US passport photo, 2 × 2 inches.
For paper applications (DS-11, DS-82 by mail). Mark your head and chin, and get a 2 × 2 inch photo at 300 pixels per inch plus a 4 × 6 in sheet you can print on photo paper.
Your file stays on your device. Nothing is uploaded to us.
Choose a photoA head-and-shoulders photo against a plain wall, taken from about 1.5 m (5 ft) away. JPEG, PNG or HEIC.
Add file
- Drag the blue lines to the top of your head (including hair) and the bottom of your chin.
- Drag the gold line to your eyes and the purple line to the middle of your face.
- Press Make my photo. Moving a line afterwards updates it.
US passport photoWaiting for a photo
- Size–
- Head size–
- Background–
- Paper–
- Glasses–
Before you upload, check yourself
The official rules
| Size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head size | 1 to 1 3/8 in (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head, head centred |
| Background | White or off-white, without shadows, texture or lines |
| Paper | Matte or glossy photo quality paper |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Age of photo | Taken in the last 6 months, in colour |
| Edits | No software, apps, filters or AI changes |
Worth knowing
- Renewing online? The online renewal asks for a different, uncropped digital photo. Use the online renewal tool instead.
- Print the 4 × 6 in sheet at actual size (no "fit to page") on photo paper, then cut along the marks. Each photo on the sheet is exactly 2 × 2 in.
Official sources
- Passport photos (U.S. Department of State)Checked 21 October 2026. Internet Archive copy captured 2026-03-02; page last updated December 15, 2025.
Questions
How big should my head be in a US passport photo?
1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, in a 2 × 2 inch photo.
Can I print a passport photo at home?
The rules ask for photo quality paper, matte or glossy. Many people print the 4 × 6 sheet at a photo counter, which uses photo paper.
Can I smile?
The official page asks for a natural expression with both eyes open. A neutral expression is the safest.