โ๏ธTip
Use good, even lighting
Stand facing a window for soft natural light, or use two lamps at eye level on either side. Avoid overhead lighting โ it creates shadows under your eyes and chin that can cause rejection.
US Passport Photo Dimensions
โ 2 inches (51mm) โ
2 inches (51mm)
Head 1โ1โ
in
Eye line
| Photo size | 2ร2 in (51ร51mm) |
| Head height | 1โ1โ in (25โ35mm) |
| Eye position | 1โ โ1โ in from bottom |
| Background | White / off-white |
| Resolution | min 600 DPI |
US Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Official US State Department Passport Photo Specifications
All US passport photos must meet the US State Department specifications below. PhotoPass automatically checks every requirement โ you don't need to measure anything manually.
๐
Photo size2ร2 inches (51ร51 mm) โ square format, color photograph
๐ผ๏ธ
BackgroundPlain white or off-white โ no patterns, no shadows, no objects
๐ค
Head height1 to 1-3/8 inches (25โ35 mm) from chin to crown of head
๐๏ธ
Eye position1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo โ eyes open, looking at camera
๐
ExpressionNeutral expression or natural smile, mouth closed. No exaggerated expressions.
๐ถ๏ธ
No glassesGlasses are not permitted since November 2016 โ no exceptions except medical
๐
Photo recencyMust be taken within the last 6 months and reflect current appearance
Head coverings are not permitted in US passport photos unless worn daily for religious reasons. A signed statement from the applicant may be required.
Create Compliant Passport Photo Now
International Specs
Passport Photo Sizes by Country
Requirements differ significantly between countries. PhotoPass has a verified template for each.
| Country | PhotoPass โ | Photo Size | Head Height | Background | Glasses | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | โ Supported | 2ร2 in (51ร51mm) | 1โ1โ in (25โ35mm) | White / off-white | Not allowed | State Dept |
| ๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom | โ Supported | 35ร45mm | 29โ34mm | Light grey / cream | Not allowed | HMPO |
| ๐ช๐บ EU / Schengen | โ Supported | 35ร45mm | 32โ36mm | White / light grey | Not allowed | ICAO Biometric |
| ๐จ๐ฆ Canada | โ Supported | 50ร70mm | 31โ36mm | White | Not allowed | IRCC |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | โ Supported | 35ร45mm | 32โ36mm | White / light grey | Not allowed | DFAT |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | โ Supported | 51ร51mm | 25โ35mm | White | Not allowed | MEA / BLS |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | โ Supported | 33ร48mm | 28โ33mm | White | Medical only | MPS |
| ๐ฉ๐ช Germany | โ Supported | 35ร45mm | 32โ36mm | White / light grey | Not allowed | BMI |
| ๐ซ๐ท France | โ Supported | 35ร45mm | 32โ36mm | White / light grey | Not allowed | ANTS |
| ๐ง๐ท Brazil | โ Supported | 30ร40mm | 25โ32mm | White | Not allowed | PF / MRE |
Photo Tips
How to Take a Perfect
How to Take a Perfect
Passport Photo at Home
Follow these tips before uploading. Our AI fixes many issues automatically, but a good source photo always gets the best result.
๐งฑDo
Use a white or plain wall
Stand 2โ3 feet in front of a plain white, cream, or light-coloured wall. Distance from the wall prevents shadows on the background. Our AI removes the background automatically, but a clean background helps.
๐Tip
Neutral expression, eyes open
Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression or natural slight smile. Both eyes must be fully open and clearly visible. Avoid squinting or raising your eyebrows.
๐ถ๏ธDon't
No glasses, hats or accessories
Remove glasses before taking the photo โ they have been prohibited in US passport photos since 2016. Remove hats, sunglasses, headbands, and large hair accessories that obscure your face or hairline.
๐ฑDo
Use your rear phone camera
Your phone's rear camera is significantly higher quality than the selfie camera. Ask someone to take the photo for you, or use a timer. Hold the phone at eye level, not above or below.
๐ผ๏ธTip
Frame your full head and shoulders
Make sure your entire head โ including the top of your hair and chin โ is fully in frame, with a little space above the crown. Don't crop too tight. PhotoPass will reframe to the correct 2ร2 proportions.
How It Works
Make Your Passport Photo in 5 Steps
Upload your photo
Take a selfie or upload any recent photo. Smartphone, camera โ any device works.
AI detects your face
Our AI identifies your face, checks positioning against all State Dept requirements.
Background removed
Background is automatically removed and replaced with a compliant white background.
Expert review
A trained expert reviews your photo for glasses, shadows, expression and compliance.
Download or print
Download digital photo instantly or order 4 printed photos delivered to your door.
Make your photo
Upload Your Photo
๐ก Pro Tip (Maximize Acceptance): Authorities can reject photos for minor issues. We highly recommend preparing up to 3 slightly different variations (e.g., one with a slight smile, one completely neutral). You pay once for all!
๐ Photo Requirements:
- Face clearly visible and centered
- Neutral expression, mouth closed (or very slight smile)
- Good lighting, no shadows on the face
Adjust Your Photo
โ๏ธ Crop & Align: Drag the image to center your face. Use the vertical orange line to align your nose. Zoom so your head fits between the guidelines. When ready, click "Save this Variation".
Example
Preview Your Variations
๐ฅ After payment you will receive 4 formats for EACH variation:
โ Digital 300 DPI (Web) โข 600 DPI (High Quality Print)
โ Printable 4x6" Sheet 300 & 600 DPI (6 photos with cut lines)
โ Digital 300 DPI (Web) โข 600 DPI (High Quality Print)
โ Printable 4x6" Sheet 300 & 600 DPI (6 photos with cut lines)
100+ Countries
Passport Photos for Every Country
Every template verified against official government specifications and updated automatically.
๐บ๐ธ
๐ฌ๐ง
๐ช๐บ
๐จ๐ฆ
๐ฆ๐บ
๐ฎ๐ณ
๐ฉ๐ช
๐ซ๐ท
๐จ๐ณ
๐ง๐ท
๐ฒ๐ฝ
๐
US Passport Photo
2ร2 in (51ร51mm)
Make US passport photo โ
UK Passport Photo
35ร45mm ยท HMPO
Make UK passport photo โ
EU Passport Photo
35ร45mm ยท Biometric
Make EU passport photo โ
Canada Passport Photo
50ร70mm ยท IRCC
Make Canada passport photo โ
Australia Passport Photo
35ร45mm ยท DFAT
Make AU passport photo โ
India Passport Photo
51ร51mm ยท MEA
Make India passport photo โ
Germany Passport Photo
35ร45mm ยท BMI
Make DE passport photo โ
France Passport Photo
35ร45mm ยท ANTS
Make FR passport photo โ
China Passport Photo
33ร48mm ยท MPS
Make CN passport photo โ
Brazil Passport Photo
30ร40mm ยท PF
Make BR passport photo โ
Mexico Passport Photo
35ร45mm ยท SRE
Make MX passport photo โ
All 100+ Countries
Every country's specs
View all templates โ
Customer Reviews
What Customers Say About PhotoPass
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"Accepted first try at the post office. I had always paid $15+ at Walgreens. PhotoPass was faster, cheaper and I could do it from home while eating breakfast. The AI nailed the background removal."
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"Needed an emergency passport renewal โ uploaded a photo at 10pm and had my digital file by 10:03pm. The post office accepted it without a second glance. Can't recommend this enough."
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"Did 3 passport renewals for the whole family including a 7-year-old. All three photos passed with no issues. My daughter's turned out especially well โ getting kids to cooperate for photos is hard but PhotoPass handled it."
FAQ
Passport Photo FAQ
Passport Photo Guide โ Requirements, Tips & Common Questions
Passport Photo Online: Everything You Need to Know
Creating a passport photo online is now the most convenient and reliable way to get a government-compliant photo. Gone are the days of driving to a pharmacy or mall photo booth. With PhotoPass, you upload a photo from your phone, our AI verifies compliance with US passport photo requirements, and you download a print-ready digital file in minutes.
The US State Department now accepts digital passport photo submissions for many application types, including online passport renewals via the updated DS-82 process. Having a high-quality digital file is increasingly essential.
US passport photo size and specifications
The US passport photo must be exactly 2ร2 inches (51ร51mm). This is a square format, unlike many other countries which use rectangular formats like 35ร45mm. The head must occupy 50โ69% of the photo height, with eyes positioned 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo.
Make a Passport Photo at Home โ Complete Guide
Learning how to take a passport photo at home saves time and money. The most important factors are lighting, background, and head position. Use a plain white wall, stand 2โ3 feet away from it, and photograph in good natural or diffuse artificial light.
Many people search for "passport photo near me" when a home solution is both faster and cheaper. PhotoPass produces passport photos online that meet every US State Department requirement, with the added benefit of AI verification plus an expert human review that a CVS or Walgreens kiosk simply can't offer.
Most searched passport photo topics
Biometric Passport Photo โ International Standards
A biometric passport photo refers to a photo that meets ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards for machine-readable documents. These standards govern head size, face position, eye position, background, and image quality for passports that contain electronic chips.
The US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most developed countries now use biometric passports. PhotoPass creates photos that comply with ICAO standards for all these countries, including the specific national variations each government applies on top of the ICAO base requirements.
Biometric passport photo by country
Passport Photo App โ Take & Create on Your Phone
The PhotoPass passport photo app for iOS and Android makes it even easier to take, edit and submit your passport photo from your smartphone. The app uses your phone's camera with live alignment guides, so you can position your face correctly before even taking the shot.
Unlike generic photo editing apps, PhotoPass is specifically designed for government ID photo compliance. It understands the difference between a 2ร2 inch US passport photo and a 35ร45mm UK passport photo, and it applies the correct crop, background and compliance check for each country automatically.