How to use this preset
- Take the photo against a plain white or off-white wall, with no glasses.
- Crop with the 1:1 ratio so your head is centered with space above the hair.
- Add it here; 600 x 600 px is preset. Press Resize image.
- Download the JPG and print it at 2 x 2 inches, or upload it for online renewal.
Paper application vs online renewal
The State Department uses one photo standard but two ways to submit it, and the file rules differ:
| Route | What you submit |
|---|---|
| Paper form (DS-11 or DS-82) | A printed 2 x 2 in (51 x 51 mm) photo, head 1 to 1 3/8 in, white or off-white background, no digital changes |
| Online renewal | An uploaded JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF file between 54 KB and 10 MB |
Sources: travel.state.gov passport photos and the online renewal upload page, checked October 2026. Confirm on travel.state.gov before you apply.
Because a 600 x 600 JPG is often only 60 to 150 KB, it clears the 54 KB minimum for online renewal. If yours comes out smaller, raise the size to 1200 x 1200.
Newborns and children
Babies need their own photo too. Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and shoot from directly above, with no hands or toys in the frame. The State Department photo page has a short section on infants, so read it before you shoot.
Tips
- A natural smile is fine; avoid a wide grin and keep both eyes open.
- Need a printable sheet with several copies? Use the passport photo maker.
- Printing on 4 x 6 paper? See resize photo for 4x6.
- Applying for a visa instead? Use the DS-160 photo page.
The 2 x 2 inch rule in pixels
A printed US passport photo measures 2 x 2 inches. At the standard 300 dots per inch, that equals 600 x 600 pixels, which is also the minimum size for digital passport photos. The same square works for digital use: 600 x 600 pixels is a safe minimum, and a larger square such as 1200 x 1200 is also fine. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest rules before you submit.
Head size and framing
Your head, from chin to the top of the hair, should take up between 1 and 1 3/8 inches of the 2 inch photo, roughly 50 to 69 percent of the height. Before using this tool, crop your photo so your face is centered with some space above your hair and shoulders visible. Our crop tool with the 1:1 ratio is perfect for that; then come back here to set the exact 600 pixel size.
Photo requirements to remember
Use a recent photo taken within the last six months, with a neutral expression or a natural smile and both eyes open. The background must be plain white or off-white with no shadows. Glasses are not allowed in US passport photos, and hats or head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons. Do not use filters or edit your face.
Printing at home or a photo shop
To print, place the 600 x 600 JPG on a 4 x 6 inch print at 2 x 2 inches, or ask a photo kiosk to print it at that exact size. Cut carefully along the edges. Printing at the wrong scale is the most common reason home-made passport photos are rejected, so measure the result with a ruler.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US passport photo in pixels?
600 x 600 pixels minimum for digital photos, up to 1200 x 1200. Printed, it is 2 x 2 inches.
Does the photo need a white background?
Yes, plain white or off-white without shadows.
Can I wear glasses?
No, glasses are not allowed in US passport photos.
How do I take a US passport photo at home?
Stand a short step in front of a plain white wall in even daylight, have someone shoot at eye level, then crop to a square and resize to 600 x 600 here.
Can you smile in a US passport photo?
A neutral expression or a natural smile with both eyes open is accepted.
What file does online passport renewal accept?
JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF between 54 KB and 10 MB, according to the State Department upload page.