US passport photo requirements
| requirement | official spec |
|---|---|
| Print size | 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head (chin → crown) | 1–1⅜ inches |
| Background | white or off-white |
| Digital file | Square 600×600 px (for online renewal; check the form you use) |
| 2×2 inches, head 1 to 1⅜ inches chin to top of head | |
| White or off-white background | |
| No glasses, neutral expression |
Checked 2026-10-23 against travel.state.gov · U.S. passport photos.
How to take a good photo
- Stand about half a metre in front of a plain, light wall.
- Use even daylight from the front: no shadows on your face or behind you.
- Phone at eye level, face straight on, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.
- No glasses, hats or hair over your eyes (religious head coverings are fine if your face is fully visible).
- Upload it above, check the green ticks, download.
FAQ
What size is a US passport photo?
2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm). The head must measure 1–1⅜ inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
What background does a US passport photo need?
A plain white or off-white background with no shadows or patterns.
What are the digital photo requirements?
Square 600×600 px (for online renewal; check the form you use).
Can I take it at home with my phone?
Yes. Stand in front of a plain wall in even daylight, hold the phone at eye level about an arm's length away, face the camera with a neutral expression, then let the tool crop and fix the background.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Face detection and background removal run inside your browser. The photo never leaves your device.