PassportPhotoFlowU.S. passport photo requirements
Every rule for a U.S. passport photo on one checklist, and a way to check your own photo against it before you pay.
These rules come from the U.S. Department of State photo requirements and digital image requirements.
One-time purchase, no subscription. You see your checked photo before you pay.
Not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency. We don't submit applications; government fees are separate.
How to do it
- 1
Read the checklist and set up a plain wall with light in front of you
- 2
Have someone take the photo; the check covers every rule marked as checked
- 3
Retake anything flagged, then download the photo
You download a digital photo file sized for online applications; the complete option adds a 4×6 print sheet.
Get it right the first time
Stand about 3 ft (1 m) in front of a plain white or off-white wall
Face a window or lamp: even light, no shadows
Someone holds the phone about 4 ft (1.2 m) away at eye level
Alone? Put the phone on a shelf at eye level and step back
Head straight, eyes open, mouth closed, no glasses or hat
Rules our check measures
- Size 2×2 inches (51×51 mm); digital file square, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, JPEG, 240 kB or less
- Head 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of hair
- Eyes 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo
- Plain white or off-white background, nothing else in it, no shadow on the wall
- Full face, directly facing the camera, head straight
- Neutral expression or natural smile, both eyes open
- No eyeglasses
- Even lighting with no shadows on the face; in focus; color photo
Also check yourself: no hat or headphones, no uniform, photo taken in the last 6 months.
Rules you confirm yourself
- Taken in the last 6 months
- Camera several feet away (an arm's-length selfie is too close)
- No hat or head covering, unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons
- No uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage clothing
- No headphones or wireless hands-free devices
- Not digitally changed, and no filters
Good to know
- Your photo is checked against the main U.S. Department of State photo requirements (size, head position, background, glasses, expression, lighting) before you pay
- Take it at home in minutes with your phone
- We never digitally alter your face or background - we only crop and size your photo to the required 2×2 inch size
- Acceptance is decided by the passport agency and is not guaranteed
- Not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State or any government agency
Questions
Can I smile in my passport photo?
A neutral expression or a natural smile with both eyes open is allowed. Our check asks for a closed mouth.
Can I wear glasses?
No. Eyeglasses have not been allowed in U.S. passport photos since November 1, 2016.
What size is a passport photo in pixels?
For online applications, a square JPEG of 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, 240 kB or less.
Does the check cover every rule?
It measures the rules in the first list. The rules in the second list, like when the photo was taken, are for you to confirm.
Check my photo
Start nowOne-time purchase, no subscription. You see your checked photo before you pay.