US Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A US passport photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) on a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last six months. The head must measure between 25 and 35 mm from chin to crown — roughly 50–69% of the photo height. The U.S. Department of State applies the same rules to all major US documents, including passports, visas, and citizenship applications.
Documents covered
The same official specification applies to all of the following documents:
| Document | Size | |
|---|---|---|
| US Passport | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) | |
| US Visa | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) | |
| US Citizenship (N-400) | 51 × 51 mm (2 × 2 in) |
Detailed requirements
Background
Plain white or off-white. No textures, no shadows, no patterns. The Department of State will reject anything with a colored or busy background.
Expression and eyes
A neutral expression or a natural smile with the mouth closed. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible. No frowning, raised eyebrows, or exaggerated smiles.
Glasses
Glasses are not allowed unless your physician submits a signed statement that you cannot remove them for medical reasons. Sunglasses are never permitted.
Headwear
No hats or head coverings unless worn daily for religious purposes. The full face from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead must be visible. No shadows on the face.
Recency
The photo must have been taken within the last six months and must reflect your current appearance.
Digital format
For the online passport renewal, the digital photo must be at least 600×600 pixels and no larger than 1200×1200 pixels, square (1:1), JPEG, under 10 MB.
Country-specific notes
- Required for all US passport, visa, and citizenship applications.
- Children under 16 follow the same size rules but cannot be supported by another person in the frame.
- Wear normal everyday clothing — no uniforms, camouflage, or anything resembling official attire.
Common rejection reasons
These are the most frequent reasons passport offices reject submitted photos.
- 1 Background is colored, patterned, or has visible shadows.
- 2 Glasses worn without a medical waiver.
- 3 Head size is outside the 25–35 mm chin-to-crown range.
- 4 Photo is older than six months or no longer reflects current appearance.
- 5 Photo is digitally retouched (filters, beauty mode, smoothing).
- 6 Face is not centered or eyes are not at the same level.
- 7 Insufficient resolution or visible compression artifacts.
How to take it yourself in 3 steps
Set up lighting and background
Stand 0.5 m in front of a plain white wall. Use soft, even daylight from the front — no shadow behind your head.
Take the photo
Camera at eye level, around 1.2 m away. Face the camera squarely. Keep a neutral expression with mouth closed and eyes open.
Verify against the spec
The photo must be 2×2 inches, your head 25–35 mm tall, square format, no glasses, no headwear. Our app checks each rule automatically before you save.
Frequently asked questions
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Take a photo that passes — automatically.
Open the app, pick your country, and we check every rule before you save.