US Passport Photo Online
Create an official 51×51mm photo checked against published United States government regulations. Includes automatic background replacement, an instant compliance check, and a 4×6 inch print sheet — free preview, $2.99 to unlock.
Official US Passport Dimensions & Proportion
The government requires exact facial placement within the frame. Our alignment tool automatically measures your head height to ensure it falls strictly within the 50% to 69% allowable zone.
- • Target size: 51 × 51 mm (2.01″ × 2.01″)
- • Head height: 50% – 69% of total height
- • Resolution: At least 600×600 px @ 300 DPI
- • Background: Pure White (#ffffff)
Official Do's & Don'ts for US Passport
Follow these core criteria when snapping your photo with your smartphone:
Mouth closed, eyes open, facing the camera. A slight smile is acceptable — the current State Department guidance states: 'You can smile in your photo. Just make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed.' Exaggerated expressions and an open mouth are not accepted.
No eyeglasses, reading glasses, or tinted lenses allowed.
Normal street clothing with dark/contrasting color. No uniforms or camouflage.
Even, diffuse lighting on both sides of the face; zero background shadow.
Source: U.S. Department of State — Passport Photos ↗
Top Reasons US Passport Photos Get Rejected
Government agencies reject thousands of passport and visa applications every week for these common mistakes:
- ✕Eyeglasses, sunglasses, tinted glasses, or glasses resting on your head — not accepted (medical exceptions need a signed doctor's note)
- ✕Head outside 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) — photos taken too close or too far away are rejected
- ✕Shadows on the face or background, or an overexposed/underexposed image
- ✕Digitally enhanced or filtered photos — the State Department checks all photos for digital changes
- ✕Uniform or camouflage clothing, or headphones and wireless hands-free devices
- ✕Exaggerated expressions or an open mouth (a slight smile with the mouth closed is fine)
Source: U.S. Department of State — Passport Photos ↗
Official requirements
- •Taken within the last 6 months
- •Printed size 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)
- •Head 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown — 50%–69% of the photo height
- •Plain white or off-white background, free of shadows, textures, or objects
- •Both eyes open and visible, mouth closed, facing the camera directly
- •No eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses (a signed doctor's note is required for a documented medical exception)
Official Authority Source: U.S. Department of State — Passport Photos ↗
Size specifications table
| Unit | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Millimeters | 51 mm | 51 mm |
| Inches | 2.01″ | 2.01″ |
| Pixels @ 300 DPI | 600 px | 600 px (minimum) |
How to Print Your US Passport Photo for $0.35 at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart
In-store passport photo desks charge up to $17.99 for two cut prints. Here is how you can use your IdPhoto Studio download to print for pennies:
- Unlock and download your print-ready 4×6 inch sheet containing multiple copies.
- Save the image to your phone or USB thumb drive.
- Visit any CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Boots, or local photo kiosk and select "4×6 Photo Print" (approx. $0.35–$0.50).
- Do not select the $16.99–$17.99 passport photo menu item — the 4×6 print paper is identical.
- Once printed, use scissors or a craft knife to trim along the clean outline guides.
Need detailed kiosk screen instructions? Read our step-by-step CVS & Walgreens photo print guide →
What our checker verifies
Every photo is checked against these parameters before you pay:
- • Resolution of at least 600×600px
- • Exact aspect ratio of 51:51 (±2%)
- • Head height between 50% and 69% of the photo
- • Eye line between 35% and 60% from the top
- • Full head and hair inside the frame boundary
- • The top of your head inside the frame — measured from your photo
- • Plain, shadowless background with correct color tone
These are the rules we can measure. Whether the authority accepts the photo is their decision — and if they reject a photo you bought from us, we refund it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear eyeglasses in a US passport photo?
No. Under the Department of State rule effective since November 2016, eyeglasses are strictly prohibited in all US passport and visa photos to prevent glare and shadow. If you cannot remove glasses for documented medical reasons, you must include a signed doctor's statement with your application.
What should I wear for my US passport photo?
Wear everyday street clothing. We recommend a dark or colored shirt (navy, black, dark grey, red) so your shoulders contrast clearly against the pure white background. Uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, and military camouflage attire are strictly prohibited.
How can I print my 2×2 US passport photo for cheap at Walgreens or CVS?
When you download our print-ready 4×6 inch sheet, it carries as many identical 2×2 inch photos as fit, each with a grey cut line printed around it. At CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart photo kiosks, order a standard '4×6 photo print' (typically $0.35 to $0.50), do NOT select their $16.99–$17.99 passport photo service. Once printed on photo paper, simply trim along the printed cutting marks.
What is the head size requirement for a US passport photo?
Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25mm to 35mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, which equates to 50% to 69% of the total vertical image height. Our automated compliance checker measures this down to the pixel.
Can I smile in a US passport photo?
Yes. The State Department's current guidance states: 'You can smile in your photo. Just make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed.' Exaggerated expressions and an open mouth are still not accepted, and both eyes must be open and clearly visible.
Source: U.S. Department of State — Passport Photos ↗
Other documents and specifications
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