United States Passport Photo Size & Requirements
Last updated: December 1, 2024
Official Requirements
| Dimensions | 51 × 51 mm |
| Resolution (pixels) | 600 × 600 px |
| DPI Required | 300 DPI |
| Background Color | white |
| Head Size | 50% - 69% of frame height |
| File Format | JPEG |
| Max File Size | 10240 KB |
| Glasses Allowed | No |
| Smiling Allowed | No |
Note: Head must be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm) from bottom of chin to top of head. Photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
Source: Official Government Website
Photo Guidelines for United States Passport
Do
- Use even, natural lighting
- Keep a neutral expression
- Use a plain background
- Face the camera directly
Don't
- Wear glasses
- Smile or show teeth
- Have shadows on your face
- Use filters or edit the photo
- Wear hats or head coverings
Resize Your Photo for United States
Select your document type below and upload your photo. Our free tool will help you crop and resize it to the exact dimensions required.
Select a country and document type above to start resizing your photo.
About United States Passport Photos
United States passport photos follow strict State Department guidelines designed for biometric facial recognition systems. The 2x2 inch square format with white background has been standard since 2004, with glasses banned since 2016.
Preparation Tips for United States Passport Photos
Take your photo facing a north-facing window for soft, even lighting without harsh shadows
Stand 6 inches from a plain white wall to prevent your shadow from appearing in the background
Use your smartphone's rear camera (not selfie camera) for higher resolution and less distortion
Set a 5-second timer and take at least 20 shots to ensure you capture the perfect neutral expression
Verify your head size is between 1-1⅜ inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of hair
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wearing glasses is still one of the top rejection reasons—they have been banned since 2016
Using selfie cameras causes slight facial distortion that can trigger rejection
White or light-colored clothing blends into the white background, creating an unclear outline
Submitting photos older than 6 months, especially if your appearance has changed
Where to Get United States Passport Photos
You can get professional passport photos at CVS ($16.99), Walgreens ($16.99), USPS ($15), or Walmart ($7.44). Costco members can use their photo center for $5.99. However, DIY photos with a smartphone and our free tool can save you $15+ while achieving the same quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a United States passport photo?
A United States passport photo must be 51mm wide and 51mm tall. In pixels, this is 600 × 600 at 300 DPI.
What background color is required?
United States passport photos require a white background. The background should be plain with no patterns or shadows.
Can I wear glasses in my United States passport photo?
No, glasses are not allowed in United States passport photos. You must remove all eyewear.