US passport and visa photo requirements
The United States uses one square 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) photo for passports and for most visa applications. The rules are among the strictest in the world, and they are enforced automatically: the online upload tool rejects the file before a human ever sees it.
Crop to this size
Opens the cropper with 51 × 51 mm already selected.
At a glance
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm |
|---|---|
| Photo size in inches | 2 × 2 in |
| Pixels at 300 ppi | 602 × 602 px |
| Orientation | Square |
| Head height | 25–35 mm (1–1⅜ in) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head — 50% to 69% of the image height |
| Background | Plain white or off-white; very light cream is also accepted |
US online forms accept anything from 600×600 to 1200×1200 px. 300 ppi at 2×2 in gives 600×600 px.
What the photo must show
- Photo age. Taken within the last 6 months and recognisably you today.
- Expression. Neutral face, both eyes open, mouth closed. Do not smile with your teeth showing.
- Glasses. Not allowed at all. Since 1 November 2016 no eyeglasses may appear in a US passport or visa photo, prescription or otherwise.
- Headwear. Hats and head coverings are not allowed unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and passport applications may require a signed statement.
- Clothing. Everyday clothing is fine. Uniforms, camouflage and anything that reads as a uniform are not.
- Lighting. Even lighting with no shadows on the face or background, no red-eye and no flash reflection on the skin.
- Editing. No filters, no retouching, no background replacement and nothing that changes how you look.
Digital photo for online applications
- Format
- JPEG, 24-bit colour, sRGB colour space
- Dimensions
- 600×600 to 1200×1200 px, square
- File size
- 240 kB or smaller
- Framing
- Head height between 50% and 69% of the image height
Printed photo
- Paper photo
- One 2×2 in (51×51 mm) print for a paper application.
- Stock
- Glossy or matte photo paper printed on a photo-quality printer — not plain office paper.
Common reasons photos get rejected
- Anybody wearing glasses — by far the most common reason a US photo is refused.
- A shadow behind the head or under the chin. Use two light sources and step away from the wall.
- A smile with visible teeth, or a tilted head.
- A photo older than 6 months, or one that no longer looks like the applicant.
- A background that is not plain white or off-white, including patterned walls and door frames.
Official sources
- US Department of State — passport photo requirementsThe definitive rules, examples and the photo composition template.
- US Department of State — visa photo requirementsThe same square photo for DS-160 and other visa applications, including upload limits.
Reviewed October 2026. Requirements change — always confirm with the official source above before you apply.