United States Passport Photo: check yours against the official spec
A US passport photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), square, with a plain white or off-white background. Your head (chin to top of hair) must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm), and your eyes must sit between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 inches (28-35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. The digital file must be JPEG, at least 600 x 600 pixels.
Use a clear, front-facing photo against a plain white wall in even light. We measure and crop it — we never edit the pixels you submit.
United States passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 to 1 3/8 in (25–35 mm) |
| Eye height from bottom | 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 in (28–35 mm) |
| Background | plain white or off-white |
| Digital file | JPEG, at least 600 × 600 px |
Common reasons a United States passport photo is rejected
- Background is not plain white/off-white, or has a visible shadow or pattern.
- Head is too small or too large in the frame (outside the 25-35 mm range).
- Eyes are too high or too low in the frame.
- Glasses glare, closed eyes, non-neutral expression, or head tilted/turned.
- Photo has been digitally altered, filtered, or AI-edited. As of Jan 1, 2026 the US State Department rejects altered photos and treats deliberate manipulation as misrepresentation.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US passport photo?
2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), square. The digital version must be at least 600 x 600 pixels, saved as a JPEG.
What background does a US passport photo need?
A plain white or off-white background with no shadows, patterns, or other people or objects.
How big should my head be in the photo?
Your head, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your hair, must be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm).
Can I use an AI tool to edit or fix my passport photo?
No. As of January 1, 2026 the US Department of State rejects photos that have been digitally altered, filtered, or AI-edited, and treats deliberate manipulation as misrepresentation. This tool only measures, validates, and crops your original photo. It never alters the pixels you submit. If the background or lighting fails, retake the photo against a plain white wall in even light.
Can I wear glasses?
Glasses are generally not accepted for US passport photos except for documented medical reasons. If you must wear them, there must be no glare and your eyes must be clearly visible.