Official US Department of State Compliant

US Passport Photo Maker Online

Q: What is the official US passport photo size?

The official US passport photo size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Q: Can I take my US passport photo at home?

Yes. You can take your US passport photo at home using a smartphone or digital camera. Our Passport Photo Maker automatically crops, resizes, and adjusts the background to meet US Department of State requirements.

Q: What background color is required for a US passport photo?

A plain white or off-white background is required. Patterns, shadows, and any colored background will cause the photo to be rejected.

Q: Are glasses allowed in US passport photos?

No. As of November 2016, eyeglasses are no longer permitted in US passport photos except in rare medical cases with a signed statement from a doctor.

Q: Can I smile in a US passport photo?

A neutral facial expression or a natural smile with both eyes open is accepted. Avoid wide grins, raised eyebrows, or showing teeth excessively.

Q: How recent must my US passport photo be?

Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance, including any significant facial changes.

Q: What file format and resolution should I use?

For digital submissions, use a JPEG file with a resolution of at least 600 x 600 pixels and no more than 1200 x 1200 pixels. For printed photos, use high-quality photo paper at 300 DPI.

Q: Can I wear a uniform or hat in a US passport photo?

No uniforms, camouflage, or hats are allowed. Religious head coverings worn daily are permitted, as long as the full face is visible from forehead to chin.

Q: How many photos do I need for a US passport application?

You need one 2x2 inch color photo for a paper passport application. Online renewals require a single digital photo upload.

Q: Is the ClonyPDF US Passport Photo Maker free?

You can preview your compliant US passport photo for free. Download and print-ready files are available through a small one-time fee, far less expensive than visiting a photo studio.

Create a perfectly compliant 2x2 inch US passport photo in under 60 seconds. Auto-crop, background removal, and biometric checks built in. Print-ready and digital files included.

✓ Meets all US passport picture requirements
✓ Automatic 2x2 inch sizing and white background
✓ Works on phone, tablet, or computer
✓ Accepted for new passports, renewals & DS-11 / DS-82 forms

Create US Passport Photo No signup required • Instant preview

US Passport Photo Requirements (2026)

The US Department of State enforces strict us passport picture requirements to ensure facial recognition systems can verify your identity at borders. A single non-compliant detail, such as a slight shadow or incorrect head size, can delay your application by weeks. Below is the complete official specification used by our passport photo maker USA tool.

Requirement	Specification
Photo Size	2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
Head Height	1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from chin to top of head
Eye Position	1 1/8" to 1 3/8" (28 - 35 mm) from bottom of photo
Background	Plain white or off-white, no patterns or shadows
Format	Color, printed on matte or glossy photo paper
Digital Resolution	600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels, JPEG, <10 MB
Expression	Neutral face or natural smile, both eyes open
Glasses	Not permitted (since November 2016)
Head Coverings	Only for religious or medical reasons, full face visible
Clothing	Everyday clothing, no uniforms, no camouflage
Photo Age	Taken within the last 6 months
Lighting	Even, no harsh shadows on face or background

How to Create a US Passport Photo Online

Follow these four steps to create a US passport photo online using ClonyPDF. The entire process takes less than a minute and replaces a costly trip to a photo studio.

Take or Upload a Photo

Stand in front of a plain wall with natural daylight. Use your phone's front or rear camera, then upload the image to our passport photo maker.

Automatic Compliance Check

Our AI verifies head size, eye level, facial expression, and lighting against the official US passport size and biometric requirements.

Background Replacement

The background is instantly replaced with the required plain white, while preserving sharp edges around your hair and shoulders.

Download & Print

Get a digital JPEG for online renewals and a 4x6 inch print sheet with four 2x2 passport photos, ready for any photo lab or home printer.

Create US Passport Photo

Top Reasons US Passport Photos Get Rejected

According to US State Department reports, more than 20% of mailed passport applications are delayed because of photo problems. Avoid these common mistakes:

❌ Wrong Size or Crop

The photo is not exactly 2x2 inches, or the head is too small or too large within the frame.

❌ Shadows on Background

Standing too close to a wall creates shadows. The background must be uniformly white.

❌ Glasses or Tinted Lenses

Any eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses, will cause rejection.

❌ Incorrect Expression

Closed eyes, exaggerated smile, frowning, or mouth wide open are not accepted.

❌ Filters and Edits

Beauty filters, Instagram presets, and skin-smoothing alter your biometric features.

❌ Low Resolution

Blurry, pixelated, or scanned printouts do not meet the 600x600 px minimum.

❌ Uniforms or Hats

Military, work, and school uniforms, as well as non-religious hats, are forbidden.

❌ Selfies at an Angle

The face must look directly at the camera with shoulders square and level.

Practical Tips for a Perfect US Passport Picture

A few smart adjustments before snapping the photo make the difference between instant approval and a second trip to the post office. Use these tips before you upload to the passport photo maker USA:

Use daylight: Stand facing a large window between 10 AM and 3 PM. Avoid overhead bulbs that create raccoon-eye shadows.
Pick the right wall: A plain white or light gray wall works best. Our tool will replace any background, but starting clean improves edge accuracy around hair.
Step away from the wall: Keep at least 50 cm (20 inches) between you and the wall to eliminate shadows.
Wear contrasting clothing: Avoid white shirts that blend into the background. Choose solid mid-tone colors.
Skip heavy makeup: Strong contouring can confuse facial recognition algorithms used by US Customs and Border Protection.
Hold the camera at eye level: Phone selfies taken from below distort facial proportions. Prop your phone up or ask someone to take the shot.
Remove jewelry that hides features: Earrings are fine, but oversized necklaces or facial piercings that obscure the face should come off.
Tie back long hair: Both ears do not need to be visible, but the full outline of your face must be clear.
Print on photo paper: If mailing form DS-11, never print on regular office paper. Use 4x6 photo paper or a professional photo printer.

Frequently Asked Questions About US Passport Photos

What is the official US passport photo size?

The official US passport photo size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

Can I take my US passport photo at home?

Yes. You can take your US passport photo at home using a smartphone or digital camera. Our Passport Photo Maker automatically crops, resizes, and adjusts the background to meet US Department of State requirements.

What background color is required for a US passport photo?

A plain white or off-white background is required. Patterns, shadows, and any colored background will cause the photo to be rejected.

Are glasses allowed in US passport photos?

No. As of November 2016, eyeglasses are no longer permitted in US passport photos, except in rare medical cases with a signed statement from a doctor.

Can I smile in a US passport photo?

A neutral facial expression or a natural smile with both eyes open is accepted. Avoid wide grins, raised eyebrows, or showing teeth excessively.

How recent must my US passport photo be?

Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance, including any significant facial changes.

What file format and resolution should I use?

For digital submissions, use a JPEG file with a resolution of at least 600 x 600 pixels and no more than 1200 x 1200 pixels. For printed photos, use high-quality photo paper at 300 DPI.

Can I wear a uniform or hat in a US passport photo?

No uniforms, camouflage, or hats are allowed. Religious head coverings worn daily are permitted, as long as the full face is visible from forehead to chin.

How many photos do I need for a US passport application?