Passport Photo Size
A printed U.S. passport photo must measure 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Within that frame, the head must be 1 to 1⅜ inches tall and the eyes must sit 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches from the bottom of the photo.
Last updated: August 26, 2026 · Reviewed by PassportSelf
U.S. passport photo dimensions
2 × 2 inches printed — but the print size is only half the rule; head size and eye position inside the frame matter just as much.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Print size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height | 1 – 1⅜ inches (25 – 35 mm), chin to top of head |
| Eye position | 1⅛ – 1⅜ inches (28 – 35 mm) from the bottom edge |
| Digital size | Square, 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels |
Passport photo size in pixels
Pixels depend on print resolution: 2 inches at 300 DPI is 600 pixels; at 600 DPI it is 1200 pixels.
PassportSelf outputs 1200×1200 pixels — the top of the accepted range — so the photo prints sharply and can also be used for digital submissions. If you are cropping a photo yourself, see how to turn your photo into a 2×2 passport photo.
No appointment. No account. No subscription.
Why head size matters more than photo size
Most size-related rejections happen because the head is too large or too small within a correctly sized 2×2 photo.
A 2×2 crop with your head filling 90% of the frame — or floating small in the middle — fails even though the photo itself is the right size. PassportSelf shows the head-height and eye-position zones as visual guides while you position the photo, so the framing is right before you download.
Official size requirements
Current values from PassportSelf's requirements database, reviewed against the U.S. Department of State.
| Requirement | U.S. Passport — Paper Application |
|---|---|
| Print size | 2″ × 2″ (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height | 1–1.375 in |
| Eye position | 1.125–1.375 in from the bottom edge |
| Background | Plain white or off-white background with no shadows, texture or lines |
| Expression | Neutral facial expression or natural smile, both eyes open, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Glasses are not allowed unless required for medical reasons with a signed statement |
| Head coverings | Not allowed unless worn daily for religious or medical reasons; the full face must be visible |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital editing | The photo must not be digitally altered or retouched. No filters, no beauty apps, no background editing. |
Official source: U.S. Department of State · Requirements last reviewed: August 26, 2026
Frequently asked questions
What size is a U.S. passport photo?
A printed U.S. passport photo must measure 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm).
What is 2×2 inches in pixels?
It depends on resolution: 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI, or 1200×1200 pixels at 600 DPI. U.S. digital submissions accept square images from 600×600 up to 1200×1200 pixels.
Are passport photos the same size in every country?
No. The U.S. uses 2×2 inches; many countries (including much of Europe) use 35×45 mm. Always follow the size for the document you are applying for.
Does PassportSelf handle the sizing for me?
Yes. Choose your document and PassportSelf applies the correct dimensions, head-size zone, and eye-position zone automatically.
No appointment. No account. No subscription.