US Passport Photo Requirements — Official Size, Background & Rules

The US Department of State has strict requirements for passport photos. Here is everything you need to know to get your photo accepted on the first try.

Size Requirements

US passport photos must be exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown, occupying approximately 50–69% of the photo height.

Digital Photo Specifications

For online passport renewal: minimum 600 × 600 pixels, maximum 1200 × 1200 pixels. JPEG format. File size between 54 KB and 10 MB. sRGB colour space. 300 DPI recommended.

Background

Plain white or off-white background. No patterns, textures, or objects. No shadows on the background or the subject. The background must contrast with your clothing and hair.

Expression & Positioning

Neutral facial expression — mouth closed, both eyes open, looking directly at the camera. Face must be fully visible, centred in the frame. No tilting or rotation. Ears do not need to be visible.

What NOT to Wear or Do

• No glasses (as of 2016 — medical exceptions require a signed doctor statement)
• No uniforms, camouflage, or clothing that looks like a uniform
• No hats or head coverings (religious/medical exceptions with documentation)
• No headphones, earbuds, or hands-free devices
• No filters, retouching, or digital alterations

How Harazan Helps

Our AI automatically validates your photo against all US State Department requirements. It checks face position, background colour, lighting evenness, and dimensions. If your photo passes, it is guaranteed to be accepted — or we refund double.