U.S. Passport Photo Size

U.S. Passport Photo Size

About 20 million passport applications are processed every year and, according to the State Department, the most common cause for rejection are incorrectly taken passport photos.

In the paragraphs below, we’ll go over exactly which passport photo size is required for U.S. documents and how PhotoAiD®—an app with over a million users worldwide—can help you achieve the perfect format.

In this article:

Passport photo dimensions

The United States Department of State provides a list of precise instructions that, among other things, includes the measurements of a picture for a U.S. passport application.

People applying for a U.S. passport, Green Card, or U.S. visa have to hand in 1 (one) picture measuring 2 inches square. This means that the dimensions need to be the following:

  • 2 inches in width
  • 2 inches in height.

In addition to the size of the passport photos, the State Department also gives exact measurements for the applicant’s head. Specifically, it has to be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches measured vertically from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

For those who need to get photos following U.S. standards outside of the country, these are the dimensions in metric units:

  • picture size: 51 x 51 mm (5.1 x 5.1 cm)
  • head size: between 25 mm and 35 mm (2.5 and 3.5 cm).

Digital passport photo size

While U.S. authorities require a printed passport photo for the standard application, permanent residents who need to renew their Green Card have to submit digital images. Additionally, in 2022 the State Department ran tests for an online passport renewal system, which is expected to be up and running in 2023.

When it comes to digital pictures, the photo requirements indicate the following:

  • photo dimensions: between 600 x 600 pixels and 1200 x 1200 pixels
  • file size: max 240 kB
  • resolution: 300 pixels per inch
  • file format: JPEG.

Remember that the photos submitted with a passport application cannot be digitally enhanced.

Need to know more about digital passport photos?

Get the perfect U.S. passport photo size with PhotoAiD®

Did you know that you can get a passport photo online? With PhotoAiD®—featured in publications like National Geographic, Glamour, and Forbes—users can get the correct size without any effort.

Just face the camera directly and upload the result; we’ll take care of the rest:

  • The image will get perfectly adjusted to the required size and the background will automatically turn plain white. PhotoAiD® allows applicants to take passport photos anywhere they are, without having to travel.
  • Then, the picture will get examined by our AI system and by one of our professional photo experts. They will guarantee that all official requirements are followed to the letter.
  • PhotoAiD® offers unlimited tries! Users can take as many photos as they need until the result is just perfect. This takes all the stress out of taking infant passport photos.

Our photo service offers a digital copy instantly and printouts can be shipped on demand.

Find out more:

A positive review about PhotoAiD’s services left by a customer

Passport-size photo dimensions: FAQ

For those who still have some questions, we’ll clear up some of the most common doubts about American passport photo size in the section below.

What are the correct passport photo size height and width?

A U.S. passport-style photo has to measure 2 inches in height and 2 inches in width.

Are all passport photos the same size?

The size of a passport photo changes depending on the country; the standard passport photo size for the U.S. is 2 x 2 inches.

What is the U.S. passport photo size in mm?

A U.S. passport photo measures 51 x 51 mm.

What is the U.S. passport photo size in pixels?

A U.S. passport picture needs to be between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels.

Is a passport-size photo 2 x 2 inches?

Yes, 2 inches square is the only acceptable size for U.S. documents.

Summary

Passport pictures in the U.S. need to be 2 x 2 inches, with the head centered. The Department of State will only accept photos that fit these dimensions perfectly. The same format is also required for all kinds of IDs and Visas.

To crop the images to the perfect passport photo size without any need for professional tools, use PhotoAiD®. We’ve got your back 24/7, no matter where you are.

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