How to make a US passport photo
- "United States: passport" is already chosen. Check the rules shown under it.
- Add a photo taken against a plain white or off-white wall, with no shadows.
- Drag and zoom so the top of the head and the chin touch the two lines.
- Tap "Make my photos", then print the Letter or A4 page at 100%, or take the 10 × 15 cm (4 × 6 inch) sheet to a photo shop.
Good to know
The head should measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The guides aim for 30 mm, in the middle of that range.
The photo you download is 51 × 51 mm at 600 dpi (1,205 × 1,205 pixels). The 10 × 15 cm (4 × 6 inch) sheet holds several copies, ready for a photo shop or kiosk.
For a US visa or the DV lottery, use the US visa photo page instead: those online forms want a 600 × 600 pixel file under 240 KB.
Questions
What size is a US passport photo?
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), with the head 1 to 1⅜ inches (25 to 35 mm) from chin to top, according to the U.S. Department of State.
What background is allowed?
White or off-white, with no shadows or pattern.
Will my photo be accepted?
We size and place the photo to the official rules, but the State Department decides. Follow its rules on lighting, expression and glasses, linked in the tool.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. Your photo is placed, cropped and laid out by your browser on your device. Nothing is sent to us.
Page last reviewed 22 October 2026.