US Passport Photo Requirements 2026 — The Complete Checklist

A US passport photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), in color, on a plain white or off-white background, and taken within the last 6 months. Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, with a neutral expression, both eyes open, and no glasses. These rules are set by the U.S. Department of State and apply to new passports, renewals, and passport cards.

US passport photo requirements at a glance

Size: why 2×2 inches matters

The US is one of the few countries that uses a 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) square photo rather than the 35×45 mm used across Europe. The square format is non-negotiable — a 35×45 mm photo will be rejected. For online renewals, upload a square digital photo between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels. If you are printing at home, print on 4×6 photo paper and cut to exactly 2×2 inches.

Head size and positioning

Your head must take up 50–69% of the photo height — specifically 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (including hair). Center your head and face the camera directly. Your eyes should sit roughly in the top third of the frame. Photos where the head is too small, too large, tilted, or off-center are the single most common rejection reason.

Background

The background must be plain white or off-white with no shadows, textures, patterns, or objects. Stand at least six inches away from a wall to avoid casting a shadow behind you. A busy or colored background is an automatic rejection. If you cannot get a clean wall, this is exactly what an AI passport photo tool fixes — it replaces the background with a compliant white one without altering your face.

Recency, expression, and glasses

• Recency: the photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance.
• Expression: a neutral expression or a natural smile is fine; both eyes must be open and your mouth closed.
• Glasses: banned since November 2016. Remove them before taking the photo — do not rely on editing them out, as digitally altered faces are scrutinized.
• Head coverings: only permitted for religious or medical reasons, and your full face must still be visible.
• Uniforms: do not wear camouflage, uniforms, or clothing that looks like a uniform. Everyday clothing is best.

Printed vs. digital photos

If you apply by mail or in person (Form DS-11 or DS-82), you need a physical 2×2 inch print on photo-quality paper. If you renew online through the State Department's new online system, you upload a square digital JPEG. Our tool gives you both — a high-resolution digital file and a print-ready 4×6 sheet — so you are covered either way.

The fastest way to get a compliant photo

You do not need to visit a pharmacy or studio. Take a selfie or use a recent photo against any wall, upload it, and our AI formats it to every requirement above — 2×2 inch size, correct head height, and a clean white background — then flags issues like glasses or shadows before you pay. You preview the result first and only pay ($2.99) if you are happy. Compare that to $15–17 in store with no refund if it is rejected.