US Passport

US Passport Photo Maker 2x2 Size - complies with official state requirements (2026)

Capture a compliant 2x2 inch US passport photo at home using your smartphone. Upload a selfie to our fully automated online tool, which will process, adjust, and format your photo within 30 seconds to meet all official 2026 US passport photo requirements.

Make photo now

Key Features:

Online Cropping ToolCrop your uploaded photo to the correct 2x2 inch size for a US passport.

Detailed Photo RequirementsReview continuously updated passport photo requirements before you download.

Step-by-Step TutorialFollow a simple guide for taking a compliant passport photo at home.

Source: official website travel.state.gov

US passport photo example with landmarks

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Photos processed

As used for

U.S. Passport

Visa DS-160

Green Card

DV Lottery

ICAO 9303COMPLIANT

ICAO 9303 compliant photos

Our photos meet ICAO 9303 (international) requirements for biometric passports and other IDs.

Get photo for: US Passport 2x2 inch

Upload your photo, then review the result.

Step 1/4

Upload your photo:

Accepted formats: .jpg, .png, .heic, .gif
Maximum file size: 10 MB

Processing mode

Default: white background

Drag and drop photo

(File not selected)

By clicking Start Processing, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Instructions:

How to take a good photo?

1/7 Image format

Photo must be in color. Taken within the last 6 months.

Photo Gov app. Your personal data is processed in accordance with security and privacy standards.

Ready to start

Upload a photo for free preview

Document photo specs

U.S. passport photo for paper applications

Size

2 x 2 in

Online submission

Print-ready

Head size

1-1.38 in

Background

White/off-white

Resolution

300 dpi print

Printable

Yes

How to Create Your US Passport Photo

Here's how to get your US passport photo for free:

1
Select Country and Document Type:
Choose United States and select the document type you need, such as a US Passport, Visa, or Driving License.
2
Capture and Upload Your Photo:
Take a selfie or pick a photo from your device gallery. Upload it and choose US passport as the required type. Make sure the photo has good lighting.
3
Passport photo maker does the work:
Wait about half a minute while the tool adjusts the photo, crops it, resizes it, and centers it to meet passport requirements.
4
Save it:
Check the final result. If it looks good, download it. You can make more changes if required.

It's easy - just let the AI handle the details to make a US passport photo.

Detailed Requirements for US Passport Photos

For a seamless US passport application process, ensure your photo adheres to these comprehensive guidelines. Our online service is designed to help you create compliant passport photos quickly and effortlessly.

2inch

1.29inch

1.18inch

Layout, size and scale by indentation for the US passport

Size	The ID size photo needs to be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The proper size of your head, from chin to crown, should be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm).
Background	The background must be plain, off-white, and free of shadows to comply with official passport photo requirements.
Expression	Maintain a neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed, essential for biometric identification.
Attire	Wear casual clothing and avoid wearing uniforms or camouflage-colored clothing. Head coverings worn for religious reasons are permitted, but they must not cover the face; other head coverings or eyewear are not permitted, except when medically necessary.
Quality	Ensure the image is high resolution (at least 300 DPI) with proper lighting, avoiding any shadows. High-quality images are crucial for clear identification.
Photo Quality	The photo should be well-focused with no blur or noise, meeting the stringent standards for passport photos.
Resolution	A minimum resolution of 300 DPI is required to ensure clarity. For digital passport pictures, aim for a file size of between 300 KB and 1 MB to make sure it is compatible with online platforms.
File Size	The file size should be between 1 MB and 15 MB to maintain quality without exceeding upload limits.
Format	The photo must be the correct size (2x2 inches) and have a neutral background. This format is standard for US passport photos.
Approval	The photo must meet all US passport requirements for acceptance.
Printable	Yes, the photo should be suitable for high-quality printing.
Online Submission	The photo is optimized for physical submission and not suitable for online submission.
Color	Passport photos must be in color. The image should be a true representation of your natural appearance, including your skin tone and hair color. Avoid using filters, effects, or color enhancements because these may not be accepted by the passport authorities.

Steps to Take a US Passport Photo at Home with Your iPhone or Android

Don’t be discouraged if all you have is your phone — you can still take great photos by following this simple guide:

Preparation:

Set up a white background, such as a blank wall or a large white sheet. Make sure the background is smooth and free of any wrinkles or objects. The area should be well-lit to eliminate shadows.

Lighting and Background: Ensure good, even lighting and a plain background.
Distance: Stand 5-7 feet from the camera for a clear, properly framed shot.
Assistance: Use a tripod for stability or ask someone to take the picture to avoid blurriness.

Positioning:

Stand Upright: Maintain a neutral expression with your head straight and eyes open.
Avoid Shadows: Ensure proper lighting to avoid any shadows on your face or background, critical for passport photo compliance.

Uploading and Processing:

Upload Photo: Use our user-friendly platform to upload and process your image.
Download: Download the optimized photo upon completion, ready for your passport application.

How to Take a US Passport Photo for Babies and Kids

To get an acceptable passport picture of your child, follow these tips for the best results:

Place newborns in a car seat or lay them on their back on a blanket.
Use a white or off-white blanket or sheet behind the child.
Make sure your baby's eyes are open and that they are facing the camera directly.
Use natural light or soft lighting to avoid shadows.
Take several photos to increase your chances of getting a compliant image.
For older babies, sit them in a chair against a white backdrop to meet the background requirements.

Tools and Features

Our online passport photo tool offers several features to help you create the perfect photo:

Crop

Trim your photo to the correct size using the precise cropping tool.

Resize

Adjust the photo dimensions as needed to meet the official size requirements.

Background removal

Automatically remove non-neutral backgrounds to comply with US passport photo standards.

Auto-adjustment

Optimize brightness, color, and contrast to improve passport photo quality.

How to Print a Passport Photo

Professional photo service

Visit a local photo lab, pharmacy, or other photo service that can take and print passport photos to meet the requirements.

Online template and home printing

Download a US passport size photo template and print it at home with printer settings matched to the required photo size and high-quality photo paper.

Where to Get a Passport Photo

If taking your own passport photo is not an option, or if you want a higher quality source photo for further processing, these are common places to go:

Pharmacies

Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid often offer quick passport photo services and help with compliance.

Shipping Centers

FedEx and UPS locations often provide passport photo services if you are already stopping by to ship something.

Post Offices

Some post offices offer passport photo services, making them a straightforward option when handling passport tasks.

Retail Stores

Retail locations with photo booths, such as Walmart and Costco, can be affordable options for getting passport photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many photos are required for a US Passport application?

Only one photo is needed, but it must meet the specifications outlined by the US Department of State: 2 by 2 inches, a white or light-colored backdrop, a clearly visible face, no shadows or hats, and a neutral expression.

What are the usual passport photo prices?

Passport photo prices usually range from $10 to $25. Drugstores and retail chains tend to charge around $10 to $15, while photo studios usually charge $15 to $25.

How do I ensure my passport picture meets official requirements?

Use a photo tool that checks the required size, background, crop, and other details. Start by choosing the country and document type so the photo can be adjusted to the matching template.

How recent must my photo be?

Passport photos should be no older than six months so they accurately reflect your current appearance.

Is the passport photo maker free to use?

You can upload a file to the passport photo editor and make adjustments such as cropping and resizing without cost before choosing any paid download option.

How do I get a ready photo for my document using PhotoGov?

Upload your photo, let the system process the image for lighting, centering, and format, then download the high-quality electronic image or receive the processed photo by email after payment.

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Customer feedback helps us improve the passport and visa photo flow.

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