Updated 27 October 2026
Quick answer: A US passport photo must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), in colour, taken in the last six months, against a plain white or off-white background, with your head measuring 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. Glasses are not allowed. Make one free below: add a photo, fit your face to the oval, and print the 4 × 6 inch sheet of six photos at any pharmacy or supermarket photo kiosk.
The State Department rejects a large number of applications because of the photo, which delays the passport by weeks. Most rejections come down to a handful of things: shadows, glasses, a head that is too small, or a photo that was edited. All of them are easy to avoid at home.
Drag and zoom until your face fits the oval: chin on the bottom of the oval, top of your head (hair included) on the top, eyes level.
Before you submit: quick checklist
- Taken in the last 6 months, in colour, sharp and evenly lit.
- Looking straight at the camera, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.
- No glasses for US photos (other countries allow them only without glare or tint).
- No hat or head covering, except for religious or medical reasons.
- Plain light background with no shadows, objects or other people.
- Not edited: no filters, beauty mode or retouching.
Your photo never leaves this device. No upload, no sign-up, no watermark.
US Passport Photo Requirements
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head size | 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm), chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Not allowed (only with a signed medical statement) |
| Head coverings | Only for religious or medical reasons, with the full face visible |
| Expression | Neutral or natural smile, both eyes open, facing the camera |
| Editing | No filters, retouching or background changes |
| Colour, on matte or glossy photo-quality paper, not damaged |
Step by Step at Home
- Stand about two feet in front of a plain white or off-white wall, facing a window.
- Take off your glasses and anything on your head. Push hair away from your eyes.
- Have someone take the photo from about four to five feet away, with the phone at your eye level and the flash off.
- Add the photo to the tool, keep "United States: passport" selected, and drag and zoom until your chin sits on the bottom of the oval and the top of your head on the top.
- Choose "Printed photos" and download the sheet: six 2 × 2 inch photos on one 4 × 6 inch print.
- Order a standard 4 × 6 print at actual size (no cropping or "fit to page"), cut out two photos, and attach one to your DS-11 or DS-82 form as instructed.
Common Reasons US Passport Photos Are Rejected
- Glasses. Since 2016 they are not allowed, even with no glare.
- Shadows on the face or on the wall behind you.
- Head too small, usually because the photo was taken from too far away and not cropped. The oval in the tool sets the size for you.
- Background not white, such as a cream or grey wall that looks darker in the photo.
- Old photos that no longer match your current appearance.
- Edited photos, including beauty filters and phone "portrait" effects.
Online Renewal
If you renew online through MyTravelGov, you upload a digital photo instead of mailing prints. It must meet the same rules (taken by someone else, white background, no glasses). Choose "A digital photo to upload" for a square 600 × 600 pixel file, and check the upload instructions in your MyTravelGov account for the current file limits before you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I print a US passport photo at home or at a kiosk?
Yes. The State Department accepts photos you take and print yourself if they meet the requirements. A kiosk print of the 4 × 6 inch sheet on photo paper is usually the cheapest option.
Can I smile in a US passport photo?
A natural, closed-mouth smile is acceptable; a neutral expression is safest. Both eyes must be open.
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
No. Glasses have not been allowed in US passport photos since November 2016, except in rare medical cases with a signed statement from a doctor.
Are a US passport photo and a US visa photo the same?
The size is the same (2 × 2 inches), but visa applications usually need a digital file. See the US visa and DV lottery photo guide.
Sources
Related Guides
- Free Passport and Visa Photo Maker: Exact Official Sizes for 8 Countries, Print or Upload
- US Visa and DV Lottery Photo: 600x600 Pixels, Under 240 KB (Free Photo Maker)
- Convert HEIC to JPG, Shrink Photos and Remove Location Data, Without Uploading
- How to Sign a PDF for Free Without an Account (No 3-Document Limit)
Requirements from the US Department of State, checked in October 2026. Final acceptance is decided by the passport agency.
0 Comments
Thanks for reading my blog,please read other topics my blog also!!!