PixPass Global Visa Photo

Verified requirements

US Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Background, Head Size, and Photo Check

The core rule is a 2 x 2 inch photo with a plain white or off-white background, correct head size, current appearance, and no glasses except documented medical cases. PixPass can check and prepare supported image properties with this rule set attached, while final acceptance remains with the reviewing authority.

Key requirements

Photo Size

2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)

travel.state.gov

Background Color

Plain white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines

travel.state.gov

Photo Recency

Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance

travel.state.gov

Glasses

Glasses are NOT allowed unless you have a signed medical statement that you cannot remove them

travel.state.gov

Facial Expression

Neutral expression or natural smile with both eyes open, mouth closed or natural

travel.state.gov

Head Size

Head between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from bottom of chin to top of head

travel.state.gov

Source posture

Checked 2026-04-15 2 official sources

Submission path differences

  • Online renewals accept JPG, PNG, HEIC, and HEIF files (54 KB–10 MB). Paper applications require a printed 2×2 inch photo.
  • Online renewals allow a "natural smile." Paper applications traditionally require a neutral expression, though the State Department now accepts a natural smile for both.
  • Paper applications: staple or glue one printed photo. Online renewals: upload digital file through the State Department portal.

Choose your application path

Online Application

Submit a digital photo through the State Department website.

  • File Format: JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF
  • Resolution: 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels
  • File Size: 54 KB to 10 MB

Paper Application (DS-11/DS-82)

Submit a printed photo with your mail-in or in-person application.

  • Print Size: 2 × 2 inches on photo-quality paper
  • Paper Finish: Matte or glossy finish accepted
  • Quantity: One (1) photo required

Passport Agency (Expedited)

In-person at a regional passport agency for urgent travel.

  • Photo Requirements: Same as paper application
  • On-site Photo: Some agencies offer on-site photo services ($15) Not all agencies offer this — confirm availability when scheduling

Choose the path that matches the actual submission channel before checking or exporting a photo. PixPass keeps the selected path attached to the checker, but it cannot replace official review.

Illustrated passport photo framing, neutral background, and submission path overview.Illustrative diagram

Illustrative framing, background, and submission-path overview.

Requirement details

Photo Size
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)travel.state.gov
Background Color
Plain white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or linestravel.state.gov
Photo Recency
Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearancetravel.state.gov
Glasses
Glasses are NOT allowed unless you have a signed medical statement that you cannot remove themtravel.state.gov
Facial Expression
Neutral expression or natural smile with both eyes open, mouth closed or naturaltravel.state.gov
Head Size
Head between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from bottom of chin to top of headtravel.state.gov
Head Coverings
Not allowed unless worn daily for religious purposes — requires signed statementReligious headwear is permitted with a signed statement affirming it is part of recognized, traditional religious attire worn continuously in public.
Digital Photo File
JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF format. 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels. 54 KB to 10 MB.travel.state.gov
Digital Alteration
Photos must not be digitally altered to change your appearance in any waytravel.state.gov
Full Face Visible
Photo must show full face from hairline to chin, both edges of face clearly visibletravel.state.gov

Visual examples

Do and do-not guidance

Illustrated passport photo framing, neutral background, and submission path overview.Illustrative diagram

Illustrative overview; page data supplies the exact rule values.

DoCorrect frame

Use a centered 2 x 2 inch frame

The head is centered and sized inside a square passport photo frame.

Fix: Crop to a square 2 x 2 inch output and keep the face straight to camera.

PixPass action: Auto-crop and head-size measurement

Illustrated room setup with a window, camera, subject, and plain background.Illustrative diagram

Illustrative capture setup with lighting and spacing cues.

DoPlain background

Keep the background plain and bright

A white or off-white background with even lighting is acceptable for U.S. passport photos.

Fix: Stand away from the wall and use even front lighting.

PixPass action: Background replacement and shadow detection

Illustrated sequence from image file preparation to upload result.Illustrative diagram

Illustrative digital-photo preparation and upload sequence.

WatchPath-specific

Online renewal and paper photos have different checks

Paper applications care about print size and attachment. Online renewal adds file type, file size, and pixel dimensions.

Fix: Choose the application path before judging file and print requirements.

PixPass action: File-size and format validation for digital uploads

Use these examples as visual guidance. Official rule text and the selected submission path remain the source of truth for final acceptance.

What is still unclear

Some details depend on your submission route or the latest official guidance. Confirm the current instructions before you submit.

Photo border/margin

The State Department does not specify required margins or borders around the photo. Most accepted photos have minimal white border, but no official rule exists.

Exact background shade

"White or off-white" is specified but no hex value, RGB range, or acceptable deviation is published. Some automated checkers reject slightly gray backgrounds that would pass human review.

Hair covering ears/forehead

No explicit rule about ears being visible. Post office staff sometimes require ears showing, but the published requirement only says "full face visible." This causes confusion and inconsistent guidance.

Acceptable photo editing

"No digital alteration" is the rule, but the boundary between "adjustment" (brightness, crop) and "alteration" (filter, retouch) is not officially defined. Background replacement for white compliance is a gray area.

Why we believe this

Verified 2026-04-15

The U.S. Department of State banned glasses in passport photos effective November 1, 2016. This applies to all types of glasses including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. The only exception is for applicants who cannot remove glasses for medical reasons, which requires a signed medical statement.

Evidence sources

  • travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
  • Federal Register Vol. 81, No. 169
Verified 2026-04-15

The 2×2 inch requirement has been consistent in US passport photo regulations for over two decades. Both printed and digital submissions must conform to this dimension.

Evidence sources

  • travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html
Verified 2026-04-15

The head (measured from chin bottom to crown top) must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches. This is a measurable requirement that PixPass can help check and crop for, but final acceptance remains with the reviewing authority.

Evidence sources

  • travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/photos.html

Sources

Official guidance checked 2026-04-15.