Official requirements
| Photo size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Digital size | 600 × 600 px |
| Head height | 50%–69% of photo height (chin to top of hair) |
| Eye height | 56%–69% from the bottom |
| Background | Plain white |
| File size | min 54 KB · max 10240 KB |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Submission | Online upload · Printed photo |
Rules to follow
- The printed photo is exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm).
- Your head, from chin to the top of your hair, measures 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm).
- Your eyes sit 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches above the bottom edge of the photo.
- Use a plain white or off-white background with no shadows, texture or lines.
- Take off all eyeglasses; only a signed doctor’s note allows them.
- Face the camera with a neutral expression and both eyes open.
- Remove hats and head coverings unless worn for religion or medical reasons (a signed statement is required).
- The photo must be in color and taken within the last 6 months.
- No filters, retouching or AI edits — State checks every photo for alteration.
- For online renewal, upload a JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF file between 54 KB and 10 MB.
Why U.S. Passport photos get rejected
- Wearing glasses without a medical statement.
- Head too small or too large for the 1–1⅜ in range.
- Shadows on the face or behind the head.
- Photo looks edited, filtered or is a scan of a printed photo.
- Blurry, grainy or pixelated print.
- Hat or head covering with no signed statement.
Our checks catch these before you download — and you see the result before you pay.
Questions
Can I take my U.S. passport photo with a phone?
Yes. A phone camera works if someone else takes the picture at arm’s length or more, with even light and a plain white wall behind you. Selfies tend to distort the face and get flagged.
Do I need one photo or two for a U.S. passport?
One. The State Department asks for a single color photo stapled to the paper form, or a single digital upload if you renew online.
How big must the digital file be for online passport renewal?
Between 54 KB and 10 MB, in JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF format. Our download is a full-quality JPEG sized to stay inside that window.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
A neutral expression or a natural, closed-mouth smile is the safe choice. Big grins that change the shape of your eyes or mouth can cause a rejection.
Sources: U.S. Department of State – Passport Photos · U.S. Department of State – Photo Composition Template · U.S. Department of State – Uploading a Digital Photo (online renewal). PhotoForUSA is an independent service, not affiliated with any government. Rules change — always check the official source before you apply.