A U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), with the head measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches (25-35 mm) from chin to crown. At 300 DPI print resolution that's 600×600 pixels. It must be printed on matte or glossy photo paper — no other size or paper type is accepted.
The exact specifications
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Print size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) exactly |
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ in (25-35 mm) chin to crown |
| Eye level | 1⅛ to 1⅜ in (28-35 mm) from photo bottom |
| Pixels at 300 DPI | 600 × 600 px minimum |
| Paper | Matte or glossy photo paper only |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
Printing: what size paper?
Standard prints are made on 4×6 inch photo paper — two 2×2 photos fit on one sheet at any photo kiosk or online print service. At home: set your printer to photo quality, 4×6 borderless, and trim precisely to 2×2 — the cut edges must be clean.
Digital photos for online renewal
Online passport renewal accepts a digital file: JPEG, at least 600×600 px, under 54 kB? No — check current limits: the State Dept tool accepts common sizes but the 600×600 minimum at 300 DPI equivalent is the safe export. Online tools generate the exact compliant file automatically.
Get a compliant passport photo in minutes
Upload a selfie — iVisa crops it to exact spec, removes the background, and guarantees government acceptance. Digital or printed delivery.
Size mistakes that get rejected
- Head too small or too large — measure the 1-1⅜ in rule precisely
- Wrong aspect — passport photos are square, not the phone's 4:3
- Home printer paper — use real photo paper
- Selfies cropped tight — the frame must show shoulders and headroom
Skip the measuring
A compliance tool handles all dimensions automatically — upload a clear photo, get back a guaranteed 2×2 file. iVisa's photo service does the crop, background, and spec check with an acceptance guarantee. Full rules: passport photo requirements.
U.S. Passport Photo Size: Exact Dimensions & Printing — FAQ
What size is a U.S. passport photo?
What pixel size should a passport photo be?
How many photos do I need for a passport application?
Can I print a passport photo at home?
Related guides
Entry rules change without notice. Always verify with official government sources (travel.state.gov, embassy websites) before booking. Last reviewed October 2026. This page may contain partner links — see our affiliate disclosure.