United States passport photo size & requirements
US passport photos are 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) with a plain white background and the head sized 1 to 1 3/8 inches.
The US State Department is one of the strictest passport photo reviewers in the world. Unlike most countries that use a 35 x 45 mm rectangle, the US requires a square 2 x 2 inch photo — a format that trips up applicants who print a standard photo and try to cut it down. The head size rule is equally specific: your head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown, which works out to roughly 50–69% of the total frame height.
Since November 2016, glasses are banned outright — no exceptions for prescription lenses. The State Department processes millions of photos each year and uses automated facial recognition checks before a human reviewer ever sees the application. This means problems that look minor to the human eye — mild shadows, slight head tilt, or a background that is cream instead of true white — are flagged automatically and returned without appeal.
- Photo size
- 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm)
- Resolution
- 300 DPI
- Head height
- 1 to 1 3/8 in (25–35 mm), roughly 50–69% of the photo height
- Background
- Plain white or off-white
United States passport photo requirements
- Photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), square aspect ratio.
- Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
- Plain white or off-white background with no shadows.
- Neutral facial expression or a natural smile, both eyes open.
- Face the camera directly with your full face in view.
- No glasses (a rule in effect since November 2016).
- Everyday clothing; no uniforms. No hats or head coverings except for religious reasons.
Common reasons United States passport photos get rejected
Even a technically correct photo can be turned away for these issues. They come up repeatedly in official rejection notices.
- Background not true white — off-white, cream, or light grey will fail. Shoot against a blank wall in daylight or use the background removal tool.
- Head too small or too large. The chin-to-crown measurement must be 1–1 3/8 inches. Too much empty space above the head is one of the most common mistakes.
- Glasses in the photo. Any glasses, including thin frames, have been banned since 2016.
- Shadows on the background or face — usually from shooting too close to a wall or using a single light source from the side.
- Photo older than six months, or a photo that does not reflect current appearance (grown beard, significant weight change, new hair).
- Digital alterations — even removing a blemish or brightening the skin can trigger rejection by the automated checker.
Make your United States passport photo
Use our free passport size photo maker — select United States from the country list and it will automatically apply the correct size (2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm)) and background settings for you.
Crop, remove background, and download a compliant United States passport photo — free, no signup, no watermark.
Select United States in the tool to get the exact 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) preset.
Other countries
Albania 35 x 45 mm 
Australia 35 x 45 mm 
Brazil 3 x 4 cm (30 x 40 mm); US visa applications use 2 x 2 in 
Canada 50 x 70 mm 
China 33 x 48 mm 
France 35 x 45 mm 
Germany 35 x 45 mm 
Iceland 35 x 45 mm 
India 35 x 45 mm (Indian visa & many applications use 51 x 51 mm / 2 x 2 in) 
Ireland 35 x 45 mm 
Italy 35 x 45 mm 
Japan 35 x 45 mm 
Luxembourg 35 x 45 mm 
Malaysia 35 x 50 mm 
Netherlands 35 x 45 mm 
New Zealand 35 x 45 mm 
Nigeria 35 x 45 mm 
Norway 35 x 45 mm 
Pakistan 35 x 45 mm 
Philippines 35 x 45 mm (Philippine visa applications often use 2 x 2 in) 
Russia 35 x 45 mm 
Saudi Arabia 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) 
Schengen / EU 35 x 45 mm 
Singapore 35 x 45 mm 
South Africa 35 x 45 mm 
South Korea 35 x 45 mm 
Spain 32 x 26 mm (Spanish ID/passport); EU visas use 35 x 45 mm 
Switzerland 35 x 45 mm 
Thailand 35 x 45 mm 
Turkey 50 x 60 mm 
United Arab Emirates 43 x 55 mm 
United Kingdom 35 x 45 mm 
Vietnam 4 x 6 cm (40 x 60 mm)