United States · photo maker
US Passport Photo (2×2 in)
US Passport photo rules: 2×2 in (51×51 mm), head 25–35 mm from chin to crown, white or off-white background, taken within 6 months. IDPlain checks your photo against each rule, tells you exactly what to fix, and makes print-ready sheets for $3.99. We only crop and resize — never edit.
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Official requirements
- Print size
- 2×2 in (51×51 mm)
- Head size
- The size of your head in the printed photo must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- Background
- Background must be white or off-white, free of shadows, and plain without texture, objects, or lines.
- Glasses
- Take off any eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses. Do not rest them on your head for the photo. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor.
- Head covering
- Take off your hat or head covering. Religious (signed statement, worn daily in public) or medical (signed doctor's statement) exceptions; full face visible, no shadows, one color, no patterns or small holes.
- Expression
- Avoid exaggerated facial expressions. You can smile in your photo. Just make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed.
- Taken within
- 6 months
Source: travel.state.gov (archived copy). Last checked Nov 7, 2026.
Download these requirements as a one-page PDF to bring to the counter.
What we will not do
“Submit the original, unchanged photo. Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence.”Official rule
“The background is cropped using a photo retouching tool, changing the outline of your head, face, and neck.”Official example of an altered photo
That's why IDPlain never replaces the background, retouches skin or "fixes" lighting. We check the photo you took and tell you how to retake it if something is off; then we only crop and resize it to the official size. Why we never edit the background
- ✓ Document
- 2 Photo
- 3 Check
- 4 Preview
- 5 Download
Before you shoot
- Plain, light wall
- Face a window
- Phone at eye level
- Neutral face, eyes open
US Passport photo questions
Can I take my own US Passport photo at home?
Yes. A photo taken at home by a friend or family member is accepted if it meets the rules. The official guidance: “There are several options for where to get your passport photo. You can go to: ... A friend or family member”
Can I wear glasses in my US Passport photo?
The official rule: “Take off any eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses. Do not rest them on your head for the photo. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor.”
Can I smile in my US Passport photo?
The official rule: “Avoid exaggerated facial expressions. You can smile in your photo. Just make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed.”
Can I wear a hat or head covering?
The official rule: “Take off your hat or head covering. Religious (signed statement, worn daily in public) or medical (signed doctor's statement) exceptions; full face visible, no shadows, one color, no patterns or small holes.”
How recent must the photo be?
It must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Can I edit the photo or change the background?
No. The official rule: “Submit the original, unchanged photo. Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence.” That's why IDPlain only crops and resizes.
Last updated