Photo requirements · 2026

US passport photo size and requirements

A US passport photo must be 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) on a white or off-white background. Use the tool below to crop yours to the exact size.

Size: 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm)
Head size: 25–35 mm from chin to top of head
Background: white or off-white
Max file size: 10240 KB
Glasses: not allowed (remove eyeglasses)

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Other rules for US passport photos

Print size 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm); head 1 to 1 3/8 in (25-35 mm) chin to top of head
One colour photo taken in the last 6 months; no shadows, textures or objects in background
Unedited: no filters, retouching or background cropping; no photocopies or scans
Online renewal upload: JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF, file 54 KB to 10 MB; no pixel dimensions stated (you crop on upload)
Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed, facing camera

Frequently asked questions

What size is a US passport photo?

2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm).

What background is required for a US passport photo?

A white or off-white background, plain and without shadows or patterns.

How big should the head be in a US passport photo?

The head should measure 25–35 mm from chin to top of head.

Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?

Not allowed (remove eyeglasses).

What is the file size limit for a US passport photo?

The digital file must be no larger than 10240 KB. The tool lowers the JPEG quality automatically to fit.

Other photo sizes

Source: official requirements. Not yet confirmed on an official source: eyeLine (passport pages give none), minPx/maxPx (online renewal gives file-size limits only). The consulate or passport office makes the final decision on whether a photo is accepted.