USA passport photo guide
Passport Photo Size USA
US printed passport photos are 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). A 600 x 600 px file is a pixel equivalent at 300 ppi, not a universal digital-upload requirement. Online passport renewal uses an original, unedited photo.
Printed size
2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm)
Print pixel equivalent
600 x 600 px at 300 ppi; verify physical print size
Online passport renewal
Use an original, unedited photo and check current portal rules
Visa digital photo
Separate workflow; 240KB maximum applies to visa digital-image guidance
Create it now
- check_circlePrepare a square print-size crop
- check_circlePreview the 2 x 2 inch framing
- check_circleVerify physical print scale before use
Verify the final rule on U.S. Department of State passport photo requirements before submission.
What makes USA different?
Do not conflate a 2 x 2 inch printed passport photo with digital visa or online passport-renewal upload rules.
Use the tool for crop, ratio, dimensions, JPG export, and file-size checks only. It does not check head size, background quality, or official approval.
Common mistakes
- NoPrinting at a scale other than 2 x 2 inches.
- NoUsing an edited crop for online passport renewal instead of the required original photo.
- NoLeaving shadows, texture, or lines on the white/off-white background.
- NoEditing or filtering the photo after export.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USA passport photo size?expand_more
Is 600 x 600 px required for online US passport renewal?expand_more
Does the 240 KB limit apply to US passport renewals?expand_more
Can this tool guarantee acceptance?expand_more
After export
Understanding USA Passport Photo Dimensions
The United States passport photo is unique because it uses a square 2×2 inch format (51×51 mm), unlike most countries that use the ICAO-recommended 35×45 mm rectangle. This square dimension applies to both printed passport photos and visa application photos submitted through the DS-160 form. To see how the USA compares with other nations, check our passport photo size guide for every country.
For printed passport photos, the 2×2 inch size translates to 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI. However, the U.S. Department of State accepts digital images between 600×600 px and 1200×1200 px for online applications. The photo must be in JPEG format with a maximum file size of 240 KB for digital submissions. Your head should measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
DS-160 Online vs. Printed Application Photos
If you are applying for a U.S. visa using the DS-160 form, you upload a digital JPEG photo directly. The system requires the image to be exactly square, between 600×600 px minimum and 1200×1200 px maximum, and no larger than 240 KB. The background must be plain white or off-white.
For a printed passport application (Form DS-11 or DS-82), you attach two identical 2×2 inch printed photos on glossy or matte photo paper. Many applicants use pharmacy or retail photo centres (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) to get these printed, but you can also take the photo at home and print it yourself on 4×6 inch photo paper.
| Requirement | DS-160 (Digital) | DS-11/DS-82 (Printed) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 600×600 to 1200×1200 px | 2×2 inches printed |
| Format | JPEG only | Glossy or matte print |
| File size | Maximum 240 KB | N/A (physical photo) |
| Background | White or off-white | White or off-white |
| Quantity | 1 upload | 2 identical prints |
How to Take a USA Passport Photo at Home
Taking your own passport photo can save money and time. Follow these steps to ensure your DIY photo meets U.S. Department of State requirements:
- Find a plain white wall — Stand 2–3 feet in front of a solid white or off-white wall. Avoid patterned wallpaper, curtains, or furniture in the background.
- Use natural lighting — Face a window for even, shadow-free lighting. Avoid direct sunlight or harsh overhead lights that create shadows behind your head.
- Position the camera at eye level — Use a tripod or have someone hold the camera at your eye height, approximately 4 feet away. Modern smartphones with 12+ MP cameras work perfectly.
- Face the camera directly — Look straight ahead with a neutral expression. Both ears should be visible. Remove glasses, hats, and head coverings (unless worn for religious purposes).
- Crop to 2×2 inch square — Use our free tool to crop the photo to the correct square ratio and ensure your head fills 50–69% of the frame height.
Infant and Baby USA Passport Photos
Even newborns need passport photos for international travel. The same 2×2 inch requirement applies, but the rules are slightly relaxed for infants. The baby must be the only person in the photo — no hands, toys, or pacifiers should be visible. The baby's eyes should ideally be open, though closed eyes are sometimes accepted for very young infants.
Tip: Lay the baby on a plain white sheet or blanket and photograph from directly above. This makes it easier to get a front-facing shot with a clean white background. Avoid flash photography, which can create red-eye or startle the baby.
Top Reasons USA Passport Photos Get Rejected
The U.S. Department of State rejects passport photos for several common reasons. Understanding these helps you avoid delays in your application:
- ✕Wrong dimensions — Using 35×45 mm (Indian/European standard) instead of the square 2×2 inch format.
- ✕Shadows on background — Even faint shadows behind the head or shoulders cause rejection.
- ✕Wearing glasses — Since November 2016, the U.S. no longer accepts passport photos with glasses.
- ✕Head size too small or too large — Your head must fill 50–69% of the photo height (1 to 1⅜ inches).
- ✕Over-edited or filtered — Beauty filters, Photoshop smoothing, or AI enhancement will cause rejection.
- ✕Photo older than 6 months — The photo must reflect your current appearance.
More Questions About USA Passport Photos
Can I wear glasses in my USA passport photo?
No. Since November 1, 2016, the U.S. Department of State no longer accepts passport or visa photos where the applicant is wearing glasses, even prescription glasses. The only exception is if you have a signed medical statement confirming you cannot remove your glasses.
How much does a USA passport photo cost at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart?
As of 2026, CVS charges approximately $16.99, Walgreens charges $16.99, and Walmart charges around $7.44 for two printed passport photos. You can save this cost by taking your own photo at home and printing on 4×6 inch photo paper or uploading digitally.
Can I smile in my USA passport photo?
The U.S. Department of State requires a neutral facial expression or a natural smile. Exaggerated smiling, frowning, or any expression that distorts your normal appearance may lead to rejection. A slight, natural smile is acceptable.
What is the difference between a USA passport photo and a visa photo?
Both use the same 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) square format. However, visa photos submitted through the DS-160 system have a strict 240 KB file size limit and must be uploaded as JPEG. Passport photos for Form DS-11 or DS-82 are typically submitted as physical 2×2 inch prints.