United States · Passports
US passport photo
US passport photo: 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm); digital file 600 × 600 px JPEG; head 25–35 mm from chin to top of head; plain white or off-white background; glasses not allowed; taken in the last 6 months.
US passport photo requirements
From the official government page. Our tool measures your photo against each of these.
| Document | Passport book and card (DS-11, DS-82) |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
| Digital file | 600 × 600 px JPEG |
| Head size | 25–35 mm from chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Photo age | Taken in the last 6 months |
| Eye line | 55–69% of the photo height, measured from the bottom |
Rules checked against the official page on 25 Oct 2026.
Tips for your US passport photo
- No glasses (rule since 1 November 2016).
- A friend or family member may take the photo.
- Print on photo paper. No scans or photocopies.
- Stand in front of a plain, light wall, a step away from it so no shadow falls behind you.
- Face a window so light falls evenly on both sides of your face.
- Ask someone to take the photo about 1.5 m away, at your eye level, with space above your head.
Questions
What size is the US passport photo?
2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm). The digital file is 600 × 600 px JPEG.
What background do I need?
Plain white or off-white, with no patterns, objects or shadows. Our tool checks the background and tells you if it needs a retake. We never replace backgrounds, because edited photos are rejected.
Can I wear glasses?
Not allowed.
Can I take this photo at home?
Yes. Ask someone to take it with a good camera or the back camera of a phone, in daylight, in front of a plain light wall. The tool shows you every measurement before you download.
Is it free?
Yes. You only need a free account to download. No card and no subscription.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The checks run inside your browser, so your photo stays on your device.