US Passport
Last updated: May 20, 2026 ยท Reviewed by Jack Woo, Senior Travel Documents Specialist
Perfect US Passport photo in 3 seconds
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Table of contents
Other documents for United States
Technical requirements for US Passport
| Size | 2 x 2 in |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background color |
White background
|
| Official links | https://travel.state.gov/co... |
Sample photo for US Passport
Document Details
Intro
The US passport is the official travel document issued to American citizens and nationals for international travel and as proof of citizenship. Every US passport application requires one color photo sized exactly 2ร2 inches (51ร51 mm), taken within the last six months, against a plain white or off-white background. The same photo requirements apply to US passport renewal, whether submitted by mail or through the State Department's online renewal portal. A non-compliant photo is one of the most common reasons an application gets returned, which adds weeks to the process.
Photo requirements at a glance
| Specification | Required value |
|---|---|
| Photo dimensions | 2ร2 inches (51ร51 mm) |
| Head height | 1โ1โ inches (25โ35 mm) from chin to crown |
| Eye position | 1โ โ1โ inches (28โ35 mm) from the bottom of the photo |
| Head as % of image height | 50%โ69% |
| Eye position as % of image height | 56%โ69% from the bottom |
| Background | White or off-white, no shadows, texture, or lines |
| Color | Color only |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Expression | Neutral facial expression, both eyes open, mouth closed |
| Paper type (print applications) | Matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Image quality | High-resolution; not blurry, grainy, or pixelated |
| Digital pixel dimensions (online renewal) | 600ร600 to 1200ร1200 pixels, square |
| Digital file format (online renewal) | JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF |
| Digital file size (online renewal) | 54 KB to 10 MB |
Why these specs matter
Every value in the table traces to an explicit State Department rule. The passport photo size of 2ร2 inches (51ร51 mm) is fixed by the US passport system and is not interchangeable with other countries' formats. Head height between 1 and 1โ inches (25โ35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head keeps the face at a consistent scale across all applications. Eye position between 1โ and 1โ inches (28โ35 mm) from the bottom of the photo (or 56%โ69% of the image height in digital submissions) places the face at the vertical position required by the State Department's photo composition standard.
The white or off-white background with no shadows, texture, or lines is a published composition requirement. Matte or glossy photo-quality paper is specified for all print submissions. Photos must be in color and taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance. For online renewal submissions specifically, the State Department accepts JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF files between 54 KB and 10 MB; the image must be square and between 600ร600 and 1200ร1200 pixels.
How to take the photo with iShotAPhoto
- Open iShotAPhoto and select US Passport from the document list.
- Upload an existing photo or take one directly in the tool using the on-screen framing guide.
- The AI compliance check automatically reviews background color, head position, and expression against US passport photo requirements.
- Preview the result for free before downloading.
- Download the digital file for an online renewal upload, or order printed photos delivered to your address for an in-person application at a passport acceptance facility.
How to take it yourself with a phone
1. Use natural light facing you.
Position yourself so a window is in front of your face, not behind you. Light coming from behind casts shadows across your face and onto the wall behind you, and both are grounds for rejection.
2. Set up a plain white background.
A white wall or a sheet of white card pinned flat works well. Check a test shot to confirm no shadows are falling on the background behind your head and shoulders. Moving slightly away from the wall usually removes them.
3. Keep the camera at eye level.
Hold or prop your phone so the lens is roughly level with your eyes. Tilting the camera up or down changes the apparent shape of your head and shifts the eye position out of the required range.
4. Frame from the top of the head to the shoulders.
The photo should show your full head and the top of your shoulders, with a small margin of space above your crown. Avoid cutting off any part of the top of your head.
5. Adopt a neutral expression.
Your face should be relaxed, with both eyes fully open and your mouth closed. Smiling, squinting, or looking to the side will cause the photo to be rejected.
6. Check the photo before uploading.
Zoom in to confirm the image is sharp throughout, the background is evenly white, and no shadows fall across your face. A borderline photo that gets rejected after submission extends your wait, so retake before you submit.
Common rejection reasons
Blurry, grainy, or pixelated image
The State Department requires a high-resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated. For online renewal submissions specifically, the image must also be free of visible printer dots.
Photo taken more than 6 months ago
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. Using an older photo, even one that looks recent, is grounds for rejection.
Background not white or off-white
The background must be plain white or off-white without shadows, texture, or lines. Colored backgrounds, patterned walls, and shadows behind the head all fail.
Eyeglasses in the photo
Eyeglasses must be removed for the passport photo. This applies to all types: prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses alike. See the Special cases section for the medical exception.
Uniform or camouflage clothing
Uniforms, clothing that resembles a uniform, and camouflage clothing are not permitted. Everyday clothing is required.
Headphones or wireless hands-free devices
Headphones and wireless hands-free devices are not permitted in passport photos.
Face covering or medical mask
Any face covering or medical mask must be removed. The full face must be visible.
Photo altered with software, apps, filters, or AI
Photos may not be altered using computer software, phone apps, filters, or artificial intelligence. Any change to your appearance, including retouching or background replacement, will result in rejection. This includes photos generated or enhanced by AI tools.
Photocopied or scanned print
For in-person applications, photocopies and digitally-scanned photos are not accepted. The photo must be an original print on photo-quality paper.
Damaged photo
Photos with holes, creases, or smudges will be rejected. Handle prints by the edges and do not fold or write on the image.
How iShotAPhoto compares to other options
Taking a compliant US passport photo means meeting strict size, background, and composition rules that change between document types and are easy to get wrong. The table below shows how common options compare for a typical applicant.
| Option | Cost | Time | Approval likelihood | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iShotAPhoto | Low | Quick | High when AI check passes | Done at home, no appointment needed |
| Pharmacy / retail kiosk | Moderate | Quick | Varies by staff expertise and equipment | Requires an in-person visit |
| Professional photo studio | Premium | Moderate | High when the studio knows current passport rules | Requires scheduling |
| Self-service photo booth | Low | Quick | Varies | Limited to booth locations |
Costs and times vary by region.
Country-specific notes
Passport renewal
Passport renewal by mail is available using Form DS-82 if the existing passport was issued at age 16 or older, was issued fewer than 15 years ago, is not damaged, and can be submitted with the application. First-time applicants and those who do not meet these criteria submit Form DS-11 in person at a passport acceptance facility.
All US passport renewal submissions require the same photo specifications as first-time applications. There is no relaxed standard for renewals. For applicants using the online renewal portal, the photo must meet the digital format, file size, and pixel dimension requirements listed in the table above.
Processing times (current as of May 2026)
Routine processing currently takes 4โ6 weeks. Expedited processing takes 2โ3 weeks for an additional fee. These figures cover government processing only. Processing time plus mailing time equals the total time to receive a passport, and mail transit can add up to 2 weeks in each direction. An expedited passport or expedited passport renewal request should be placed well in advance of the planned travel date to account for mailing on both ends. Processing times change frequently; check travel.state.gov for current figures before applying.
Fees (current as of May 2026)
The passport cost varies by document type, applicant age, and submission method.
The passport renewal cost for an adult renewing a passport book is $130, or $190 with expedited service. Note that 1โ3 day delivery is available for passport books only, not passport cards.
Validity
Special cases
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses must be removed for the passport photo. If wearing glasses is a medical necessity and they cannot be removed, you must provide a signed doctor's statement confirming this. Without that documentation, a photo showing glasses will be rejected regardless of lens type.
Head coverings
Head coverings are permitted only if worn daily for religious purposes. The applicant must submit a signed statement confirming daily religious wear. The full face must be visible, and the covering must cast no shadows on the face.
Minors
Children of all ages, including infants, must meet the same photo rules as adults: neutral expression, eyes open, white or off-white background, taken within the last six months. Minor passport books cost $100 and are valid for 5 years; minor passport cards cost $15. DS-11 applications for minors under 16 require both parents' or guardians' consent in most cases; consult the State Department's guidance for the specific documentation required.
Face masks and medical coverings
Face coverings and medical masks must be removed for the photo. The State Department's published photo guidelines do not list a medical exception for face coverings.
Frequently asked questions
What size must a US passport photo be?
The photo must be exactly 2ร2 inches (51ร51 mm). This passport photo size is fixed and cannot be substituted with a different format.
How large should my head be in a US passport photo?
Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1โ
inches (25โ35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
Where should my eyes be in a US passport photo?
Your eyes should be between 1โ
inches and 1โ
inches (28โ35 mm) from the bottom of the photo. In digital submissions this is equivalent to 56%โ69% of the image height measured from the bottom.
What background color is required for a US passport photo?
The background must be plain white or off-white with no shadows, texture, or lines.
Can I wear glasses in my US passport photo?
No. Eyeglasses must be removed for the photo. A medical exception applies if a doctor provides a signed statement confirming the glasses cannot be removed for medical reasons.
How recent does my passport photo need to be?
The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months to reflect current appearance.
What are the digital photo requirements for online passport renewal?
For online passport renewal, the file must be JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF format, between 54 KB and 10 MB, in color, taken within the last 6 months, and not altered with filters, retouching tools, or AI. The image must be square with a minimum of 600ร600 pixels and maximum of 1200ร1200 pixels. The upload tool automatically validates basic requirements, and State Department staff conduct a secondary review after submission.
Can I wear a hat or head covering in my passport photo?
No, unless the head covering is worn daily for religious purposes. In that case you must submit a signed statement confirming daily religious wear, your full face must be visible, and no shadows from the covering may fall on your face.
How long does it take to get a US passport?
Routine processing currently takes 4โ6 weeks; expedited processing takes 2โ3 weeks for an additional $60. These windows exclude mailing time, which can add up to 2 weeks in each direction. Processing times change frequently; verify current times on travel.state.gov before applying.
What does a US passport cost in 2026?
Adult passport book: $130; adult passport card: $30; minor passport book: $100; minor passport card: $15. In-person DS-11 applications also require a $35 acceptance fee. Expedited service adds $60; 1โ3 day delivery for passport books (not cards) adds $22.05.