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U.S. Passport Photo: Official Rules & Tool

Get your 2025 compliant passport photo. Make it at home easily.
  • 2x2-inch size
  • Color picture
  • Current appearance
  • No head covers
  • No headphones
  • No glasses
See details: Learn more below
  • Size
  • Colored
  • No accessories
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Meeting U.S. Photo Requirements

  1. Trusted Tool

    Use our simple tool on your phone, or PC. Upload photos; we'll process them to meet official rules for both printed and digital submissions.

  2. Guaranteed Compliant

    We guarantee your photos will meet all U.S. passport requirements, including specific digital standards for online renewal. All specifications are covered.

  3. High Quality Photos

    Get 2x2 in prints, or an HD JPG or PNG file. Digital photos are 300 dpi resolution, with pixel dimensions meeting online submission needs (e.g., 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels).

  4. Print & Digital Options

    Save a digital copy of your photo for your U.S. passport online application or print it at a photo service for mail-in applications.

  5. Perfectly Sized & Cropped

    Photos are cropped to the exact ratio. Head dimensions and position are set correctly for both print and digital formats.

  6. Instant Download

    Upload or snap a photo with your smartphone, or pc. Download your ready US passport photo instantly, ready for either printing or direct online upload.
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Passport Photo Rules Checklist

  1. Size and Proportions

    Size & Proportions

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    U.S. passport photos must be 2"x 2" (51 x 51 mm) for print. For online applications, digital images require a square aspect ratio, with minimum dimensions of 600x600 pixels and maximum of 1200x1200 pixels.
     
    Your head should be centered, measuring 1" to 1.4" (25 to 35 mm) from chin bottom to head top. Your entire head must be visible.
  2. Pose, neutral expression, shoulders

    Pose & Expression

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    Maintain a neutral facial expression with closed mouth. Eyes, neck, and shoulders should face the camera directly. A slight, natural smile with mouth closed is acceptable. Eyes must be clearly visible. Your head cannot be tilted.
  3. No shadows

    No Shadows

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    No shadows are allowed on your face or the background (except behind ears). Lighting should be natural and even, showing true skin tone. Moderate facial piercings, earrings, and necklaces are permitted if they don't hide your face.
  4. Background in Passport Photo Requirements

    Background

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    The background must be plain, white or off-white, with no objects or other people. No shadows on the background.
  5. Clothes, Hats, Hair

    Clothing & Headwear

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    Do not wear hats, uniforms, camouflage, bulky jewelry, or headphones. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons, with a signed statement. Your full face must be visible. No school uniforms. Smudges on infant clothing are okay. Ensure your hair, including bangs, doesn't hide your face. Facial hair is fine. All hair should fit within the frame.
  6. No Retouching

    No Retouching

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    No editing or retouching is allowed. Do not alter your body shape, remove blemishes, scars, or tattoos. No social media filters. Red-eye effect should not be removed digitally.
  7. Resolution and Printing Parameters

    Resolution & Print Size

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    Images are required to be at least 300 DPI for print. For digital submission, the file must be JPEG format, at least 54KB and no more than 240KB.
     
    Avoid blurry, pixelated, or grainy photos. Prevent motion blur.
  8. No Spectacles

    No Glasses

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    Wearing glasses is not allowed in U.S. passport photos. Remove all types of glasses, including prescription and sunglasses, even for medical reasons.
  9. Babies, Kids

    Babies, Kids

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    Only the baby should be in the photo. No other objects or people. Neutral expression, natural smile, or open mouth. Head facing camera directly. Eyes don't need to be fully open for newborns. Take the photo at the child's eye level. Face must be entirely visible. No hats or head coverings that hide the forehead, nose, eyebrows, or hairline.
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U.S. Passport Photo FAQs

  1. U.S. Passport Photo Requirements (Renewal by Mail)

    For mail-in U.S. passport applications, your physical photo must meet these key rules:
     

    • Size: Exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
    • Color & Recent: Color photo, taken within the last six months.
    • Quality: High-resolution, on photo-quality paper (matte/glossy). No blur, alterations, holes, or smudges.
    • Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows, patterns, objects, or other people.
    • Face: Full-face, centered, neutral expression (or slight smile with closed mouth), both eyes open. Head size: 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) chin to top.
    • No Glasses, Hats, Headphones: Not allowed. Exceptions for religious headwear (full face visible, signed statement).
    • Children: Only the child in the photo, no support visible.

     
    Attach: Staple one photo vertically with four staples in the corners to your application form (e.g., DS-82).
     
    Tip: Use a professional photo service like PhotoBooth Online for compliance.
     
    passport photo requirements“

  2. U.S. Passport Photo Requirements (Online Renewal)

    For online U.S. passport renewal, you must upload a digital photo meeting these key requirements:
     

    • Format: JPEG (.jpg).
    • Dimensions: Square (height = width), 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels.
    • File Size: 54 KB to 240 KB.
    • Color & Recent: Color photo, taken within the last six months.
    • Source: Original digital photo. No scanned prints or selfies.
    • Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows, patterns, or objects.
    • Face: Full-face, centered, neutral expression (or slight smile with closed mouth), both eyes open. Head size: 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) chin to top.
    • No Glasses, Hats, Headphones: Not allowed. Exceptions for religious headwear (full face visible, signed statement).
    • No Alterations: No filters, or red-eye removal.

     
    Tip: The online system often has a photo tool. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest details.

  3. What size is a U.S. passport photo?

    Physical U.S. passport and ID photos must be exactly 2″ x 2″ (51 x 51 mm). Your head should be centered, measuring between 1″ and 1.4″ (25 and 35 mm). For digital online submission, photos must be 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels (square aspect ratio) in JPEG format.

  4. What are a U.S. visa photo requirements?

    U.S. visa photos are largely the same as U.S. passport photos.
     

    • Size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) for print. For digital, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels (square).
    • Color & Recent: Must be in color, taken within the last six months.
    • Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or objects.
    • Face: Full-face view, directly facing camera, neutral expression (or slight smile), both eyes open. Head centered.
    • No Glasses: Eyeglasses are not allowed.
    • No Head Covers/Headphones: Exceptions for religious headwear (full face visible, no shadows).
    • Quality: High resolution, no blur, no digital alteration.

     
    Always check the official U.S. Department of State website for full details.

  5. Can I smile in a passport photo?

    A neutral facial expression is recommended. A slight, natural smile with a closed mouth is generally acceptable, as long as it doesn’t distort your features or hide your eyes.

  6. How do I make passport sized photos?

    Our online tool makes it easy for both printed and digital snapshots:
     

    1. Use any background (we will adjust it).
    2. Adjust lighting to avoid shadows.
    3. Wear everyday clothes (no uniforms).
    4. Stand straight, camera at eye level.
    5. Keep eyes open, shoulders straight, visible ears.
    6. Take a pic with your digital or smartphone camera. You can also use your pc’s camera. But in this way, click on the Take Photo button and follow the instructions on the PC screen.
    7. Add photo to the PhotoBooth Online.
    8. Wait a few moments to get a verified photo.
    9. Choose oprions for digital or printed photos.
    10. Download JPEG format files ready for online submission or order prints your U.S. passport for mail-in applications.

  7. Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?

    No, glasses are not permitted in U.S. passport photos since 2016.

  8. How many passport photos do I need?

    For online passport renewal, you typically upload one digital photo. For mail-in applications, you provide one physical passport-sized photo printed on glossy or matte high-quality photo paper. Always check specific application instructions.

  9. What color is the background of a US passport photo?

    The background must be plain white or off-white, with no shadows, objects, or people.

  10. How recent must a U.S. passport photo be?

    The photo must be taken within the last six months and reflect your current appearance. Older photos will be rejected.

  11. Can I apply for a U.S. passport online?

    Yes, the U.S. Department of State offers online passport renewal for eligible citizens. This requires uploading a digital passport photo that meets specific pixel and file size requirements, as detailed above. Eligibility rules apply, so check the official Travel.State.Gov website for the most current information.

  12. Related Articles

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    Sam’s Club passport photo
     
    AAA passport photo
     
    Passport with maiden name
     
    Reasons for passport denial

Pro Tips for Meeting Passport Photo Rules

Ensuring Correct Dimensions

Physical photo must be exactly 2x2 in, with your head centered, measuring 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) from chin to head top. For digital, ensure a square image of 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels. Many tools automatically crop and size correctly.

Achieving Right Print & Digital Size

Beyond physical dimensions, the digital file size matters: 54KB to 240KB for online submissions. For prints, ensure the final output is precisely 2x2 in on high-quality photo paper.

Creating the Ideal Background

The background must be plain white or off-white, with no patterns, shadows, or other objects/people. Using a well-lit, clear wall behind you is essential. Automated tools can often adjust backgrounds if yours isn't perfect.

Maintaining High Resolution

A minimum of 300 DPI is required for printed photos, and digital images must avoid blurriness or pixelation. Aim for sharp, clear focus, especially on your face. Check your camera settings or use a tool that ensures optimal resolution.

Avoiding Shadows

Even, soft lighting is key to prevent shadows on your face or the background. Natural daylight from a window (not direct sunlight) is often best. Avoid overhead lights that cast harsh shadows. Tools can sometimes mitigate minor shadows.

Producing a Clear Picture

Ensure your photo is sharp, in focus, and free from any blur (motion or otherwise). Your face should be clearly visible with no glare. Always review the image closely for clarity before submission.
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