US passport photo requirements (2026): size, head height, background

These are the US Department of State's photo rules, summarized from the official photo page and the online renewal photo page.

Size and framing

Rule	Requirement
Photo size	2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Head height	1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), bottom of chin to top of head
Framing	Head centered, facing the camera, head and shoulders visible
Age of photo	Taken in the last 6 months
Color	Color photo only

Background and lighting

• Plain white or off-white background, with no shadows, texture, lines or objects.
• Even lighting on the face, without shadows; not too bright or washed out.

Face, expression and attire

• Neutral expression or a natural smile with the mouth closed; both eyes open and not covered by hair.
• No eyeglasses (unless you have a signed medical statement), no sunglasses or tinted glasses.
• No hats or head coverings, except religious or medical ones with a signed statement — your full face must stay visible.
• No uniforms, camouflage, headphones or wireless earpieces.
• Jewelry and piercings are fine if they don't hide your face.

Editing

The State Department asks for the original, unedited photo: no filters, retouching or apps that change the image. If the background is unsuitable, fix the lighting or wall and take a new photo. Our US passport format does not offer background replacement.

Digital photo for online renewal

Rule	Requirement
File type	JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF
File size	Between 54 KB and 10 MB
Quality	Sharp, in focus, not grainy; don't send it through a messaging app first

For online renewal, upload your original camera photo directly in the State Department's application. Its own tool lets you reposition and crop the photo. Do not substitute a digitally altered or background-replaced download. Our 4×6 print sheet is intended for a printed application.

Printed photo

• Print on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.
• No photocopies, scans or damaged prints.

Use the 4×6 printing guide to choose the right file, preserve the scale and measure the finished photo before cutting.

Prepare a printable crop with the US passport photo tool. Review the preview, measurements and warnings before paying; automated checks do not guarantee acceptance.