US passport photo: 2×2 inches
US passport photos are 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). Choose a digital JPEG for online renewal, or two identical prints for mail-in. Specs follow U.S. Department of State photo guidelines.
| Specification | Official requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), square |
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), chin to top of head |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Quantity (paper) | 2 identical printed photos |
Always confirm the latest rules on the official government site before you submit.
Cream or textured walls, wrong head size after a selfie, and beauty filters cause most delays.
- Online renewal needs one JPEG; mail-in needs two prints—don’t mix the paths.
- Cream or textured walls fail even when the crop is perfect. Use a plain white or off-white wall.
- Selfies often get the head size wrong. Use the chin-to-crown guides before you upload.
- Beauty filters and AI backgrounds are a common rejection reason. Prefer a clean retake.
Make your passport photo now
Crop to the official size in your browser, then download to upload or print.
Works on phone or desktop. No app download.
Can I print my own passport photo at home?
Will a home-printed photo be accepted?
What size should I print?
What you need:
- • One recent colour JPEG
- • 2×2 inch square crop
- • Plain white or off-white background
- • No filters or AI edits
- • Head height within the official range
You download:
- • Digital JPEG for online renewal
- • High-resolution file ready to upload
What you need:
- • Two identical printed photos
- • 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
- • Matte or glossy photo paper
- • No creases, tears, or damage
- • Taken within the last 6 months
You print:
- • Two identical 2×2 prints
What you need:
- • Same 2×2 inch square as a passport photo
- • Usually one digital JPEG upload
- • Plain white or off-white background
- • Taken within the last 6 months
- • Neutral expression; avoid filters and AI edits
You download:
- • Digital 2×2 JPEG for the visa form
- • Same 2×2 size—crop with the same head guides
- • No toys, pacifiers, or another person’s hands in the frame
- • Only the child; eyes open when possible (lying down is OK for newborns)
What size is a US passport photo?
2×2 inches (51×51 mm) square. Your head must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to top of head.
Are passport photo and passport picture the same?
Yes. Photo, picture, pic, and photograph all mean the same 2×2 inch rules: square crop, plain white or off-white background, and correct head size.
Can I take my own passport photo at home?
Yes. Home and phone photos are accepted when they meet size, background, lighting, and expression rules.
How do I take a passport photo at home?
Stand before a plain white wall in even daylight, face the camera with a neutral expression, then crop to 2×2 with head-size guides.
Can you smile in a US passport photo?
Use a neutral expression with your mouth closed. A very slight smile may pass, but a wide smile showing teeth is usually rejected.
Can I wear glasses?
Generally no—glare causes rejections. Glasses are only allowed with a signed medical statement.
Do I need a digital file or printed photos?
Online renewal needs one JPEG. Mail-in or in-person forms usually need two identical 2×2 prints.
What is the digital passport photo system?
Online renewal scans uploads for 2×2 crop, head size, plain background, and face position. Filters and AI edits often fail. Crop with head guides before you upload.
What should I wear?
Everyday solid colors that contrast with the background—navy, charcoal, or burgundy work well on white. Avoid white tops that blend into the wall, busy patterns, and uniforms or camouflage (except religious or daily attire).
How much do passport photos cost at stores?
Walgreens and CVS typically charge about $17 for two prints. Walmart, Costco, and AAA are often less. Taking your own photo and printing a sheet is usually cheapest.
Is there a passport photo checker?
Yes. Before you download, confirm background, expression, head size, and recency with the checklist. It is not an official government review.
Do USCIS forms use the same 2×2 photo?
Many USCIS forms ask for a 2×2 inch photo with similar composition rules. Confirm your form, then crop to 2×2 before you upload or print.
Why was my passport photo rejected?
Common reasons include wrong head size, shadows, busy background, glasses glare, or heavy editing. Take a new photo rather than re-editing the same file.