US passport photos are 2×2 inches (51×51mm) when printed, or 600×600 pixels for digital submission at 300 DPI. This square format distinguishes the US from nearly every other major country, which uses rectangular photos (typically 35×45mm).
Exact US Passport Photo Size Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 2″ / 51mm / 600px |
| Height | 2″ / 51mm / 600px |
| Aspect ratio | 1:1 (square) |
| DPI | 300 |
| File format | JPEG |
| File size | 20KB–240KB |
| Background | White |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Smile | Natural smile allowed |
| Expression | Neutral or natural smile |
Get a compliant passport photo online
Head Height Requirements for US Passport Photos
Your head — measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the skull — must occupy 50-69% of the photo's 51mm vertical space.
In concrete terms:
- Minimum (50%): 25mm (1 inch) from chin to crown
- Maximum (69%): 35mm (1⅜ inches) from chin to crown
- Target (60%): approximately 31mm — the safest position
- Eye line: Approximately 56% from the bottom of the image
The US allows a wider range than most countries. The 50-69% window means the face doesn't need to dominate the frame the way it does in Japan (71-80%) or the UK (64-76%). This gives more room for error, but the 240KB file size limit on digital uploads means you still need to get the framing right the first time.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for US Passport Photos
- Glasses: Not permitted. The US Department of State banned glasses in passport photos in November 2016. Remove all eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses. The only exception is for applicants who provide a signed doctor's statement explaining why glasses cannot be removed.
- Expression: Neutral or natural smile — the US is one of the few countries that allows a natural smile in passport photos. A slight, natural smile is acceptable. Exaggerated grins or open mouths are not.
- Background: White, evenly lit with no shadows behind the head.
- Hair: Must not cover the face, forehead, or eyebrows. Both ears should be visible.
- Head coverings: Only for religious or medical reasons. The full face from forehead to chin must remain visible.
The smile allowance is notable. Most countries (UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, China) require a strictly neutral expression with mouth closed. The US allows a natural smile, making American passport photos slightly more relaxed.
US Passport Photo Digital vs Print Requirements
Digital upload (State Department portal): Exactly 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI in JPEG format. File size must be between 20KB and 240KB. This 240KB limit is the strictest among major countries — you need to balance image quality against file size. Save at JPEG quality 85-90% to stay within limits.
Print (mail applications): 2×2 inches (51×51mm) on glossy or matte photo paper with no border. Attach one print to form DS-11 (new passport) or DS-82 (renewal) with staples, not glue — tape and paper clips can damage the photo during processing. Many acceptance agents also accept digital photos submitted online alongside the paper form. Bring two identical prints as a backup.
US Passport Photo Size vs Other Countries
| Country | Size | Head height | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 51×51mm | 50–69% | White | ❌ Banned |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | 64–76% | Light grey | ✅ Conditional |
| France | 35×45mm | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| Germany | 35×45mm | 60–80% | Light grey | ✅ Conditional |
| Canada | 50×70mm | 44–51% | White | ✅ Conditional |
| India | 35×35mm | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| Japan | 35×45mm | 71–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
The US square format is fundamentally incompatible with every rectangular-format country. You cannot crop a 35×45mm photo to 51×51mm — the aspect ratios are different. India uses a 35×35mm square (same shape, different size), but the dimensions don't match. Dual citizens need separate photos.
Where to Get Correctly Sized US Passport Photos
Pharmacies and drugstores. CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid offer passport photo services at most locations. Cost is typically $15-17. Staff know the 2×2 inch format and provide two prints. Quality varies by location.
Walmart and Costco. Walmart photo centres produce passport photos for around $7-8 — the cheapest option. Costco offers similar services at member locations.
USPS (Post Office). Many post offices that serve as passport acceptance facilities also offer photo services. Cost is $15. Convenient if you're submitting your application at the same visit.
AAA offices. AAA members can get passport photos at AAA offices, often for free or at a reduced rate.
Professional photographers. Studios charge more ($20-40) but produce higher-quality photos and can be better for children. Studios near passport agencies handle photos daily.
DIY at home. Stand against a white wall in good natural light. Use a tripod or prop your phone at eye level about 1.5 metres away. Crop to exactly 600×600 pixels in a photo editor and save as JPEG between 20KB and 240KB.
US Passport Photo Size for Babies and Children
Children's US passport photos follow the same 2×2 inch size and 50-69% head height requirements.
Infants (under 1 year): Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. Both eyes should be open. The mouth can be slightly open for very young babies. No pacifiers, toys, hands, or other objects should be visible. CVS and Walgreens staff are usually experienced with infant photos.
Children (1-5 years): Same rules as adults — eyes open, face centred, white background. A natural smile is acceptable. Professional studios are often easier for restless toddlers.
All children under 16: US children's passports are valid for 5 years (vs 10 for adults aged 16+). Both parents or legal guardians must consent for children under 16. This means more frequent renewals and more frequent photos. Keep a compliant digital copy.
Common US Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Wrong aspect ratio. Saving as 2×2 inches with non-square pixel dimensions (e.g., 600×800 pixels). The image must be perfectly square — 1:1 ratio.
Over-compression to meet 240KB. The 240KB limit is strict. Some applicants compress too aggressively, creating blocky artifacts. Save at JPEG quality 85-90% — a 600×600px image at this quality typically falls between 80-180KB.
Wearing glasses. Glasses have been banned since November 2016. Remove them before the photo is taken. The medical exemption requires a signed doctor's statement.
Using a European 35×45mm photo. The rectangular format cannot be cropped to a square without cutting off the top or bottom, which changes head positioning and violates the 50-69% rule.
Face too small from selfie distance. Arm's-length selfies produce a face at roughly 35-45% of the frame — below the 50% minimum.
Verifying Your US Passport Photo Size
Use our passport photo checker to validate your photo against US requirements. For background colour rules, see our guide on US passport photo background requirements. For glasses rules, see US passport photo glasses guide. View all specifications on the United States passport photo hub.
