US passport photo maker (2×2 in)
Updated Nothing is uploaded
The US Department of State wants a 2 × 2 inch color photo with the head measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to the top of the hair. Mark the top of the head and the chin below and we scale and crop it to exactly that, then lay out six copies on a 4×6 print.
- 50.8×50.8 mm
- Head 25.4–34.9 mm
- white or off-white
Rules from U.S. Department of State — Passport photo requirements. Final acceptance is always up to the issuing authority.
How to make your US passport photo online
- Choose the size and upload a front-facing photo (JPG, PNG or iPhone HEIC).
- Click the top of your head and then your chin. The photo is scaled so your head is exactly the required height and your eyes land in the official band.
- Fine-tune by dragging and zooming until every check is green. Adjust brightness or lighten the background if needed.
- Download the single photo for online forms, or a 4×6 in print sheet (or A4/Letter) and print it at a photo lab or at home.
United States photo requirements
| Size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm); 600 × 600 px at 300 DPI. |
|---|---|
| Head size | 1 to 1⅜ in (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, including hair. Eyes 1⅛ to 1⅜ in (28–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, with no shadows, texture or lines. |
| Glasses | Not allowed since November 2016, unless you have a signed doctor's statement for medical reasons. |
| Expression | Neutral expression or a natural smile, both eyes open, facing the camera directly. |
| How recent | Taken in the last 6 months, showing your current appearance. |
| Head coverings | No hats or head coverings, except for religious or medical reasons (with a signed statement). Your full face must be visible. |
- Color photo only — no black and white.
- Don't use filters, and don't edit out blemishes or wrinkles.
- Print on matte or glossy photo-quality paper; don't print on regular office paper.
- No selfies held at arm's length if they distort your face; ask someone else to take it from about 4 ft away.
Size in pixels and per print
Printed photos are made at 300 DPI (dots per inch). These are the exact pixel sizes this tool exports, and how many copies fit on one 4×6 in (10×15 cm) print:
| Photo | Size | 300 DPI | 600 DPI | Per 4×6 print |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US passport (2×2 in) | 50.8×50.8 mm (2.00×2.00 in) | 600×600 px | 1200×1200 px | 6 |
How to take a passport photo at home
- Light: face a window in daylight, or use two lamps either side of the camera. Avoid a single overhead light — it casts shadows under the eyes and chin.
- Background: stand about 1 m (3 ft) in front of a plain white or light-grey wall so your shadow falls behind you, not on the wall.
- Camera: ask someone to hold the phone at eye level about 1.2–1.5 m away and use the normal 1× lens. Selfies at arm's length make noses look bigger and can be rejected.
- Pose: shoulders square, head straight, hair behind the ears, no hat. Take several shots and pick the sharpest.
- Leave room: include your shoulders and space above your head. The tool crops it down — it can't add what isn't there.
Official source
Requirements change. We checked these in October 2026, but always confirm with the issuing office before printing.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I take my own US passport photo?
Yes. The State Department accepts photos taken at home as long as they meet all requirements: correct size, head height, a plain white background and good, even lighting.
Where can I print a 2×2 photo?
Download the 4×6 sheet and order a regular 4×6 print at any drugstore or online photo lab (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc.). It costs well under $1, then cut along the guide lines.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
A natural smile is allowed, as long as both eyes are open and your face is clearly visible. A neutral expression is the safest choice.
How big should my head be in a 2×2 photo?
Between 1 and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to the top of the hair — roughly 50–69% of the photo height.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Cropping, adjustments and the print sheet are all made in your browser. Your photo never leaves your device and nothing is stored.
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