US Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Head and Background
A US passport photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in colour, taken in the last 6 months, with the head 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head, on a plain white or off white background. Glasses are not allowed and the expression should be neutral or a natural smile.
The size
The photo is a square 2 x 2 inches, which is 51 x 51 mm. Your head, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair, must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm). Your eyes should sit between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo.
For digital use the same square works at 600 x 600 up to 1200 x 1200 pixels. SleekCut saves US passport photos at 1200 x 1200, which also prints sharply at 2 x 2 inches.
Background and lighting
Use a plain white or off white background with no shadows, texture or objects behind you. Light should be even across the face, with no shadow on one side and no glare on the skin.
Daylight from a window in front of you is the easiest way to get even light at home. Stand in front of a plain white or off white wall: the State Department does not accept photos that have been digitally altered, and that includes changing the background.
Pose, expression and clothing
Face the camera directly with your full face in view, both eyes open. A neutral expression or a natural smile is accepted.
Glasses are not allowed, unless you have a signed medical statement. Hats and head coverings are not allowed except for religious or medical reasons, with the face fully visible. Avoid uniforms and camouflage clothing.
Headphones and wireless earbuds must be removed, and filters or edits that change your appearance are not allowed.
Make one at home with SleekCut
Open the US Passport Photo maker and drop a front facing photo taken against a white wall. Your real background is kept, and the photo is sized so your head sits inside the official range. If you try a replacement background, the tool warns you that US passports do not accept it.
The guides show where the top of your head and your chin should be, and the size check confirms the head height in millimetres. Drag or zoom if you want to fine tune, then download the photo or a 4 x 6 print sheet.
Printing
Print the 4 x 6 sheet at a photo kiosk or shop at 100% scale, on matte or glossy photo paper. Cut along the guide lines. The photo should not be damaged, creased or have holes, so cut carefully and keep it flat.
Visa photos are the same size
US visas use the same 2 x 2 inch photo. For the online DS 160 form, use the US Visa Photo page, which saves a square JPEG at 600 x 600 pixels so it stays under the 240 KB limit.