U.S. Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Everything you need to know about U.S. passport photo specifications — exact dimensions, digital format requirements, what to wear, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for getting your photo right the first time.
Photo Dimensions & Sizing
Your U.S. passport photo must be a perfect square measuring exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) when printed. The head — measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair — must be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) tall. Your eyes should fall between 1-1/8 inches and 1-3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo.
(25–35 mm)
- Print Size 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
- Head Height 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25–35 mm)
- Eye Height from Bottom 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches (28–35 mm)
- Camera Distance At least 4 feet (1.2 meters)
- Aspect Ratio Square (1:1)
Passport Photo Checker
Upload your photo to instantly check if it meets all U.S. passport photo requirements. Your image is analyzed entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded to any server.
4×6 Print Layout — 6 Photos
Digital Photo Specifications
If you are applying for a passport online or uploading a digital photo, your image must meet these technical specifications set by the U.S. State Department.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pixel Dimensions | 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 pixels (square) |
| File Formats | JPG, PNG, HEIC, HEIF |
| File Size | 54 KB to 10 MB |
| Resolution | 300 DPI minimum |
| Color Depth | 24-bit color (sRGB) |
| Print Paper | Matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
Appearance & Pose Requirements
The U.S. State Department has strict rules about how you should appear in your passport photo. Here is everything you need to follow.
Neutral Expression
Keep a neutral, relaxed expression with your mouth closed. Avoid showing teeth.
Eyes Open
Both eyes must be open and clearly visible. Look directly at the camera.
Face the Camera Directly
Full face front view. Your head must not be tilted, turned, or at an angle.
Even Lighting
Uniform lighting with no shadows on the face or background. Avoid overexposure or underexposure.
Glasses, Clothing & Accessories
What You Can Wear
- Normal, everyday clothing
- Religious head coverings worn daily (with a signed statement)
- Jewelry and facial piercings that don't obscure your face
- Hearing aids
What You Cannot Wear
- Glasses of any kind (prescription, sunglasses, tinted)
- Hats or head coverings (unless religious)
- Headphones, earbuds, or wireless devices
- Uniforms, military clothing, or camouflage
- Face masks or medical masks
Background & Lighting
White or Off-White
The background must be plain white or off-white with no patterns, textures, objects, or lines.
Even Lighting
Uniform lighting across your face with no harsh shadows. Face a window or use two lights from the front.
No Shadows
No shadows on the face, behind your head, or on the background. Stand a few feet from the wall.
No Red Eye
Flash can cause red eye. Use natural light or diffused flash. Do not digitally correct red eye.
Infants & Children Requirements
Children and infants must meet the same 2 x 2 inch photo size and white background requirements. However, there are some special considerations.
Child Must Be Alone
Only the child should be in the photo. No parent's hands, toys, pacifiers, or other people.
Infants Can Lie Down
Infants can be photographed lying on a plain white blanket or sheet, looking up at the camera.
Eyes Open (Flexible for Infants)
Eyes should be open. For newborns and infants, it is acceptable if their eyes are not entirely open.
Apply in Person
Children under 16 must apply for a passport in person at an acceptance facility.
Top 12 Reasons Passport Photos Get Rejected
The State Department increasingly uses AI-based automated validation. These are the most common reasons for photo rejections.
Where to Get Photos & Cost
You can get your passport photo taken at several locations, or take it yourself at home. Here are the typical costs.
Other options include AAA offices (free or discounted for members), FedEx Office, Staples, Costco, and professional photography studios. If renewing online, you can upload a digital photo directly — no printing needed.
Photo Recency & Appearance Changes
Your passport photo must be taken within the last 6 months and must accurately reflect your current appearance. If you have undergone significant changes — such as substantial weight gain or loss, new facial tattoos or piercings, gender transition, or major facial surgery — you will need a new photo.
Minor changes like growing or shaving a beard, changing your hair color, or aging naturally are generally fine as long as you are still recognizable.
Frequently Asked Questions
A U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). For digital submissions, the image should be between 600 x 600 and 1,200 x 1,200 pixels in square format.
No. Since November 1, 2016, the U.S. State Department no longer accepts passport photos where the applicant is wearing glasses. The only exception is for applicants who cannot remove glasses for medical reasons, which requires a signed doctor's statement.
You should maintain a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed. While a very slight, natural smile may be accepted, a broad smile showing teeth will be rejected.
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must reflect your current appearance. If you have significantly changed your appearance, you need a new photo.
Yes. You can take your own passport photo using a smartphone or digital camera, as long as you use a plain white or off-white background, proper lighting, and maintain the correct distance of at least 4 feet (1.2 m) from the camera. The photo must meet all official specifications.
For online passport renewals, the State Department accepts JPG, PNG, HEIC, and HEIF file formats. The file size must be between 54 KB and 10 MB.
Head coverings are only permitted if worn daily for religious purposes. You must submit a signed statement confirming it is religious attire. The full face — from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead — must still be clearly visible, and the covering must not cast shadows on the face.
The most common rejection reasons include: wearing glasses, incorrect dimensions or head size, shadows on the face or background, non-white background, photo too dark or overexposed, eyes not fully open, head tilted or turned, using filters or AI-generated edits, and submitting a photo older than 6 months.
The same size and background requirements apply. However, the child must be the only person in the photo — no parent's hands, toys, or pacifiers. Infants can be photographed lying on a white sheet looking up at the camera. For infants, it is acceptable if their eyes are not entirely open.
Passport photos at retail locations such as CVS, Walgreens, or USPS typically cost $14.99 to $16.99 for two printed photos. AAA members may get free or discounted photos. Taking your own photo at home and printing at a drugstore can cost under $1.