ExamDetail Logo

US Passport Photo Size: 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm)

A US passport photo is a square 2 by 2 inch image, a different shape from most other countries. This guide gives the exact printed and digital size and resizes your photo to match.

51 mm51 mm

United States · Passport photo

Printed size
2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm)
Digital size
600 × 600 px
File size
Up to 500 KB · JPG / JPEG
Background
White

Specification updated 7 November 2026

Resize your photo to the US passport size

The official size is already filled in. Select a clear, front-facing photo, check the crop, then download. Everything happens in your browser.

Processed in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.

Official United States passport photo requirements

Used for new US passports, renewals by mail and online passport renewal.

Printed size2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm)
Digital dimensions600 × 600 px
File sizeUp to 500 KB
File formatJPG / JPEG
Head size50–69% of photo height (chin to top of head, including hair)
BackgroundWhite
Expression and poseNeutral, mouth closed

Rules your photo must follow

  • Head (chin to top of hair) covers 50–69% of photo height.
  • Eyes sit 56–69% from bottom of the photo.
  • Face the camera straight on, about 1 to 1.5 m away.
  • Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed.
  • Even light from the front, with no shadows on the face or the wall.
  • Hair away from the eyes, with the whole head and shoulders in the frame.
  • Remove glasses, hats and headphones (religious head coverings are usually allowed).
  • No filters, beauty mode or edits.

Need the background and head position fixed too?

Our resizer sets the exact size. If your photo also needs a plain background, the head centred at the right height, or a print-ready sheet, you can make a US passport photo online on GetVisaPhoto, which follows the same official United States rules.

Face and eye line

Head size and position checked against the rules.

Background

Replaced with the colour the document asks for.

Ready to submit

Digital file and printable copy.

Already have a photo? Run it through this passport photo checker before you upload it to the application.

US passport photo FAQs

What is the US passport photo size?

The official printed size is 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm). The head must measure 50–69% of photo height (chin to top of head, including hair).

What size should a digital US passport photo be?

Dimensions: 600 × 600 px. File size: Up to 500 KB. Format: JPG / JPEG.

What background colour is required for a US passport photo?

White.

How do I resize my photo to the US passport size?

Use the resizer on this page. The official size is already filled in. Select your photo, check the crop and download it. The photo is processed in your browser and is not uploaded.

Specification source

Rules can change. Always check the latest rules with the issuing authority before you apply. Last updated 7 November 2026.