US passport photo requirements
The complete published list from the U.S. Department of State’s “Passport Photos” guidance — the same rules the US checker measures against. Where a rule can be measured in pixels, we say so; where it can’t, we say that too.
We measure, we don’t certify. IDPhotoCheck checks your photo against the published measurements — the issuing authority makes the final decision, and no tool can promise approval.
The requirements
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Measurable ✓ |
|---|---|
| Head size | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. Measurable ✓ |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, taken in front of it — you cannot digitally change it. Measurable ✓ |
| Editing | Submit your original photo. Do not change or retouch it in any way, and do not submit a photo altered by software or filters. This is why our checker refuses edits. |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months. Not measurable — your responsibility. |
| Expression & eyes | Neutral expression or a natural smile, both eyes open, facing the camera directly, full face in view. Partly measurable. |
| Glasses | Not allowed. If you cannot remove them for medical reasons, include a signed doctor’s note. |
| Head coverings | Only for religious or medical reasons, with a signed statement; the full face must remain visible and the covering must not cast shadows. |
| Uniforms & clothing | No uniforms or camouflage; everyday clothes. No headphones or wireless hands-free devices. |
| Quality | Colour, clear and in focus, no shadows on the face, not damaged, not a photo of a photo, printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper for print submissions. |
| Children | No other person in the photo; the child faces the camera; for babies under one it is okay if the eyes are not entirely open; lay the baby on a plain white/off-white sheet or cover a car seat with one. See the baby checker. |
Source: U.S. Department of State — “Passport Photos”, travel.state.gov. Checked 2026-11-08. If the official page and this list ever disagree, the official page wins.
For digital uploads (visa, DS-160, DV Lottery)
The State Department’s digital image rules are separate: a square image between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels, JPEG, at most 240 kB, head 50–69% of the image height. The DV Lottery entry specifies 600×600 pixels exactly. Those are file rules, and they’re checked with the file tools on this site — start at the file-size page or the DV checker.
The three rules people break most
- Editing. A “helpful” background swap or skin filter makes the photo non-compliant by definition. Why we refuse to edit your photo.
- Head too small. A full-body or wide selfie cropped late leaves the head under 25 mm. Frame tighter at capture.
- Shadows and grey walls. A wall that looks white to you measures grey to an examiner. The background checker shows you the numbers.
¿Lo necesitas en español?
Esta misma lista está en español: requisitos de la foto para pasaporte de EE. UU.