US Passport Photo Specifications
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height (chin to top of hair) | 1 inch to 1-3/8 inches (25–35 mm) |
| Eye height from bottom | 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches (28–35 mm) |
| Background color | Plain white or off-white |
| Resolution | Minimum 300 DPI for print |
| File size (digital) | Between 54 KB and 10 MB |
| Pixel dimensions (digital) | 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 pixels |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Photo Requirements in Detail
Face and Expression
Your face must be clearly visible and centered in the frame. Keep a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Both ears should be visible. The photo must show your full head from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin.
Background
The background must be plain white or off-white. No patterns, textures, or shadows. If you're taking the photo at home, stand about 4 feet in front of a white wall with even lighting to avoid shadows.
Glasses
As of November 2016, the US State Department no longer accepts passport photos with glasses. Remove all eyeglasses before taking your photo. Prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses are all prohibited.
Clothing and Head Coverings
Wear normal street clothes. Uniforms, camouflage, and white clothing that blends with the background should be avoided. Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons, and even then your full face must be visible from hairline to chin.
Common Rejection Reasons
- Wrong dimensions — Photo is not exactly 2×2 inches
- Shadows on face — Uneven lighting creating shadows
- Shadows on background — Standing too close to the wall
- Glasses in photo — Not allowed since 2016
- Incorrect head size — Head too large or too small in frame
- Red eye — Use natural lighting to avoid flash red-eye
- Non-white background — Background must be white/off-white
- Photo too old — Must be taken within 6 months
- Blurry or low resolution — Minimum 300 DPI for print
How to Take a US Passport Photo at Home
- Find a plain white wall with good, even lighting (natural daylight works best)
- Stand about 4 feet from the wall to minimize shadows
- Have someone take the photo at eye level, or use a tripod with a timer
- Use your smartphone's rear camera for higher resolution
- Take multiple shots and pick the one with the most even lighting
- Upload to WithSwag's passport photo tool to crop, resize, and verify compliance
US Passport Photo vs. US Visa Photo
Good news — the requirements are identical. Both US passport and US visa photos use the same 2×2 inch format with white background. One photo works for both applications.
Where to Print Your Passport Photo
After creating your photo with WithSwag, download the high-resolution file and print at:
- CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart photo centers
- Any drugstore with photo printing
- Your home printer on glossy 4×6 photo paper (use our collage mode to fit multiple photos on one sheet)
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