United States

Create and Check Your US Passport Photo

A US passport photo needs to meet specific requirements, and those requirements depend on how you're applying: a mailed or in-person application needs a printed 2×2 inch photo, while an eligible online renewal uses a digital upload with its own separate rules.

PassportPhotosAI helps you create and check your photo based on the current official requirements before you submit it, including size, head position, background, lighting, expression and image quality, so you can prepare the right photo before you pay anything.

US Passport (2x2 in)
Government-verified spec

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US Passport Photo Requirements

PassportPhotosAI uses current official US passport photo requirements to check and prepare your photo.

Size and Format

Printed photo: 2×2 inches (51×51mm), square
Digital photo (online renewal): no fixed pixel dimensions are specified by the State Department; the file must be between 54 KB and 10 MB, in JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF format
Colour: full colour, taken within the last 6 months
Paper: matte or glossy photo-quality paper — no photocopies or scanned copies of other documents

Head Size and Position

Measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, your head must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35mm), roughly 50–69% of the photo's height. Your head and shoulders should be centred, facing the camera directly, with no tilt in any direction.

Incorrect head size is commonly cited as one of the most frequent reasons a US passport photo doesn't meet requirements, usually because the camera was positioned too close or too far from the subject. PassportPhotosAI measures this precisely rather than estimating it by eye.

Background

The background must be plain white or off-white, with no shadows, textures, patterns, or objects. The State Department's own guidance flags a white brick wall as a real example of what fails: it's technically white, but the visible lines and texture are enough to cause rejection. Standing several feet away from the wall reduces the shadow that a too-close photo almost always casts.

Expression and Eyes

A neutral expression or a natural smile are both acceptable, as long as your mouth stays closed and your eyes are open, visible, and directed straight at the camera. Red-eye is not permitted.

Glasses, Hats, and Head Coverings

Glasses have not been allowed in US passport photos since November 2016, with a narrow exception for documented medical need. Hats and head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons, and even then your full face, chin to forehead, must remain visible with no shadow across it.

Clothing and Accessories

Everyday clothing is fine; uniforms, clothing that resembles a uniform, and camouflage patterns are not. Headphones and wireless earpieces aren't permitted in the photo. Jewellery and facial piercings are allowed as long as they don't obscure your face or cast shadows.

Image Quality

Photos need to be sharp and high-resolution, with no blur, graininess, pixelation, creases, or smudges.

Does PassportPhotosAI Edit My Background?

Yes. PassportPhotosAI adjusts your background to a plain, compliant white so a busy or off-colour wall does not stop you. The State Department asks for a plain white or off-white background, and this is how the tool gets you there.

You will still get the best result from a plain, evenly lit wall to begin with: the less the tool has to correct, the more natural the finished photo looks. Stand a metre or so away from the wall so you do not cast a shadow on it.

How PassportPhotosAI Checks Your Photo

1Upload Your Photo

Take a photo on your phone against a plain white or off-white wall, standing several feet back so the camera isn't too close.

2PassportPhotosAI Checks Your Photo

PassportPhotosAI checks the applicable requirements for your photo, including size, head position, background, lighting, expression, framing and image quality. You'll see any issues it detects before you continue.

3Review, Then Download

Review your results and preview your prepared photo before paying. If you're happy with the result, download the appropriate file for your application.

Check My US Passport Photo

Frequently Asked Questions

What size does a US passport photo need to be?

A printed photo must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51mm). For an online renewal, the State Department doesn't specify a fixed pixel size; the digital file just needs to be between 54 KB and 10 MB.

Why do most US passport photos fail to meet requirements?

Incorrect head size is the most commonly cited reason, followed by shadows on the background and an off-white or discoloured wall.

Can I wear glasses in my US passport photo?

No. Glasses have not been permitted since November 2016, with limited exceptions for documented medical conditions.

Can PassportPhotosAI fix my background for a US passport photo?

Yes. PassportPhotosAI replaces your background with a plain, compliant white and shows you the result before you download, so you can see exactly what you are submitting.

Can I take my own passport photo at home?

Yes. You can take your own photo, but it still needs to meet the applicable requirements. Use a suitable camera, stand against a plain white or off-white background, use even lighting and avoid filters, portrait effects or retouching.

Does passing the PassportPhotosAI check guarantee my photo will be accepted?

No. PassportPhotosAI identifies potential issues based on the requirements it checks, but the U.S. Department of State makes the final decision on whether a submitted passport photo is acceptable.