How to uS Passport Photo Maker (2×2 in)
- Take a photo facing the camera in even light against a plain white or off-white wall, about 1.2 m (4 ft) away. No glasses.
- Upload it — the US 2×2 inch preset is already selected. Zoom and drag until your head sits between the two guide lines.
- Download the single photo for online applications, or a 4×6 inch sheet to print at any photo kiosk for a few cents — print at 100% scale, never “fit to page”.
What does this tool do?
A US passport photo must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) with your head — chin to the top of the hair — measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm). The background must be white or off-white with no shadows, and the photo must be in colour and taken within the last 6 months. Glasses aren't allowed, and you should have a neutral expression or natural smile with both eyes open.
The same 2×2 inch size is used for US visas (DS-160 uploads need a square digital photo of at least 600 × 600 pixels) and many other documents. Your photos are processed in your browser and never uploaded.
US passport photo requirements
The key rules from the US Department of State, summarised:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
| In pixels (300 DPI) | 600 × 600 px |
| Head height | 1 – 1⅜ in (25–35 mm), chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Age of photo | Taken in the last 6 months |
| Digital (renewal online) | Square JPEG, at least 600 × 600 px |
Accuracy and limits
- Agencies can reject photos for lighting, shadows, expression or background even when the size is right. Check the current rules on travel.state.gov before you apply.
Privacy
Your files are processed entirely in your browser using built-in web technologies. They are not uploaded to our servers, and closing the page clears them from memory. There's no account to create and nothing to install.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print a passport photo at home?
You can, on glossy or matte photo paper at 100% scale — but kiosk prints from a 4×6 sheet are cheaper and more consistent. Download the 4×6 sheet and order a standard print at a pharmacy or supermarket kiosk.
Is a 4×6 print accepted?
The 4×6 is just the sheet. You cut out the individual 2×2 inch photos and submit those, which is exactly what a studio does.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
A natural smile is fine as long as both eyes are open and your face is clearly visible. Avoid big grins and tilted heads.
What size is a digital US passport photo?
For online renewal and visa forms it must be a square JPEG of at least 600 × 600 pixels. Download the single photo from this tool — about 600 × 600 px at 300 DPI.
Last reviewed by the M2Toolkit team.