US Passport Photo Requirements 2026
Complete guide to us passport photo specifications, size, background, and compliance rules. Updated 2026-01-15.
US passport photos must be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51mm) with a plain white background. Since November 2016, glasses of any kind are prohibited, and as of January 2025, the State Department rejects photos that have been digitally generated using AI. Digital submissions require 600x600 pixel resolution at 300 DPI, with file sizes between 54 KB and 10 MB in JPEG format. These specifications are set by the US Department of State and enforced at all passport acceptance facilities nationwide. PassportPic automatically formats your selfie to meet every one of these requirements, backed by our 100% acceptance guarantee.
Photo Specifications
| Photo Size | 2 inches x 2 inches |
| Pixel Dimensions | 600 x 600 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background Colour | White |
| Head Size | 50-69% of frame height |
| File Format | JPEG |
| File Size | 54 KB - 10 MB |
| Document Type | Passport |
Photo Requirements
Facial Expression
Neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed
Glasses
Not allowed since November 2016
Head Covering
Not allowed unless for religious reasons with a signed statement
Additional Requirements
- Photo must be taken within the last 6 months
- No glasses of any kind permitted since 2016
- AI-generated or digitally altered photos are not accepted as of January 2025
- Photo must be in color, not black and white
- No uniforms or camouflage clothing
- Head must be centered in the frame
Common Rejection Reasons
Wrong background
The background must be white — plain and uniform, with no patterns, textures, shadows, or other people visible. Stand about half a metre in front of the wall so your body does not cast a shadow onto it.
Head the wrong size or off-centre
Your head must occupy 50-69% of the frame height, centred, facing the camera square-on. Arm's-length selfies usually fail this measurement — have someone take the photo from 1.2–2 metres away, or use a tool that crops to the specification automatically.
Glasses problems
The rule for US Passport photos: not allowed since november 2016. Glare, tinted lenses, or frames covering the eyes are among the most common causes of rejected photos worldwide.
Wrong expression
Required: neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. Smiling with visible teeth, raised eyebrows, or a tilted head can fail automated biometric checks.
Shadows or uneven lighting
Light must fall evenly across your whole face — no shadows on the face or the background, no glare or red-eye from flash. Face a window or place two light sources at 45° either side of your face.
Wrong size or file format
Prints must measure exactly 2 inches x 2 inches; digital submissions need 600x600 pixels in JPEG format. A photo that looks fine but is sized or compressed wrong is rejected automatically.
For the full list with fixes, read the 12 most common passport photo rejection reasons, or follow our step-by-step at-home photo guide to avoid them from the start.
Get Your US Passport Photo Now
Upload a selfie and get a compliant us passport photo in under 60 seconds. 100% acceptance guaranteed.
Create My PhotoFrequently Asked Questions
What size should my US Passport photo be?▾
What background colour is required for a US Passport photo?▾
Can I wear glasses in my US Passport photo?▾
Can I smile in my US Passport photo?▾
How recent does my US Passport photo need to be?▾
Related Photo Requirements
Helpful Guides
- How to take a passport photo at home — lighting, background, distance, and what to wear
- Passport photo prices compared — PassportPic $4.99 vs CVS, Walgreens, UPS, and studios
- Are AI passport photos legal? — what agencies actually require, honestly answered
Last updated
2026-01-15