US / PASSPORT PHOTO FIELD GUIDE
US passport photos. Get the size and the original right.
A square crop is only one part of a US passport photo. Start with an unaltered portrait, choose paper or online renewal, and check the requirements before preparing a file.
Reviewed · Editorial methodology
THE SHORT ANSWER
What does a United States passport photo need?
For a paper US passport application, use a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) colour photo taken within six months, with a white or off-white background. The head should measure about 25–35 mm from chin to top of head. Online renewal uses a separate original digital-photo workflow.
Read the official requirements ↗- Printed photo
- 2 × 2 inches
- Photo age
- Within 6 months
- Background
- White or off-white
- Editing
- Keep original appearance
FRAME / FACE / APPLICATION
Size and alignment, explained.
This square size diagram is for printed photos. For online renewal, follow the portal’s digital upload and cropping instructions.
- Width
- 2 in / 51 mm
- Height
- 2 in / 51 mm
- Head / face height
- 25–35 mm
- Background
- White or off-white
The diagram shows proportions and what to measure. It does not measure the generated portrait, certify compliance or define a universal pixel size.
Printed passport photo or online renewal?
Choose the submission route before changing a photo’s shape. A paper application uses a physical square photo. The online renewal service asks for a digital image and guides you through its upload process; the printed dimensions do not define every digital-file requirement.
Keep the original camera file. Do not use a scan of a printed photograph or a screenshot of a preview as your digital original. Follow the live portal instructions for the accepted file and crop.
US Department of State: online renewal digital photo ↗How to align the head in a 2 × 2 inch photo
Look straight into a camera held at eye level, keep the head upright, and leave space around the whole head. Check the crown-to-chin measurement after sizing the print. Enlarging a face until it fills the square is a common framing mistake.
Review the actual print with a ruler. A square JPEG does not prove that a shop printed it at two inches: automatic fit-to-page scaling can change the final dimensions. Use photo-quality paper and check sharpness.
US Department of State: passport photos and examples ↗Background, glasses and facial expression
Use an evenly lit white or off-white wall and avoid a shadow behind the head. Remove glasses for the photo and keep both eyes visible. The official examples explain medical exceptions and other special circumstances.
Wear ordinary clothing, face forward and keep a neutral expression. If the original is blurry, tilted or unevenly lit, take another photo. A clean background and suitable lighting should come from the capture setup.
US Department of State: passport photos and examples ↗Can an online editor fix a US passport photo?
The State Department says to submit the original, unchanged photograph and not alter it with software, apps, filters or AI. Do not replace a background or retouch facial features and assume the result becomes acceptable.
PixPassVisa can provide supplementary checks and a preparation preview. These do not certify the photo. Review the output against the official rules before purchasing; a paid download cannot override a restriction on editing.
US Department of State: passport photos and examples ↗BEFORE YOU SUBMIT
A final check is worth a retake.
- Confirm the exact document and submission route.
- Keep a recent original with no filters or facial edits.
- Check lighting, background, expression and clear eyes.
- Review the actual print or the portal’s upload rules.
- Use an approved capture provider when required.
ANSWERS FOR YOUR NEXT STEP
United States passport photo questions
What is the US passport photo size?
The printed size is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Head size and the final physical print must also meet the State Department’s requirements.
Can I take a US passport photo with my phone?
A phone can capture the original if the result meets the rules. Ask another person to take the photo, use even light and avoid filters. Follow the separate digital workflow if renewing online.
Is a US passport photo the same as a US visa photo?
They can share a square printed format, but passport renewal and visa uploads have separate application instructions. Do not treat a passport check as DS-160 or visa approval.
Is the before-and-after example an accepted passport photo?
No. It is an AI-generated fictional adult used to explain retaking and framing. It is not a customer result, measured compliance report or image to submit with an application.
CHECK FIRST. CHOOSE YOUR OUTPUT.
Preview before purchasing.
Automated checks and previews are free. If your application permits the prepared output, standard downloads cost $4.99 and optional expert manual editing costs $6.99. One-time payment; fixed local prices apply.
We do not provide government photo codes, physical prints or acceptance certification. Keep your original and follow the capture and editing rules above.
Official sources and review
Reviewed on 17 October 2026. Requirements can change; follow the authority handling your application. PixPassVisa is an independent service.