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🇺🇸 United States Standard

US Passport Photo Tool & Free Online Editor

Format, crop, and generate official 2x2 inch (51x51 mm) US passport photos online for free. Fully compliant with U.S. Department of State biometric standards.

Last verified: 2026-10-05•Dimensions: 51×51 mm•Official Government Portal

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Photo size previewOFF-WHITE BACKGROUND
Head Top35 mm
Eye LevelEyes Open
Chin26 mm
51 mm51 mm
Head Top Eye Level Chin

🇺🇸 United States - Passport (51 × 51 mm)

US State Dept spec: 2x2 in (51x51 mm), white/off-white background, head 1" to 1 3/8" (50-69%).

Head Height50% – 69%
Print Output602×602 px @ 300 DPI

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United States Document Standards

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Official Biometric Requirements

  • US passport photo size must be exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm / 600x600 px at 300 DPI).
  • Head height must occupy between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm / 50% to 69% of photo height).
  • Background must be plain white or off-white with uniform lighting and no shadows.
  • Eyeglasses are strictly forbidden according to US passport photo requirements (except documented medical emergency).
  • Neutral facial expression or natural smile with both eyes open looking directly at the camera lens.
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Common Rejection Reasons

  • Wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses (prohibited by U.S. Department of State since November 2016).
  • Incorrect US passport photo size or wrong head ratio (head too small or chin too close to bottom edge).
  • Flash shadows cast on the white background behind ears or shoulders.
  • Over-processed AI filters or digital retouching altering natural facial features.

Technical Specification Summary

Dimensions51 × 51 mm
Head Height %50% – 69%
Backgroundwhite, off-white
EyeglassesForbidden (except documented medical necessity)
Detailed Standards Guide

Complete US Passport Photo Requirements, Size & Editor Guide

Official US Passport Photo Size & Biometric Specifications

The official US passport photo size mandated by the U.S. Department of State is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) physically, or 600 x 600 pixels digitally at 300 DPI. Strict biometric proportion rules require your head height (chin to top of hair) to measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm), filling 50% to 69% of the total frame height. Eye height must sit between 1 1/8 inches and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom edge of the photo.

Official US Passport Photo Requirements (2026 Guidelines)

To pass U.S. State Department automated facial recognition and avoid processing delays, ensure your photo complies with key US passport photo requirements: • Eyeglasses Banned: Eyeglasses have been forbidden in US passport photos since Nov 2016. • Solid White Backdrop: The background must be untextured white or off-white with no shadows. • Neutral Expression: Both eyes must be open, looking straight into the lens, with mouth closed. • Contrast Clothing: Wear dark or colorful casual attire. Avoid white shirts blending into the backdrop.

How Our Free US Passport Photo Tool & Online Editor Works

Our US passport photo tool free online editor simplifies formatting into 4 easy steps: 1. Stand 4 to 6 feet away from a helper facing a white wall under natural window daylight. 2. Upload your picture into our US passport photo editor. 3. Align your face using our 2x2 inch biometric target grid. 4. Download your 600x600 px digital photo or 4x6 inch print-ready sheet.

How to Print 2x2 US Passport Photos on 4x6 Sheets for 35¢

Using our US passport photo online tool, export a standard 4x6 (4R) print sheet with 6 tiled 2x2 photos. Upload this 4x6 image file to CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart as a standard 4x6 photo print (only ~35¢) instead of paying $16.99 for passport service.
Answers & Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the US passport photo size?

The official US passport photo size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) for physical printed photos, or 600 x 600 pixels at 300 DPI (up to 1200 x 1200 px) for digital uploads. Head height must occupy between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm / 50% to 69% of total height).

Can you smile in a US passport photo?

Yes, you can smile in a US passport photo as long as you have a natural, unexaggerated smile with both eyes open. However, official U.S. Department of State guidelines strongly recommend a neutral facial expression with your mouth closed to ensure biometric facial recognition scanners pass without delays.

What to wear for a US passport photo?

Wear normal, everyday clothing in dark or bright colors that contrast clearly against the plain white background. Avoid white shirts that blend into the backdrop, uniforms, camouflage attire, or high collars obscuring your chin line. Eyeglasses and non-religious headwear are strictly forbidden.

Where to get a US passport photo?

You can get a US passport photo online for free using our Go Passport Photo tool by taking a picture at home and generating a 2x2 inch digital file or 4x6 print sheet. You can also visit retail locations like CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, FedEx Office, or local US Post Offices (typically $16.99–$21.99).

How do I use this free US passport photo tool online?

Simply upload your photo to our free online US passport photo editor, use the interactive biometric grid to align your eyes and head, and download a 600x600 px digital file or 4x6 print sheet ready for local printing.

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