What size is a United States Passport photo?

A United States Passport photo must be 51×51 mm (2×2 in), rendered at 600×600 px and 300 DPI.

Can I take a US passport photo with my phone?

Yes, and most accepted photos now are. Stand about 60 cm from a plain white wall, face a window so the light is even and frontal, and have someone else take it — an arm's-length selfie distorts your nose and forehead enough to be rejected.

Why do photos get rejected for shadows?

A single lamp or overhead light throws a shadow onto the wall behind your head, and the State Department treats a shadowed background as not plain. Two light sources at angles, or daylight from a window, removes it.

Do I need a printed photo or a digital file?

Online renewals take a digital upload. Applying in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency needs a physical print. If in doubt, produce both — the same file works for each.

Can I smile in a US passport photo?

A natural, closed-mouth smile is accepted. An exaggerated grin that narrows your eyes or changes your face shape is not, because it interferes with facial matching.

United States · Passport

US Passport Photo Maker

Create, resize, and check a fully compliant United States passport photo in seconds — cropped to the exact 51×51 mm (600×600 px) specification, processed privately in your browser.

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Official United States passport photo requirements

Official specification

Official source: U.S. Department of State View the official specification

Dimensions (mm): 51 × 51 mm
Dimensions (in): 2 × 2 in
Pixels: 600 × 600 px
Resolution: 300 DPI

Photos produced in compliance with the displayed specification are accepted on first submission.

To comply with the photo manipulation rules for United States Passport photos, this tool does not perform the following operations:

Background replacement
Skin smoothing
Tone adjustment

How to make a United States passport photo

1
Use a photo from the last six months
The State Department rejects photos that no longer reflect your current appearance. If you have changed your hair significantly or it is simply an old picture, take a new one first.
2
Take off your glasses
Glasses have not been allowed since 2016, including thin frames and clear lenses. Remove them before you shoot rather than trying to angle away glare.
3
Upload and position your face
Drag and zoom until your head sits inside the guide. The tool enforces the head-height range the State Department specifies, so you cannot accidentally crop too tight or too loose.
4
Download and print at the official size
Download the file, then either upload it to your online application or print it. A 4×6 sheet with two copies costs about the same as one photo at most pharmacies.

Not sure about the rules for United States?

Read the full requirements, including what gets photos rejected.

United States passport photo requirements →

Frequently asked questions

What size is a United States Passport photo?: A United States Passport photo must be 51×51 mm (2×2 in), rendered at 600×600 px and 300 DPI.
Can I take a US passport photo with my phone?: Yes, and most accepted photos now are. Stand about 60 cm from a plain white wall, face a window so the light is even and frontal, and have someone else take it — an arm's-length selfie distorts your nose and forehead enough to be rejected.
Why do photos get rejected for shadows?: A single lamp or overhead light throws a shadow onto the wall behind your head, and the State Department treats a shadowed background as not plain. Two light sources at angles, or daylight from a window, removes it.
Do I need a printed photo or a digital file?: Online renewals take a digital upload. Applying in person at an acceptance facility or passport agency needs a physical print. If in doubt, produce both — the same file works for each.
Can I smile in a US passport photo?: A natural, closed-mouth smile is accepted. An exaggerated grin that narrows your eyes or changes your face shape is not, because it interferes with facial matching.