United States US Passport — 51×51 mm (600×600 px)
US passport photo size is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm / 600×600 px). Review the official rules, then format a source photo to those dimensions online.
Specifications
- Required size
- 51×51 mm (600×600 px)
- DPI
- 300
- Background
- White
- Max file size
- 240 KB
Requirements
- Neutral expression, mouth closed
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- No glasses
- Plain white background
Side-by-side comparison
Before
After
US passport photo size and format
A United States passport photo must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). For digital uploads the common target is 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI, saved as a JPEG under about 240 KB. The background must be plain white with no patterns, shadows or other people in frame.
Your head should be centered, facing the camera straight on, with a neutral expression and mouth closed. Eyes must be open and clearly visible. Glasses are no longer accepted for US passport photos, so remove them before you shoot.
How to take a usable source photo
Stand about an arm’s length from your phone, use soft frontal light (near a window works well), and keep hair away from the eyes and face outline. Look directly at the lens — not at a screen preview off to the side — so the face stays square to the camera.
PhotoGov can format a source image to a 2×2 crop and selected background. The U.S. Department of State makes the final acceptance decision; check its current rules before submitting, especially where digitally edited images are not allowed.
Photo tips
- Use even daylight; avoid overhead lamps that cast eye shadows.
- Wear everyday clothes that contrast with white; avoid pure white shirts if possible.
- Do not smile broadly or tilt your head.
- Keep both ears visible when your hairstyle allows.
Common rejection reasons
- Background not pure white or with shadows
- Smile, open mouth, or tilted head
- Glasses, hats, or hair covering the eyes
- Photo too dark, blurry, or cropped too tightly