Photo guide

US passport photo: size, head height and background

These are the State Department’s published rules for a US passport photo, with how Complyshot checks them and makes a 2 × 2 inch print sheet or a digital file.

The official rules

  • Printed photo: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm).
  • Your head from chin to top of head between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm).
  • Head and shoulders centred, facing the camera without tilting your head.
  • A plain white or off-white background free of shadows, textures or objects.
  • The original, unedited photo: no filters, retouching or AI changes. New photos do not allow glasses except in rare medical cases.
  • Online renewal upload: a JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF file of 54 KB to 10 MB. The State Department’s upload page gives no pixel size.

Official numbers checked: October 2026 ·Official source

How to do it with Complyshot

  1. Open Complyshot and choose “US passport photo” from the document list.
  2. Take the photo in even light, facing the camera. Where the rules ask for it, have someone else hold the phone.
  3. Read the result. Each rule is checked, and a failed one comes with what to change.
  4. Save the finished photo and use it as the official page describes.

Common questions

What size is a US passport photo?

Printed, 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) with your head 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from chin to top. Complyshot makes a print sheet at that size for any photo kiosk.

Can I change the background or retouch the photo?

No. The State Department rejects photos that are digitally changed or made with AI tools. Complyshot only crops and resizes your real photo and never replaces your background or retouches your face.

Will the State Department accept a photo that passes Complyshot?

There is no guarantee. Complyshot checks what a phone can measure and gives you a short list for the rest. The State Department makes the final decision.

Questions about this photo

Check your photo in Complyshot

Complyshot checks your photo against these rules on your iPhone. The photo is not uploaded.

Download on the App Store

Complyshot is made by YOTEZIC LTD and is not affiliated with any government. It checks what a phone can measure and cannot promise that your photo will be accepted; the issuing office decides.