Passport Photo Size: Complete Guide
Get the exact dimensions for US passport photos and other countries. Wrong size = rejected application.
US Passport Photo Size
| Photo size | 2x2 inches (51x51mm) |
| Head height | 1" to 1 3/8" (25-35mm) |
| Eye position | 1 1/8" to 1 3/8" from bottom |
| Digital size | 600x600 to 1200x1200px |
| File format | JPEG, 240KB or less |
| Photo size (print) | 2x2 inches (51x51mm) |
| Head height | 1" to 1 3/8" (25-35mm) |
| Eye position | 1 1/8" to 1 3/8" from bottom |
| Aspect ratio | Square (1:1) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016) |
| Digital dimensions | 600x600 to 1200x1200px |
| File size (digital) | 240KB or less |
| File format | JPEG |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
US Passport Photo Dimensions
US passport photos must be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51mm) — a square format that is unique compared to most countries. Your head, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your hair, must fill 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) of the frame. That translates to 50-69% of the photo height.
Your eyes must sit between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo. If your eyes are too high or too low, the photo will be rejected even if the overall head size is correct.
Digital photo (MyTravelGov): 600x600 to 1200x1200 pixels, square format. File must be JPEG, 240KB or less. The color profile must be sRGB — iPhones shoot in Display P3 by default, which can cause rejection on digital submissions.
Background Requirements
The background must be plain white or off-white. No patterns, no textures, no colors. Not light gray. Not cream that looks beige in the photo. White.
Shadows on the background are treated the same as a wrong color — your photo will be rejected. Stand 2-3 feet away from the wall and face a window for even, natural lighting. Overhead room lights and camera flash both create shadows behind your head.
If your wall has a slight warm tint from indoor lighting, the photo may look yellow or off-white on camera. Use natural daylight whenever possible. For more detail, see our background requirements guide.
Glasses and Expression Rules
Glasses are banned. Since November 2016, the State Department does not allow glasses in passport photos — prescription or otherwise. The only exception requires a signed medical statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot remove them. If you show up wearing glasses, your application will be returned.
Neutral expression only. Keep your mouth closed. No smiling with teeth. Eyes open, looking directly at the camera. The State Department’s exact guidance: “have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile.” In practice, any visible teeth risk rejection. Play it safe with a neutral expression.
Clothing and Appearance
Wear a dark-colored top that contrasts with the white background. Avoid white, cream, or very light-colored shirts — they blend into the background and can cause the cropping to look wrong.
No uniforms. Military uniforms, airline uniforms, and any organizational clothing are not allowed. The exception is religious attire worn daily.
Religious headwear is allowed. Hijabs, turbans, kippahs, and other religious head coverings are permitted as long as your full face is visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead. No other hats or head coverings are allowed.
Hair must not cover your face. Bangs that fall over your eyes or hair that obscures your jawline will cause rejection. Pull hair behind your ears or pin it back. See our hair requirements guide for details.
Photo Recency
Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. The State Department compares your photo to your appearance at the time of application. If you have significantly changed your appearance — new hairstyle, gained or lost weight, grown or shaved a beard — you need a new photo even if your last one is only a few months old.
For renewal applications, your new photo is compared against the photo in your expiring passport. If the two look nothing alike, expect additional identity verification.
Common Rejection Reasons
Getting your photo rejected is not just annoying — it means your application is returned, and you lose 6-10 weeks of processing time. During peak season (spring and summer), that delay can push your passport past your travel date.
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Head too small or too large — If your head is smaller than 1 inch or larger than 1 3/8 inches in the frame, the photo is rejected. You will receive your full application back by mail and need to resubmit with a new photo. The entire processing clock resets.
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Shadows on face or background — Any visible shadow on your face, neck, or behind your head means rejection. This is the most common issue with photos taken at home.
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Wearing glasses — This catches travelers who took their last passport photo before 2016. The rule changed, and old habits cause applications to be returned.
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Wrong background color — Gray walls, off-color from warm lighting, or visible textures all fail. The background must read as white in the final photo.
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Photo older than 6 months — If the State Department suspects your photo does not reflect your current appearance, your application is returned for a new one.
Your photo must NOT have
- ✕ Glasses of any kind (prescription included)
- ✕ Hats or head coverings (except religious)
- ✕ Shadows on face or background
- ✕ Filters, beauty mode, or digital editing of appearance
- ✕ Uniforms or camouflage clothing
- ✕ Hair covering eyes, forehead, or jawline
Your photo must have
- ✓ Size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm)
- ✓ Head height: 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm)
- ✓ Plain white or off-white background
- ✓ Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open
- ✓ Taken within the last 6 months
- ✓ Dark clothing that contrasts with background
Official Source
All requirements come from the U.S. Department of State. For the full official guidelines, see: U.S. Passport Photo Requirements
Passport Photo Sizes by Country
Different countries have different size requirements. Here are the most common:
| Country | Size | Millimeters | Pixels (300 DPI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2x2 in | 51x51mm | 600x600px |
| Canada | 2x2.75 in | 50x70mm | 600x840px |
| United Kingdom | 35x45mm | 35x45mm | 420x540px |
| EU Schengen | 35x45mm | 35x45mm | 420x540px |
| India | 2x2 in | 51x51mm | 600x600px |
| China | 33x48mm | 33x48mm | 390x567px |
| Australia | 35x45mm | 35x45mm | 420x540px |
| Japan | 35x45mm | 35x45mm | 420x540px |
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a US passport photo?
US passport photos must be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51mm). The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
What is the pixel size for a digital passport photo?
Digital passport photos for US applications must be between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels, with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. The State Department recommends square dimensions.
Can I crop a regular photo to passport size?
Yes, but the original photo must have enough resolution and the correct head positioning. Our tool automatically crops your photo to the exact 2x2 inch specification with proper head size ratios.
Are passport photo sizes the same worldwide?
No. The US and India both use 2x2 inches (51x51mm) following ICAO standards. Most European countries use 35x45mm (like UK, EU Schengen). Some countries have unique sizes -- always check specific requirements.
What happens if my passport photo is the wrong size?
Your application will be rejected. The State Department is strict about dimensions. Using our tool ensures your photo meets exact size requirements before you print.
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