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US Passport Photo Size Guide (2026)
Last verified: March 2026Exact dimensions, State Department rules, and a free tool to resize your passport photo.
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US State Department requirements
The US State Department has specific requirements:
2×2 inches (51×51mm). The digital equivalent at 300 DPI is 600×600 pixels.
Head size: 1–1⅜ inches (25–35mm) from chin to top of head. Face should fill roughly 50-69% of the frame vertically.
Plain white or off-white background. No patterns, no shadows, no other people.
2×2 inches (51×51mm). The digital equivalent at 300 DPI is 600×600 pixels.
Head size: 1–1⅜ inches (25–35mm) from chin to top of head. Face should fill roughly 50-69% of the frame vertically.
Plain white or off-white background. No patterns, no shadows, no other people.
Why passport photos get rejected
Wrong dimensions. Even a few pixels off can trigger rejection. Our tool resizes to exactly 600×600px.
File too large or too small. State Department accepts 240KB–5MB. Phone photos are often 5–10MB.
Shadows on the background. Stand 4+ feet from the wall. Use diffused lighting.
Glasses. Since 2016, glasses are not allowed in US passport photos.
Photo too old. Must be taken within the last 6 months.
File too large or too small. State Department accepts 240KB–5MB. Phone photos are often 5–10MB.
Shadows on the background. Stand 4+ feet from the wall. Use diffused lighting.
Glasses. Since 2016, glasses are not allowed in US passport photos.
Photo too old. Must be taken within the last 6 months.
How to take a passport photo at home
A smartphone and a white wall are enough:
1. Find a plain white wall. No texture, no decorations.
2. Use natural light. Face a window. No flash.
3. Camera at eye level. Arm's length or use a tripod.
4. Neutral expression, mouth closed. Both eyes open, looking at the camera.
5. Upload to our tool. We'll crop to 600×600, compress to the right file size, and strip all metadata.
1. Find a plain white wall. No texture, no decorations.
2. Use natural light. Face a window. No flash.
3. Camera at eye level. Arm's length or use a tripod.
4. Neutral expression, mouth closed. Both eyes open, looking at the camera.
5. Upload to our tool. We'll crop to 600×600, compress to the right file size, and strip all metadata.
Online submission vs. print
For online passport applications (DS-160, DS-82 online), upload a JPEG at 600×600px, 240KB–5MB. Our tool produces exactly this.
For printed applications, print at 300 DPI on photo paper. Most drug stores (CVS, Walgreens) print from a digital file for $0.35.
Tip: Print four 2×2 passport photos on one 4×6 print to save money.
For printed applications, print at 300 DPI on photo paper. Most drug stores (CVS, Walgreens) print from a digital file for $0.35.
Tip: Print four 2×2 passport photos on one 4×6 print to save money.
2026 US Passport Photo Specs
Print size2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Digital size600 × 600 px (at 300 DPI)
File formatJPEG
File size240KB – 5MB
BackgroundPlain white or off-white
RecencyTaken within last 6 months
On this page +
2026 US Passport Photo Specs
Print size2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Digital size600 × 600 px (at 300 DPI)
File formatJPEG
File size240KB – 5MB
BackgroundPlain white or off-white
RecencyTaken within last 6 months
Related guides
FAQ
What size is a US passport photo?+
2×2 inches (51×51mm). Digital: 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI. JPEG, 240KB–5MB.
Can I take a passport photo with my phone?+
Yes. White wall, natural light, eye level. Upload to our tool to resize.
Are glasses allowed?+
No. Since November 2016, glasses are not allowed.
How recent must the photo be?+
Within the last 6 months.
What background color?+
Plain white or off-white. No patterns, no shadows.