USA Passport 2026
USA Passport Photo Specification
USA Passport photo requirements: 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51mm), white or off-white background, head height 1-1⅜ inches (25-35mm).
| Size | 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51mm) |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 600 × 600px ~ 1200 × 1200px |
| DPI | 300 or higher |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Head Height | 1-1⅜ inches (25-35mm)Required |
| Validity | Within 6 months |
| File Spec | JPEG (Visa: max 240KB / Passport renewal: 54KB-10MB) |
- Standard for US passport, visa, and green card
- Square format (2×2 inch)
- Glasses not allowed since Nov 2016
- 600×600 to 1200×1200px
- File limits differ between visa (DS-160: max 240KB) and passport renewal (54KB–10MB)
Restrictions
- Clothing
- No uniforms, camouflage, or wireless devices in/on ears. Remove anything covering face unless for documented religious or medical reasons
- Expression
- Neutral facial expression, both eyes open and visible, mouth closed. Natural smile acceptable if eyes open and mouth closed
- Glasses
- Eyeglasses must be removed. Exception only with documented medical necessity requiring signed doctor's note. Sunglasses and tinted glasses never permitted
- Ears
- Full face must be visible; no wireless devices in or on ears; hair cannot obstruct face
- Face
- Full face must be visible, directly centered, facing camera. Head fully visible from chin to top of head. No face coverings except documented religious or medical reasons
- Headwear
- Prohibited except for religious or medical purposes (requires signed statement). If worn: full face must remain visible, no shadows cast, one solid color, no patterns or holes
- Accessories
- Facial piercings acceptable if not hiding face. Jewelry allowed if not obscuring features. No wireless devices (earbuds, headphones). No face coverings or medical masks
- Wrong size (not square)
- Wearing glasses
- Shadow
- Uneven background
- Face proportion out of range
Create Your USA Passport Photo
One selfie is all it takes — a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51mm) compliant ID photo in minutes.
Drag & drop a photo, or
JPG · PNG · WEBP / max 10MB
Front-facing
Chest-up framing
One person
Sharp focus
Mouth closed (no teeth)
Documents Accepting the Same Photo
1
The documents below use the same spec (2 × 2 inch (51 × 51mm)) as USA Passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the US passport photo square?
It's a US State Department requirement. 2×2 inches (51×51mm) is the standard.
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No, glasses have not been allowed in US passport photos since November 2016.
Can I smile in a US passport photo?
A natural, neutral expression is required. No wide smiles.
Is the green card photo the same size as the passport photo?
Yes. Green card (e.g. I-485) application photos use the same spec as US passport photos — 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), white background, front-facing, taken within 6 months. Two copies are typically required.
Can I retouch a US passport photo with an AI app?
No. The State Department does not accept photos enhanced or changed with software or artificial intelligence tools, or photos altered by filters so that they differ from the original. Taking the photo yourself is allowed, but the white or off-white background has to be there at capture time and you must submit the unedited original.
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