Passport Photo Requirements in the United States

Passport photos that do not meet the official requirements are the number one reason applications are held up during the application process, according to the US Department of State. The online passport photo maker makes it simple to meet these requirements. Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about the official United States passport photo requirements.

Image size:

The photograph must be 2 inches by 2 inches square (51mm x 51mm). The frame includes the entire head, neck, and upper shoulders. The head must be horizontally centered within the image. The top of the head should be 1 to 1.4 inches (25 to 35 mm) above the bottom of the chin. The eyes should be 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inch (28 mm – 35 mm) tall from the bottom of the photo. Allow an eighth of an inch of headroom at the top of the image. The photo should not be taken from too close or too far away for the best results—about four feet away is recommended.

Quality:

The photo on your passport must be of high quality. This means it must be clear and in focus, with no blur or grain, as well as no visible pixels or printer dots. It should be printed on high-quality photographic paper (either matte or glossy), rather than plain printer paper. Furthermore, using computer filters, the image cannot be retouched, beautified, or have a color-corrected resolution.

If you're printing your passport photo from a digital file from a passport photo maker, make sure the resolution is at least 300 dpi. However, for a higher-quality product, we recommend a resolution of at least 600 dpi. This will greatly improve your chances of meeting the official requirements and avoiding rejection by the State Department.

Background:

The background is an important requirement for passport photos in the United States. It must be consistent, plain, and white (or off-white). If you don't have a white wall, hang a white sheet up instead. Check for any shadows, patterns, or wrinkles on the wall or sheet. If you don't have a white wall or any sheets to work with, the online passport photo maker has a background removal tool that will automatically change any background into a plain white background.

Lighting:

The photograph must be well-lit; it cannot be over or underexposed. The light should evenly illuminate the entire face and not cast shadows on the face, neck, or shoulders.

Face posture:

You must face directly towards the camera in the passport photo for the United States. Similarly, your arms should be pointed straight ahead. Half-profile photos are not permitted and will result in the image and possibly the entire passport application being rejected.

You must maintain a neutral expression on your face. Don't smile or show your teeth. You must keep your mouth shut and cannot laugh in the photograph.