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US Passport Photo Requirements · State Dept.
US Passport Photo Requirements — 2×2 in, White Background, No Glasses
The official US passport photo requirements from the US Department of State: 2×2 inch, plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses, taken in the last 6 months. Below is the full spec, then a tool to generate a compliant photo in 30 seconds.
Il tuo selfie→ICAO compliant
Free preview · ICAO 9303 · digital file + printable sheet with 6 photos
Where these requirements apply
New US passport (DS-11)
First-time adult and child US passport applications submitted in person.
US passport renewal (DS-82)
By mail and via the online renewal system that requires a digital upload.
US passport card
Same 2×2 photo standard for the land/sea border card.
US visa (DS-160)
The same rules apply — square photo, white background, 2×2 inch.
Official US State Department specs
Photo size2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm)
Head height1 to 1 3/8 in (25–35 mm) from chin to crown
Digital pixels600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 px, square
Resolution600 DPI minimum
BackgroundPlain white or off-white, uniform
ExpressionNeutral, mouth closed, both eyes open, looking at camera
GlassesNot allowed (banned since Nov 2016)
Head coveringOnly for religious reasons — face must remain fully visible
UniformsNot allowed (except religious daily attire)
Age of photoTaken within the last 6 months
File formatJPEG, sRGB, unedited (no filters, no red-eye correction)
Get a compliant US passport photo in 30 seconds
Skip the drugstore. Take a selfie, our AI applies every US State Department rule automatically. Digital + printable 4×6 sheet for €5.90.
Free preview. You only pay if you're satisfied.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US passport photo?+
The US Department of State requires a 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) square color photo, printed at 600 DPI. Digital uploads must be a square JPEG between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels.
How big should my head be in a US passport photo?+
Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head — roughly 50–69% of the frame height. Our tool crops and scales automatically.
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?+
No. Glasses have been banned in US passport photos since 1 November 2016 to reduce glare-related rejections. The only exception is a documented medical need, requiring a signed statement from a doctor.
What background is required for a US passport photo?+
A plain white or off-white background. Any pattern, shadow, coloured wall, or off-centre lighting will cause rejection. Our AI replaces the background with a compliant white automatically.
How recent must the photo be?+
It must have been taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. If you have grown a full beard, changed hair colour dramatically, or had major cosmetic surgery, take a new photo.
Where can I use a photo from IDReady.ai?+
The photo works for DS-11 (new passport), DS-82 (renewal by mail), passport card applications, and the DS-82 online renewal system that requires a digital upload. If the State Department rejects it, we refund you.
