US Passport Photo Requirements
The US Department of State is stricter about photo age and digital editing than most authorities. A photo that looks fine to you can still be refused for being more than six months old, for having been retouched, or for a shadow falling behind your head.
Make a compliant united states passport photo now
Free, and your photo is processed in your browser — it is never uploaded.
Open the United States photo toolThe official specification
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) |
| Pixel dimensions | 600 × 600 px |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Head height | 50–69% of the photo height |
| Background | Plain — background replacement is not permitted for this document |
Source: U.S. Department of State. Requirements change — confirm there before you submit.
Rules that catch people out
Taken within the last six months
This is the rule most applicants miss. The photo must reflect your current appearance, and reusing a photo from an older passport or a previous application is an automatic refusal — even if you look identical.
Neutral expression or a natural smile
Both eyes must be open and looking at the camera. A closed-mouth natural smile is accepted, but an exaggerated grin that changes the shape of your eyes or mouth is not.
No glasses at all
Glasses have not been permitted since 2016, including thin frames and clear lenses. Remove them entirely rather than trying to avoid glare.
Head coverings only for religious or medical reasons
If you wear one daily for religious reasons, you may keep it, but it must not cast a shadow on your face or obscure your hairline. A signed statement is required, and a medical head covering needs a doctor's note.
Plain white or off-white background
Anything else — a pale grey wall, a shadow gradient, a visible corner where two walls meet — risks refusal. Uniform lighting matters as much as the wall colour.
No digital retouching
Do not remove blemishes, smooth skin, or adjust facial features. Cropping, resizing, and correcting overall brightness are fine; altering how you look is not.
Why united states passport photos get rejected
- Wearing glasses, which have been banned since 2016
- A shadow cast on the wall behind the head by a single light source
- Reusing a photo taken more than six months ago
- Wearing a white shirt against a white background, so the shoulders disappear
- Uploading a phone photo with the subject too close, distorting the nose and forehead
Printing and submitting
Online applications need a digital file; in-person renewals at a passport agency or acceptance facility need a physical print. If printing at a pharmacy or photo kiosk, take a 4×6 inch sheet with two copies rather than asking for a single cut photo.
Ready to make yours?
The tool crops to 51×51 mm at 300 DPI and checks head height and background before it releases the file.
Open the United States photo toolOther photo requirements
- UK Passport Photo Requirements35×45 mm · 300 DPI
- Schengen Visa Photo Requirements35×45 mm · 300 DPI
- India Passport and OCI Photo Requirements51×51 mm · 300 DPI
- Canada Passport Photo Requirements50×70 mm · 300 DPI
- Australia Passport Photo Requirements35×45 mm · 300 DPI
- Baby and Infant Passport Photo Requirements51×51 mm · 300 DPI
- Pet Passport Photo Requirements35×45 mm · 300 DPI
- Driver's License and State ID Photo Requirements51×51 mm · 300 DPI
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Acceptance is always decided by the issuing authority.