The size
- Printed photo: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
- Head: 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Digital photo: square, at least 600 x 600 pixels. The US Passport Photo maker makes it 600 x 600.
The main rules
- A plain white or off-white background, with no shadows, pattern or objects.
- No glasses. They are allowed only if you cannot remove them for medical reasons, with a signed note from your doctor.
- Face the camera with both eyes open and a neutral expression or a natural smile.
- Taken in the last 6 months, in color, in focus, and not edited or filtered.
- No hats or head coverings, except for religious or medical reasons with a signed statement.
Rules change from time to time, so check the current requirements on travel.state.gov before you apply.
Make it at home
- Stand in front of a plain white wall, facing a window, and ask someone to take the photo from about 4 feet away at eye level. Take your glasses off.
- Open the US Passport Photo maker, where United States is already chosen.
- Move and zoom the photo until your chin and the top of your head sit on the guide lines.
- Download the digital photo for an online application, or the 4x6 inch sheet.
- Order the sheet as a normal 4x6 print at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart or another photo counter, then cut out the 2x2 photos along the lines.
The photo is cropped in your browser and never uploaded.
Common reasons photos are rejected
- Shadows on the face or on the wall behind the head.
- Glasses, or glare that hides the eyes.
- Head too small or too big in the frame.
- A selfie taken at arm's length, which distorts the face.
- A gray or colored background instead of white or off-white.