Head must be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches (25–35 mm)
Photo Requirements Checklist
Size: 51×51 mm (600×600 px)
Background: White
Eyes open, looking directly at camera
Neutral expression or natural smile (country-dependent)
No glasses (most countries since 2018)
No headwear unless for religious reasons
Well-lit, no shadows on face or background
Recent photo (taken within last 6 months)
Head occupies 50–69% of photo height
No heavy filters or digital alterations
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a United States passport photo?
The official United States passport photo size is 51×51 mm (600×600 pixels at 300 DPI).
What background color is required for United States passport photos?
United States passport photos require a White background. Head must be between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches (25–35 mm)
Can I take my own United States passport photo at home?
Yes. Use a smartphone or camera against a plain White background with good lighting. Then use our free editor to crop, resize, and verify compliance before downloading.
How do I make sure my photo meets United States requirements?
Our editor's ICAO Compliance overlay automatically checks head height (50–69% of photo height), face centering, and sets the correct 51×51mm output size.
Ready to make your United States passport photo?
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