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United States Passport (printed photo) requirements

United States passport (printed photo): 50.8 × 50.8 mm, white background, head 49–69% of the height, up to 10 MB, taken within 6 months. Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, verified 2026-09-12.

United States

Passport (printed photo)

From an official source

Print size
50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in)
Pixels
600 × 600 px at 300 DPI
Digital file
54 KB – 10 MB · JPG / PNG / HEIC / HEIF
Background
white, off-white
Head height
25–35 mm · 49–69% of photo height
Eye line
56–69% from the bottom edge
Photo age
Taken within the last 6 month(s)
Copies
1
  • Printed size 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm); head 1–1 3/8 in (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head.
  • Eye height 1 1/8–1 3/8 in (28–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo (Photo Composition Template).
  • Online renewal upload accepts JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF between 54 KB and 10 MB.
  • Glasses are not allowed in U.S. passport photos.

Passport Photos — U.S. Department of StateU.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs · last verified 2026-09-12

DocPixEdit provides technical guidance and automated checks based on the requirements and sources listed on this page. Requirements can change, and final acceptance is determined by the relevant authority. Always verify current requirements before submission.

How to prepare this photo

  1. Take or choose a recent, sharp, colour photo facing the camera with a neutral expression and even lighting.
  2. Open it in DocPixEdit with this standard selected — the crop frame is locked to 50.8 × 50.8 mm (2 × 2 in) — 600 × 600 px.
  3. Check the background is plain and matches what the authority allows (white / off-white); use the background tool if needed.
  4. Adjust zoom so the head (chin to crown) fills roughly 49–69% of the photo height, centred and level.
  5. Download the file (JPG for online forms, or a print sheet for paper) and double-check the rules on the official page before you submit.

General photo tips

  • Face the camera directly; keep both ears and the full outline of the face visible.
  • Use even, shadow-free lighting — daylight from a window in front of you works well.
  • Start from a high-resolution original; small or heavily compressed images look blurry when resized.
  • No filters, retouching or beauty effects — authorities reject altered photos.
  • Follow the authority's own rules for glasses, head coverings and expression.

These are general tips, not rules of any government. Always follow the official guidance linked above.

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