What is the required US passport photo size?
US passport photos must be 2 x 2 inches, with the head sized and centered according to State Department rules.
Requirements Hub
US Passport Photo Requirements (Clear Checklist)
The official U.S. rules in plain English: 2x2 size, white background, head position, glasses, smile, and digital upload specs — plus links to deeper guides when you need edge cases.
Last reviewed July 21, 2026 against current U.S. State Department guidance.
- 2 x 2 inch square photo required
- Plain white or off-white background
- Face centered with eyes open
- Recent photo taken within the last 6 months
- No glasses (standard rule since 2016)
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Requirement | What FastPassPhoto helps with |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 2 x 2 inches for US passport photos | Creates a square passport-ready crop |
| Background | Plain white or off-white with no shadows | Replaces distracting backgrounds with clean white |
| Lighting | Even lighting with no harsh face shadows | Evens out lighting for a cleaner submission |
| Digital use | Online renewal needs a clean digital file | Includes digital output plus optional print sheet |
Core US passport photo requirements
U.S. passport photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), in color, on a plain white or off-white background. The head (chin to top of hair) should measure about 1 to 1 3/8 inches, with both eyes open and the face fully visible.
The photo must be taken within the last six months and look like you on the day you apply. Heavy filters, uniforms, and non-religious head coverings are not allowed.
- Size: 2x2 inches (square only)
- Digital uploads: typically ~600x600 px JPEG or higher, still square
- Background: plain white or off-white, no patterns or shadows
- Expression: neutral or natural closed-mouth smile
- Recency: within 6 months
Start with the rules that cause the most rejections
Most passport photo problems come from a small group of issues: the head is too large or too small, the background is not plain, the face is shadowed, or the photo is not recent enough.
FastPassPhoto is built around those practical failure points — not just making the image look nicer, but making it easier to submit without starting over.
- Use a recent photo that still looks like you
- Avoid glasses, hats, uniforms, and heavy shadows
- Keep your face pointed straight at the camera
- Use the free checker before paying if you are unsure
Printed photos vs digital upload requirements
In-person and mail-in applications usually need physical 2x2 prints. Online renewal needs a single digital file. Do not upload a 4x6 multi-photo sheet to an online form.
Create both formats once: digital JPEG for MyTravelGov, 4x6 template for drugstore printing when you need paper copies.
Use the detailed guides for edge cases
Some rules are straightforward; others depend on context. Smiles, baby photos, head coverings, glasses exceptions, and online renewal uploads each have traps.
This hub links to narrower guides so you can answer the exact question you searched for without reading a giant government page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can FastPassPhoto fix the background?
Yes. FastPassPhoto is designed to replace a casual or distracting background with a clean white passport-style background.
Should I use this hub or the passport photo checker?
Use the hub to learn the rules. Use the checker when you already have a photo and want a quick compliance read.
Are glasses allowed in US passport photos?
Generally no. Glasses have been banned for standard U.S. passport photos since November 2016, except rare medical exceptions with documentation.
Where can I read the full 2026 requirements?
See our detailed 2026 requirements guide, or the official U.S. State Department photo page linked below.