2026 update: As of January 1, 2026, the US State Department no longer accepts AI-retouched passport photos. PassportSnap only crops and resizes — it doesn't alter your face, smooth skin, or modify the background. Use the maker below to create a fully compliant US passport photo.
Photo Dimensions & Positioning
Photo size51 × 51 mm
Min pixels600 × 600 px
File formatJPEG, JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF
File size54KB - 10MB
Face height (chin to crown)25 – 35 mm
BackgroundWhite or off-white
Rules & Guidelines
ExpressionNeutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. You may smile but keep mouth closed.
GlassesRemove glasses for photo.
Head coveringYou may wear hats or head coverings for religious or medical purposes. Your full face must be visible without shadows or parts of your face blocked. The hat or head covering should be one color, and the material should not have patterns or small holes.
LightingUniform lighting on face. No shadows. Avoid overhead lighting or lights too far to the side.
Print qualityPrinted on matte or glossy photo quality paper.
RecencyTaken within the last 6 months.
Children & Infants
Babies can be laid on white sheet. Baby's eyes don't need to be fully open. No other people visible.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Shadows on face or background — Use even, front-facing lighting. Stand away from walls.
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Head too small or too large — Face must be 25-35mm.
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Wearing glasses — Glasses not permitted.
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Wrong file size — Must be between 54KB and 10MB for digital submissions.
Make your United States passport photo now
Use the free PassportSnap maker to crop, resize, and export your photo at the exact 51×51 mm United States passport photo spec — directly in your browser. Get a single compliant JPEG, or a 4×6 print sheet with two photos for home or photo-lab printing.
Open the United States Passport Photo Maker →
Free · no upload · no AI retouching · works in your browser
United States Passport Photo — FAQ
What size is a United States passport photo?
51×51 mm (2×2 in). Face height: 25–35 mm. Background: White or off-white.
Can I take a United States passport photo at home?
Yes. Use a plain white or off-white backdrop, even lighting, and a neutral expression, then use the PassportSnap free maker to crop and resize to 51×51 mm exactly.
What file format does United States require?
JPEG, JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF, max 10MB. PassportSnap exports a JPEG sized to your country’s exact pixel and file-size limits.
Are glasses allowed in United States passport photos?
Remove glasses for photo.
Are head coverings allowed?
You may wear hats or head coverings for religious or medical purposes. Your full face must be visible without shadows or parts of your face blocked. The hat or head covering should be one color, and the material should not have patterns or small holes.
Create your United States passport photo now
Automatically sized, cropped, and exported to meet all requirements.
Open PassportSnap →
