US passport photo size — 2x2 inches, exact dimensions

Exact dimensions and pixel size

The US passport photo dimension is 2×2 inches square — equivalent to 51×51 millimeters or 5.1×5.1 cm. At the recommended 300 DPI resolution this becomes 600×600 pixels. The State Department's online photo tool accepts files between 600×600 and 1200×1200 px in JPEG format, with file size under 240 KB.

Notably, the 2×2 inch format applies across multiple US documents — passport, all DS-160 nonimmigrant visas (B1/B2, F-1, H-1B, K-1), DS-260 immigrant visas, and DV Lottery entries all share the spec. One generated photo works for several adjacent applications.

Head height and positioning

The head from chin to crown (including hair) must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches tall, equivalent to 25-35 millimeters. This is 50-69% of the photo's vertical dimension.

The eyes must be between 1⅛ and 1⅜ inches from the bottom of the photo (56-69% from the bottom edge). Head must be perfectly straight — no tilt, no chin lifted or lowered. Eyes facing the camera lens directly.

The face must be centered horizontally with shoulders visible. Most rejection cases come from head-too-small (selfie taken too far away) or head-too-low in the frame.

Background color

The background must be plain white or off-white. Off-white is acceptable; pure white (#FFFFFF) is the safe default. No textures, patterns, props, or other people in frame.

Lighting on the background must be uniform. The State Department's automated photo checker rejects photos with visible shadows behind the head — a common cause of rejection when taking photos against a wall in indoor lighting.

Recency, color, expression

The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and represent your current appearance. The State Department compares against your previous passport photo on file.

Photo must be in full color (not black-and-white, sepia, or filtered). Skin tone must be natural — heavy AI smoothing or beauty filters are flagged as digitally altered.

Expression: neutral or natural smile with mouth closed. Big toothy smiles are a common rejection reason. Eyes must be open and clearly visible.

Glasses, headwear, and exceptions

Glasses are not allowed. The State Department removed the medical-exception clause in November 2016. Photos with prescription glasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses are auto-rejected.

Religious head coverings are accepted only if the face is fully visible from chin to forehead and not shadowed. Hats and caps are not permitted otherwise.

Hearing devices, earrings and minor jewelry are acceptable as long as they don't obscure the face.

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