?

No. Remove your glasses for a US passport photo.

Can I use a VisaPhoto portrait for my US passport?

VisaPhoto creates an AI-assisted portrait, and US passport guidance prohibits AI alterations. Do not submit it as your passport photo unless the Department of State allows it; you can use it as a reference for the 2 × 2 inch size and head framing.

Official sources

Sources checked on 2026-09-20.