Official source reviewed · 2026-05-04

United States Passport Photo Requirements

Review the current United States passport photo route before preparing a file in your browser.

Printed size: 2 x 2 in
Metric size: 51 x 51 mm
Digital route: Online renewal photos are uploaded during the application flow; keep the final image square and follow the State Department crop guidance.
Background: Plain white or off-white background with no shadows, texture, or lines.
Position and expression: Face the camera directly. Head height should be 1 to 1 3/8 in from chin to top of head, with eyes open and a neutral expression.
File or print note: Use a clear color image. Avoid filters, heavy compression, screenshots, scans of old photos, and photos older than 6 months.

Private, browser-only photo preparation

Prepare the file you actually need

Choose the exact application route, use the measured checks, then review the items a browser cannot judge.

Your photo stays on this device

The file is decoded, cropped, and downloaded in your browser. This flow does not upload it to our server.

Document and application route

Choose a recent photoJPEG, PNG, or WebP. HEIC support varies by browser. Maximum working file: 20 MB.

Manual review remains required

Check the whole outline of the head, hair, ears and shoulders against the official examples.

Confirm the eyes, mouth, pose and recent likeness yourself. The browser does not make a biometric judgment.

Read the linked authority page again before submission because application channels and photo handling can change.