Passport Photo Size USA

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. Use natural lighting — Face a window for even, shadow-free lighting. Avoid direct sunlight or harsh overhead lights that create shadows behind your head.
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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