United States Passport photo requirements
| Printed size | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height (bottom of chin to top of head (hair included)) | 25–35 mm |
| Eye line from bottom | 28–35 mm |
| Background | Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines |
| Glasses | not allowed (remove eyeglasses, sunglasses, tinted glasses; medical exception requires signed doctor's note) |
| Photos needed | 1 |
Official rules to follow
- 1 color photo, taken in the last 6 months
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
- Do not alter with software, phone apps, filters or AI
- No photocopies or digitally scanned photos; no damage, holes, creases or smudges
- Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed (natural smile with mouth closed is accepted per FAQ); face camera directly without tilting
- Uniform lighting, no shadows on face
- No uniforms, uniform-like or camouflage clothing
- No hats/head coverings unless religious (signed statement) or medical (doctor's statement); must be one color, no pattern, full face visible
- No headphones or wireless hands-free devices; jewelry/piercings OK if they don't hide the face
- Remove face coverings/medical masks
- Babies: plain white/off-white sheet; baby's eyes need not be fully open
Source: official requirements. Rules can change — always double-check before you submit.
How to make a United States Passport photo online
- Take a well-lit, front-facing photo against any plain wall.
- Upload it above. We find your face, crop to 2×2 in (51×51 mm) and set the correct background.
- Check the head-size indicator, drag to fine-tune if needed, and download the digital photo or the printable 4×6 sheet.
Other passport & visa photos
- United States Visa (DS-160 / DS-260 digital photo)
- United States Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery entry photo
- United States Green Card / Adjustment of Status (USCIS Form I-485)
- United Kingdom Passport (printed photo, paper application)
- United Kingdom Passport (online application digital photo)
- United Kingdom Visa / immigration permission (digital photo)
- Canada Temporary Resident Visa (printed photo)
- Australia Passport
- Australia Visa (ImmiAccount online / paper)
- New Zealand Passport (online application, digital photo)
- Schengen Area (EU) Schengen short-stay visa
- Germany Reisepass / Personalausweis
- Italy Passaporto
- Spain Pasaporte / DNI
- Netherlands Passport / ID card
- Ireland Passport (paper application, printed photo)
- Ireland Passport / Passport Card (Passport Online, digital photo)
- India Passport (ICAO-compliant photo upload; printed copy where required)
- India OCI card (Overseas Citizen of India)
- China Visa (printed photo and COVA online digital photo)
- China Passport / Travel Document for Chinese citizens abroad (China Consular app / embassy)
- Japan Passport (paper application, printed photo)
- Japan Passport (online application via Mynaportal / overseas online application, uploaded studio photo)
- Japan Visa (paper application)
- South Korea Passport
- South Korea Visa (paper and e-Visa)
- Singapore Passport (digital upload via ICA e-Services)
- Malaysia Passport (printed photo, children under 4 years only)
- Vietnam e-Visa (evisa.gov.vn portrait upload)
- Indonesia Visa (e-Visa / e-VOA, evisa.imigrasi.go.id)
- Turkey Passport (and national ID card) biometric photo
- United Arab Emirates Visa / Entry Permit (ICP / GDRFA)
- Saudi Arabia Visa (tourist eVisa / KSA visa platform)
- Russia Visa (paper application at embassy/consulate/visa centre)
- South Africa Passport (paper photos, e.g. applications at SA missions abroad)
- Nigeria Passport (online application photo upload)
- Pakistan Passport (online application / renewal photo upload)
- Israel Passport (non-biometric, issued at Israeli missions abroad)
- Egypt Visa (embassy application, USA)
Frequently asked questions
What size is a United States Passport photo?
2×2 in (51×51 mm), with the head measuring 25–35 mm from chin to top of head. Background: Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines.
Can I take my United States Passport photo at home?
Yes. Stand facing a window for soft, even light, keep a neutral expression and have someone take the photo from about 1.2 m (4 ft) away at eye level. Upload it above — we crop it to the exact size and replace the background automatically.
How do I print it?
Download the 4×6 inch print sheet and order a standard 4×6 (10×15 cm) print at a pharmacy or photo kiosk. Make sure it prints at 100% size (no "fit to page"), then cut out the photos along the guide lines.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Face detection and background removal run in your browser, so your photo never leaves your device.
Will my photo be accepted?
Our tool follows the official size and position rules, but acceptance also depends on lighting, focus and expression. Always check the latest official requirements on the issuing authority's website (linked above).