Home
Blog Contact
Official Requirements

US Passport Photo Specifications

Every requirement from the U.S. Department of State, checked automatically by our AI.

2x2 Inch Size

Photo must be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51mm. Our AI crops your photo to the precise dimensions required by the State Department.

Head Size: 1–1⅜ inches

Head height from chin to top must be 25–35mm. Our AI automatically positions your head in the correct zone.

background

White Background

Plain white or off-white with no shadows or patterns. Our AI removes any background and replaces it with perfect white.

not-allowed

No Glasses

Glasses are not allowed since 2016. If you must wear them for medical reasons, you'll need a signed doctor's statement.

Neutral Expression

No smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible.

calendar-line

Taken Within 6 Months

Must reflect your current appearance. If you've significantly changed your look, take a new photo.

How It Works

Create Your US Passport Photo in 3 Easy Steps

The fastest way to get a State Department-compliant passport photo — no appointment, no travel, no waiting.

Take Your Photo

Take a photo against any plain background using your phone or camera. Stand in good lighting, remove glasses, and keep a neutral expression. A selfie works perfectly.

Upload & AI Verifies

Upload to PhotoPass. Our AI removes the background, crops to 2x2 inches, positions your head correctly, and checks every State Department requirement automatically.

Download or Print

Download your digital photo instantly for online renewal (DS-82. Or order high-quality 2x2 prints on premium photo paper, delivered to your door via USPS.

Make your photo

Upload Your Photo

💡 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!
📐 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

✂️ 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

Example

Preview Your Variations

📥 After payment you will receive 4 formats for EACH variation:
✓ Digital 300 DPI (Web) • 600 DPI (High Quality Print)
✓ Printable 4x6" Sheet 300 & 600 DPI (6 photos with cut lines)
Why PhotoPass

Why Choose PhotoPass for Your US Passport Photo

Trusted by millions of Americans for passport renewals, new applications, and child passport photos.

AI Automatic Verification

Our AI checks 20+ State Department requirements in seconds — head size, eye position, background, shadows, and more.

Expert Human Review

Every photo is double-checked by a trained specialist before delivery. We catch what AI might miss.

100% Acceptance Guarantee

If your photo is rejected by the State Department, we remake it free or refund you. No questions asked.

Instant Digital Download

Perfect for online passport renewal. Download a properly sized digital file immediately.

Baby & Child Photos

Special handling for infant and child passport photos. No need to bring your baby to a store.

Cheaper Than Drugstores

Save money compared to CVS, Walgreens, or post office photos. From just $9.99 for a digital file.

Frequently Asked Questions

US Passport Photo FAQ

Everything you need to know about getting your US passport photo online.

US Passport Photo Guide & Resources

Get a 2x2 Passport Photo Without Leaving Home

Searching for "passport photo near me" or "Walgreens passport photo"? Save time and money by creating your 2x2 passport photo online with PhotoPass. No need to drive to CVS, the post office, or a passport photo booth. Our service is designed to replace the pharmacy photo counter entirely.

Whether you're renewing your passport online with the DS-82 form or applying for the first time, our AI creates a perfectly sized, State Department-compliant photo. It's faster than any "passport photo near me" search, and it's guaranteed to be accepted.

Top US Passport Photo Searches

  • Passport photo near me: Skip the trip — get yours online.
  • 2x2 passport photo maker: Auto-cropped to exact 51x51mm specs.
  • Renew passport online: Digital photo ready for DS-82 submission.
  • Walgreens passport photo / CVS passport photo: A better, cheaper alternative.
  • American passport photo: Designed specifically for U.S. citizens.

Official US Passport Photo Requirements Checklist

A rejected photo is the #1 reason for passport application delays. Meeting the official US passport photo requirements is critical for a smooth application process. PhotoPass checks all of these automatically:

  • Dimensions: Exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm.
  • Head Size: Head height must be 1 – 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mmfrom chin to top of head.
  • Eye Height: Eyes must be between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo.
  • Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows, patterns, or textures.
  • Expression: Neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.
  • No Glasses: Glasses are not allowed since 2016 (medical exceptions require a signed statement.
  • No Uniforms: No camouflage or clothing that looks like a uniform.
  • Recency: Photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
  • Lighting: Even lighting with no shadows on the face or background.

Digital Passport Photo for Online Renewal (DS-82

The State Department now allows online passport renewal for eligible applicants using Form DS-82. This means you can submit a digital passport photo instead of mailing in printed copies. PhotoPass provides the perfect digital file, sized and formatted for the online renewal portal.

Our digital photos are high-resolution (300 DPI, correctly sized, and in JPEG format — exactly what the State Department's system expects. No scanning, no cropping, no guessing.

Online Renewal Requirements

  • Your most recent passport must be undamaged and in your possession.
  • You must have been at least 16 years old when it was issued.
  • It must have been issued within the last 15 years.
  • Your digital photo must meet all standard requirements.

Why Choose an Online Passport Photo Service?

Getting your US passport photo online is faster, more convenient, and more reliable than traditional methods. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS use automated kiosks that often reject valid photos or fail to check all requirements. Post offices charge premium prices for basic photo services.

With PhotoPass, you get AI verification against actual State Department specifications, plus an expert human review. If any issue is detected, we flag it before you submit your application — something a drugstore photo booth cannot do. And if your photo is rejected, we remake it or refund you. That's a guarantee no pharmacy offers.

Benefits of PhotoPass

  • Cheaper: Digital photos from $4.99 vs $15-18 at pharmacies.
  • Faster: Ready in 3 minutes vs driving and waiting.
  • Guaranteed: Money-back acceptance guarantee.
  • Family-friendly: Get everyone's photo done from home.
  • Mobile-first: Works perfectly on your phone.