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US passport photo requirements

A US passport photo is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) with the head measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches (25-35 mm) from chin to crown, on a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last 6 months. Every rule below is verified from the official source, the U.S. Department of State.

Print size
2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm)
Head size
Head 1-1⅜ in (25-35 mm) from chin to crown
Background
Plain white or off-white, plain, free of shadows, texture or objects
Expression
Face the camera, neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed
Glasses & hats
No glasses; no hats or head coverings (except for religious or medical reasons)
Photo
The original, unedited photo: no filters, no digital changes, no AI
Digital file
Square, 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, JPG/PNG/HEIC, 54 KB-10 MB
Recency
Taken within the last 6 months

Common questions

What size is a US passport photo?

A US passport photo is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) with the head measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches (25-35 mm) from chin to crown, on a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last 6 months.

Does the photo have to be unedited?

Yes. The U.S. Department of State requires the original, unchanged photo with no filters, digital changes or artificial intelligence. We never retouch you; we only set the head size and replace the background with plain white if it is not already compliant.