🇺🇸 US Passport Photo Requirements 2025 — Official Size & Free Resizer
The US State Department has strict photo requirements — even a slightly wrong background or head size will get your passport application rejected. This guide covers the exact 2025 specifications and lets you resize your photo instantly, for free, without uploading it anywhere.
US Department of State official page📷 United States Passport Photo Specifications
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Official Requirements — US Department of State
- Square format — 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). For digital submission: 600×600 pixels recommended.
- Head must be centered and fill 50–69% of the photo height (1 to 1⅜ inches chin to crown).
- Plain white or off-white background — no patterns, shadows, or objects behind you.
- Neutral expression or natural smile with both eyes open and clearly visible.
- No eyeglasses — the State Department banned glasses in passport photos in November 2016.
- No hats or head coverings (except for religious reasons, with a signed statement).
- Photo must be in color and taken within the last 6 months.
- Printed photos must be 2×2 inches on high-quality photo paper with no pixelation.
- Clothing should contrast with the white background — avoid white shirts if possible.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
✅ Fix: Remove all glasses, including sunglasses and tinted lenses. No exceptions since 2016.
✅ Fix: Use a plain white or off-white wall. Solid light grey may be acceptable but white is safest.
✅ Fix: Your head (chin to crown) must fill 1–1⅜ inches of the 2×2 photo. Use our resizer to check.
✅ Fix: Always submit a recent photo. Using an old photo is a common cause of rejection.
✅ Fix: Take the photo in even, natural light. Stand a few feet from the wall to avoid shadows.
✅ Fix: Use our free resizer to compress the photo to under 240 KB without losing quality.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Click 'Resize Photo' above and upload your photo (JPG or PNG).
- 2Select 'US Passport Photo' from the exam/document dropdown — the tool sets 600×600 px automatically.
- 3Crop the photo so your head is centered with space above your hair and below your chin.
- 4Check that the background appears white. If not, retake the photo against a white wall.
- 5Download the resized photo and verify the file size is under 240 KB.
- 6For printed applications: print as a 2×2 inch photo on matte or glossy photo paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the correct US passport photo size in pixels?
A. For digital (online) submission, the US State Department recommends 600×600 pixels (2×2 inches at 300 DPI). The file must be under 240 KB in JPEG format.
Q.Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
A. No. Since November 1, 2016, the US State Department no longer accepts passport photos with eyeglasses of any kind — including reading glasses, prescription glasses, and tinted lenses.
Q.Does the background have to be pure white?
A. The background must be plain white or off-white. A very light grey may be acceptable, but the State Department specifically says 'white or off-white.' Avoid using light blue or any patterned background.
Q.How recent does a US passport photo need to be?
A. Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months and must represent your current appearance.
Q.Can I smile in a US passport photo?
A. Yes — a natural smile is acceptable. However, avoid an open-mouth smile or an exaggerated expression. Both eyes must be open and clearly visible.
Q.What size should my head be in the passport photo?
A. Your head (measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head) must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches in a 2×2 inch photo — that's 50–69% of the total photo height.