US passport photo requirements
2×2 inches, head size, background, and what to leave out — plus how to take it on your phone.
At a glance
The numbers the State Department checks.
2×2 inSquare print size (51×51 mm)
1–1⅜ inChin to top of hair
WhiteOr off-white background
Size and pose
- Square photo, 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).
- Head from chin to top of hair is 1 to 1⅜ inches.
- Eyes open, looking at the camera. Face straight on, neutral expression.
- Color photo taken within the last 6 months.
- No eyeglasses (rare medical exceptions go through the passport agency).
Background and clothing
- Plain white or off-white wall. No patterns, shadows, or other people.
- No hats or head coverings, unless religious or medical with full face visible.
- No uniforms, headphones, filters, or heavy retouching.
- For babies: no hands in frame, neutral expression, eyes open.
Take it on a phone
You do not need a studio. You need even light and a plain wall.
Light
Face a window or a bright, even light. Avoid a lamp directly behind you.
Angle
Hold the phone at eye level, straight on. Not from above or below.
Framing
Leave room above the head and include the shoulders. The crop to 2×2 happens after the shot.
Online passport renewal: upload a square JPEG, 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, sRGB, under 10 MB. See the
State Department photo tool for the latest limits.
Make the photo with ExactPass
Take or choose a photo. ExactPass crops it to 2×2 inches and checks head size, glasses, hats, and the background.
$5.99
One digital photo download after you pay.
Android is live. iOS is in review.
Other countries
Photo sizes and rules for more passports.
Related guides
More photo rules and how to print.