A US passport or visa photo is small – just 2 × 2 inches – but it has more rules than almost any other country. The State Department rejects thousands of photos every year for shadows, glasses or a head that is too small. Use this checklist before you print or upload.
US passport photo requirements (quick checklist)
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of hair |
| Eye height | 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows |
| Age of photo | Taken in the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Not allowed (unless a doctor’s note for medical reasons) |
| Expression | Neutral or a natural smile, both eyes open |
| Digital (DS-160, online renewal) | Square JPEG, 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 px; DS-160 limit 240 KB |
👉 Create a compliant 2×2 photo now: US passport photo maker – head size and background are set automatically.
Printed photo or digital photo?
If you apply by mail or in person (form DS-11 or DS-82), you need a printed 2 × 2 photo on matte or glossy photo paper. If you apply for a US visa, the DS-160 form asks you to upload a digital photo, and the green card (DV) lottery accepts only digital photos. The tool can do both: download the single JPG for upload, or the 4×6 print sheet that holds two photos for the passport form.
How to take the photo at home
- Stand about 1.2 m (4 ft) in front of a white wall and 1 m away from the wall to avoid shadows.
- Ask someone to hold the phone at your eye level. Do not take a selfie at arm’s length – it distorts the face.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones. Push hair away from your eyes.
- Upload the photo, choose USA 2×2, remove the background and download.
Common reasons US photos are rejected
- Shadows on the face or behind the ears
- Head too small (zoomed out) or cropped at the top
- Photo older than 6 months, or you look different now
- Glasses, even with clear lenses
- Edited or filtered skin, red eyes or low resolution
- Uniform or camouflage clothing
👉 Need other countries too? Compare sizes on passport photo size by country.
Frequently asked questions
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), with the head measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to the top of the hair.
A natural smile is accepted, but a neutral expression with mouth closed is safest. Both eyes must be open.
A square JPEG between 600 × 600 and 1200 × 1200 pixels, no larger than 240 KB.
No. Glasses are not allowed in US passport or visa photos unless you have a medical statement.
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