U.S. passport photo requirements (2×2 inches)
A paper U.S. passport application needs a printed 2 × 2 inch photo. These are the published size and framing rules, and the print-ready file BrainDV prepares for you to print.
Acceptance is decided by the authority
BrainDV follows the published requirements as we read them, but only the relevant authority decides whether a photo is accepted. Requirements can change. Always read the source pages before you submit.
Passport photo size and print format
- Size of the BrainDV export
- 600 × 600 pixels
- Print size
- 2 × 2 inches at 300 dpi
- Format
- JPEG
Head size, eye position and background
- Head height (chin to top of head)
- 50% to 68.75% of image height
- Eye height, measured from the bottom edge
- 56.25% to 68.75% of image height
- Background
- Plain white or off-white
- Eyeglasses
- Not allowed
- Religious head covering
- Allowed for religious reasons, as described by the source; the full face must be visible
- Photo age
- Taken within the last 6 months
How to take this photo with your phone
- Stand in front of a plain white or off-white wall with nothing behind you.
- Face soft, even light, such as a window in daylight, so there are no shadows on your face or the background.
- Take off eyeglasses. Remove hats and head coverings unless you wear them for religious reasons; your full face must be visible.
- Look straight at the camera with both eyes open and your head level.
- Ask someone to take the photo from a few steps away with the phone at eye level, instead of an arm's-length selfie.
- Use a new photo taken in the last 6 months, with no filters, beauty modes or edits.
Intended use
Printed 2 × 2 inch photo for a paper U.S. passport application.
Known limitations
- Print output is a 600x600 px image at 300 dpi; actual print size depends on the user's printer or print service.
Sources
Authority: U.S. Department of State
- https://travel.state.gov/en/passports/apply/help/photos.html
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/photo-composition-template.html
Sources retrieved on October 17, 2026
This profile has not yet been reviewed by a person against its sources. Next review due January 17, 2027.
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