US passport photos follow strict State Department rules, and a rejected photo delays the whole application. You can take a compliant photo at home — but check the current official State Department guidance before submitting, because rules change. This guide gives the at-home steps, plus the traps.
Get the 2×2 Size and Head Height Right
US passport photos measure exactly 2 by 2 inches, 51 by 51 millimetres. Head height from chin to crown must be 1 to 1 and 3/8 inches, 25 to 35 millimetres.
- Use 2 by 2 inches for prints.
- For digital uploads, use a square image 600 by 600 pixels or larger.
- Measure head height: 1 to 1 and 3/8 inches.
- Center the head with equal space on both sides.
Use a Plain White or Off-White Background
The background must be plain white or off-white, with no patterns, shadows, textures, or objects. Stand away from the wall so your head casts no shadow.
- Use a plain white wall or sheet.
- Stand about 4 feet from the wall.
- Remove patterns, furniture, and other people.
- Check the background in the final image.
Light Evenly and Face the Camera
Face the camera directly with a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. Use soft natural light facing a window, and have someone else take the photo rather than a selfie.
- Face a window for even, soft light.
- Keep the camera at eye level.
- Ask someone to take the photo, or use a tripod.
- Use a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open.
Dress Right and Remove Glasses
Wear normal street clothes, not a uniform, and remove glasses unless a medical exception applies with a signed note. Hair must not cover eyes or eyebrows.
- Wear a dark shirt against the light background.
- Remove glasses, hats, and headphones.
- Keep hair off eyebrows and eyes.
- Avoid white clothing that blends into the background.
Check Before Submitting
Before submitting, run a final check: size, head height, background, shadows, expression, and recency. Photos must be taken within the last 6 months, and must not be digitally altered.
- Confirm 2 by 2 size and head height.
- Check for shadows on face and background.
- Confirm the photo is under 6 months old.
- Check current State Department guidance before submitting.
Start Today in 20 Minutes
You do not need a free weekend to begin. Pick the smallest area the guide covers, set a 20-minute timer, and finish just that part. A small finished area beats a large half-sorted one, because it shows you the system works and gives you a clear next step for tomorrow.
- Set a timer for 20 minutes and work on one zone only.
- Take a quick before photo so you can see the change.
- Remove obvious trash and duplicates first, then organize what is left.
- Stop when the timer ends, note the next zone, and repeat tomorrow.
How to Know the System Is Working
A good system shows itself in small, everyday ways. You stop hunting for things, you stop buying duplicates, and the space stays close to tidy even on busy days. If you still have to search for the same item every time, that item does not have a real home yet — move its home closer to where you actually use it, and try again for a week before changing anything else.
- You can find the item you need in under 30 seconds.
- Putting things back takes less time than leaving them out.
- Nothing new enters the space without an old item leaving or a home being made for it.
- A visitor could guess where things belong just by looking at the setup.
Try It Free: The Interactive Tool
Want to skip the manual work? Use the free tool below — it walks you through the same steps, checks items off as you go, and saves you time. You can also open the full tool page here.
Keep It Working After Day One
2 by 2, white background, even light, neutral pose, no glasses, fresh and unaltered. Check the official guidance before submitting — it outranks any guide, including this one.