The United States passport photo is a strict 2×2 inch square, and the US Department of State puts applications on hold for photos that miss its measurements by a few millimetres. This maker crops your photo to the exact square and shows you the official head-size band — 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to the top of the head — as guide lines you line up against, then downloads the finished photo at 600×600 pixels (2×2 inches at 300 DPI) plus a printable 4×6 sheet.
Be clear about what a tool can and cannot do: it sizes and crops, nothing more. It does not replace your background, retouch your face or guarantee acceptance — US rules actually forbid digitally altered photos. Shoot against a plain white or off-white wall, follow the rules below, and always confirm the current requirements on travel.state.gov before you apply, because rules change.
The official US photo requirements
| Photo size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), square |
|---|---|
| This download | 600 × 600 px JPEG at 300 DPI |
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), chin to top of head — 50–69% of the height |
| Eye position | 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom edge |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows, patterns or objects |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital visa uploads | 600×600 to 1200×1200 px JPEG, max 240 KB (US visa / DV lottery) |
The same 2×2 format is used for US passports, US visas and the Diversity Visa lottery, so one correct photo serves all three. Print it on matte or glossy photo-quality paper; do not submit photocopies or scans of an existing photo.
Pose, background and glasses
Face the camera squarely with a neutral expression or a natural closed-mouth smile, both eyes open and looking straight ahead. Glasses are not allowed — the State Department removed them in November 2016, and the only exception is a signed medical note. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons, with a signed statement, and your full face must show. Do not wear a uniform, camouflage, headphones or a hat, and keep hair off your eyes. The photo must be a true likeness: no filters, no beauty modes, no editing of features.
How to take the photo at home
- Stand about half a metre in front of a plain white or off-white wall, facing a window or soft light so there are no shadows on your face or behind you.
- Have someone else take the photo (selfies are not accepted) from about 1.2–1.5 m away, camera at eye level, showing head and shoulders with space around.
- Take off glasses and hats, keep a neutral expression, and take several shots.
- Upload the sharpest photo here and drag it so the top of your head touches the red line.
- Zoom until your chin sits between the two green lines — that is the official 25–35 mm head band.
- Download the 600×600 photo for online use, or the 4×6 sheet for printing.
Why US photos get rejected
- Head too big or too small — outside the 25–35 mm band is the classic failure.
- Glasses left on, or sunglasses pushed up on the head.
- Shadows across the face or a shadow outline on the wall behind.
- A background that is grey, beige, textured or shows objects or other people.
- An old, scanned, photocopied or digitally altered photo.
- Head tilted, turned, or cut off at the top.
Printing your photos
The print sheet download places 2 copies on a standard 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) print at exactly 300 DPI. Print it at 100% scale — never “fit to page” — on glossy or matte photo paper, then cut along the light outlines. Measure one photo with a ruler before you submit: it must be exactly 51×51 mm.
Frequently asked questions
Can I smile in a US passport photo?
Yes, a natural smile is allowed, but keep your mouth closed and both eyes open. A neutral expression is the safest choice.
Can I wear glasses if I have a medical reason?
Only with a signed note from a medical professional submitted with your application. For everyone else, glasses have been banned since 2016.
Does this tool change my background to white?
No — and you should be suspicious of any free tool that does, because digitally altered photos can be rejected. Photograph yourself against a real white or off-white wall instead.
Is the downloaded photo guaranteed to be accepted?
No tool can guarantee that. The download matches the official size, resolution and head band exactly; lighting, background and expression are yours to get right, and the State Department has the final say. Check travel.state.gov for the current rules before applying.
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Versión en español: Foto de Pasaporte de EE. UU. — Creador 2×2 Pulgadas, Gratis y Online. You may also like: UK Passport Photo Maker — 35×45 mm Photo, Free & Online · Schengen Visa Photo Maker — 35×45 mm EU Visa Photo, Free & Online.
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