United States — Passport (8 FAM 402.1)
US passport photos must be 2×2 in with the head 1–1⅜ in from top to chin, on a white or off-white background, taken within six months.
| Photo size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head size | No less than 1 in and no more than 1⅜ in (25–35 mm), measured from the top of the head — not the hairline or the hair — to the bottom of the chin, excluding facial hair. |
| Background | Plain white, off-white or light-coloured, with no large dark shadows, reflections or objects. |
| Digital file | Computer-generated photographs are acceptable if the image is sharp and clear; photographs with visible pixels are not. |
| How it is submitted | One printed photo submitted with the application. |
| Photo age | Taken within six months of submitting the application. |
Can the photo be edited?
Facial retouching is banned; the background is not named
“Digital manipulation and/or retouching of the facial image on photographs is not acceptable. The use of beauty filters or other photo filter tools … are also not acceptable.”
No competitor publishes this, and it decides whether a tool like ours is usable at all for your application. The quote below is the official text.
Most common reasons for rejection
- •The ears do not have to be visible — official text says so explicitly, despite the common advice to the contrary.
- •No eyeglasses (medical exceptions need a signed statement), no uniforms, no hats or head coverings except for religious or medical reasons.
- •A photo that looks fine in the system can still be rejected later: the official text warns that a defect may only become apparent when the passport is printed.
Official source: 8 FAM 402.1 (U.S. Department of State)
Last checked by us:
This page states what the official source says. It is not legal advice and rules change — check the source link before you submit.
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Preset to pick in the tool: US Passport — 2×2 in