US passport photo: size and rules
The printed US passport photo is 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in).
- Head 25.4 to 34.9 mm
- Eye line 28.6 to 34.9 mm
Photo specification
| Photo size | 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in) |
|---|---|
| Head, crown to chin | 25.4 to 34.9 mm (1 to 1 3/8 in) |
| Eye line, up from the bottom | 28.6 to 34.9 mm (1 1/8 to 1 3/8 in) |
| Paper | photo-quality paper |
We check sizes and positions; the issuing authority decides acceptance. Last checked 28 Sep 2026. Rules change. Check the issuing authority’s current instructions before you apply.
Background and editing
The source asks for a white or off-white background. The rules do not allow digital changes to the photo, so the background has to be right when the photo is taken. Retake it against a plain wall instead of editing the background. PortraitPass keeps background replacement off by default for this document.
Rules from the source
- Color photo taken within the last 6 months.
- Head from top of hair to chin: 1 to 1 3/8 in.
- Face the camera, neutral expression or natural smile, both eyes open.
- Eyeglasses are not accepted, except rarely for a medical reason with a statement.
- No filters, retouching, software or AI changes to the photo.
- No uniforms; hats and head coverings only for religious or medical reasons.
Expression, lighting and how recent the photo is cannot be measured from a picture, so check them yourself.
Can you make it at home?
Yes. Home photos are accepted, but not selfies: have someone else take it or use a tripod. Print on photo-quality paper.
PortraitPass frames the photo against the head and eye lines above and exports a single photo or a print sheet, with the measurements shown so you can check them yourself.
Sources
- U.S. Passport Photos (travel.state.gov)Issuing authority. Checked 28 Sep 2026.
- 8 FAM 402.1 Passport Photographs (fam.state.gov)Issuing authority. Checked 28 Sep 2026.
Found a wrong or outdated number? Open an issue with the source link.
Common questions
What size is a US passport photo?
The printed photo is 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in).
Can I take a US passport photo at home?
Yes. The source accepts a photo you prepare yourself.
What background does a US passport photo need?
The source asks for a white or off-white background.
How big should the head be in a US passport photo?
Measured from the crown to the chin, the head should be 25.4 to 34.9 mm (1 to 1 3/8 in), and the eye line 28.6 to 34.9 mm (1 1/8 to 1 3/8 in) up from the bottom edge.
Where do the US passport numbers come from?
From the issuing authority’s own pages: U.S. Passport Photos (travel.state.gov) and 8 FAM 402.1 Passport Photographs (fam.state.gov). Last checked 28 Sep 2026.
Guides for this photo
Related documents
Same document, other route
- US passport online renewaloriginal file; 54 to 10,000 KB
More from United States
- US passport card50.8 × 50.8 mm
- US visa (DS-160)50.8 × 50.8 mm; 600 to 1200 px per side, square, up to 240 KB
- Diversity Visa (DV) lottery600 × 600 px, up to 240 KB
- US green card application (I-485)50.8 × 50.8 mm
- US work permit (EAD, I-765)50.8 × 50.8 mm
- US advance parole / refugee travel document (I-131)50.8 × 50.8 mm
- US naturalization (N-400)50.8 × 50.8 mmNot at home