Room to crop
A wider source photo leaves space for head and shoulder alignment.
United States Passport Photo Size and Requirements
2×2 in (51×51 mm) · white or off-white · Free preview
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Make your United States passport photo
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Quick answer
What size is a United States passport photo?
Official rule: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Fogkits currently exports 51×51 mm (600×600px JPEG at 300 DPI) and the processor targets a head height of 50–69% of the frame. Those are not the same number when the gap column says they differ.
The issuing authority may apply different file or submission rules for online and paper applications. Use the official source at the end of this page as the final check.
For the matching size preset, see the 2×2 inch photo guide. Size alone does not establish compliance with official photo requirements.
The US uses a 2×2 inch photo for both printed applications and the digital photo workflow, but the submission channel can add file-specific rules. Use the Department of State page as the final check.
Country preset preview
A larger visual example beside the requirements, separate from the upload samples.
Checked 2026-09-22
Official size versus the current Fogkits preset
The official column is the issuing authority’s rule for that channel. The Fogkits column is only what this site exports today. Where they differ, do not treat the download as the official file.
| Country | Official size | Head | Background | Fogkits export now | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) | 1–1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm), chin to crown | White or off-white | 51×51 mm, 600×600 px, plain white, 300 DPI | Printed size matches the current preset. The photo still must not be altered with software, filters or AI. |
| United Kingdom | Printed: 45 mm high × 35 mm wide. Digital: at least 600×750 px, 50KB–10MB | Printed: 29–34 mm from chin to crown | Printed: plain cream or light grey. Digital: plain light-coloured | 35×45 mm, 413×531 px, light grey or cream, 300 DPI; processor head target 50–69% | 413×531 px matches the printed millimetres at 300 DPI, but it is below the digital minimum. The 50–69% head target is not the printed 29–34 mm. |
| India | In India, non-PSK paper: 4.5 cm long × 3.5 cm wide. PSK/POPSK: no pasted photo. Some embassies: 2×2 in (51×51 mm) | Embassy pages: face about 70–80%. Booklet: centred full face, both ears visible | Booklet paper photo: plain white, dark clothing. Embassy 2×2: white or off-white | 51×51 mm, 600×600 px, plain white, 300 DPI; head target 50–69% | The square matches checked embassy 2×2 pages, not the booklet’s 4.5×3.5 cm paper photo. 50–69% is below the embassy 70–80% face proportion. |
State Department rules also require a neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, and eyeglasses removed. Do not submit a software-edited photo as if it were an unaltered capture.
- Source: US Department of State passport photo requirements. Checked 2026-09-22.
How it works
Make a United States passport photo in three steps
1. Choose a clear photo
Use a sharp, front-facing image with your full head visible. Even lighting helps prevent face and background shadows.
2. Let Fogkits prepare it
Fogkits detects your face, checks the pose, removes the original background and crops to the 51×51 mm preset.
3. Check before you submit
Review the free watermarked preview and compare the result with the latest issuing-authority guidance before downloading.
Before you upload
Start with a photo Fogkits can process
A good source image makes the automated crop more reliable and reduces the chance that you need to retake the photo.
Face the camera
Keep both eyes visible and look straight ahead. Avoid turning or tilting your head.
Use even light
Light your face from the front and check for hard shadows across your face or the wall.
Leave room to crop
Include your full head and shoulders. Do not submit an image that is already cropped too tightly.
Upload a sharp original
Use a clear JPG, PNG or WebP. Avoid screenshots, beauty filters and heavily compressed copies.
Photo size and output preset
These values drive Fogkits' current crop and export. They are not a second copy of the official rules when the comparison table shows a gap.
- Photo dimensions: 51×51 mm
- Fogkits export preset: 600×600px at 300 DPI
- Background: plain white
- Head height: 50–69% of the photo
- Fogkits output format: JPEG
Common rejection reasons
If the preview flags a problem, retake the source photo instead of trying to hide it with heavy edits.
Head too large or too smallRetake the source image after correcting this issue, then run the check again.
Shadows on face or backgroundRetake the source image after correcting this issue, then run the check again.
Wearing glassesRetake the source image after correcting this issue, then run the check again.
Not facing camera directlyRetake the source image after correcting this issue, then run the check again.
Non-neutral expressionRetake the source image after correcting this issue, then run the check again.
What Fogkits does
Automated preparation with a result you can review
Checks the source photo
Fogkits looks for a visible face, a front-facing pose, a reasonably level head and enough subject size to create the crop.
Removes and replaces the background
The processing pipeline separates the subject and composes the photo on the plain white background used by this preset.
Crops to the selected preset
The result is aligned and exported as a 600×600px JPEG. Review the preview before downloading.
Real processing examples
From a regular portrait to a passport-size photo
This example was processed with the same United States preset used by the tool on this page. Fogkits finds the face, removes the background and creates a centered 600×600 output. You still review expression and country-specific rules before submitting.
US 2×2 inch portrait conversion
Fogkits checks passedFogkits replaced the original background, centered the face and produced a 600×600 US preset with a 55% measured head height.
Pose checklist
Front-facing pose and even light make the preview easier to judge.
Preset preview
51x51 mm output with the configured plain white background.
Know the limits
What the automated check cannot decide
Fogkits checks measurable image features and prepares the selected crop. It cannot review your identity documents, application details or every rule used by an issuing officer.
- Acceptance is decided by the issuing authority, not by Fogkits.
- Automated background replacement cannot repair blur, closed eyes or strong shadows on the face.
- Online portals may impose file-size or upload rules beyond the dimensions shown here.
- Requirements can change, so the official country guidance remains the final source.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US passport photo?
2x2 inches (51x51 mm), typically 600x600 pixels at 300 DPI.
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in US passport photos since 2016.
What background is required?
A plain white or off-white background with no shadows.
How do I make a United States passport photo with Fogkits?
Upload a clear, front-facing JPG, PNG or WebP image. Fogkits checks the pose, removes the background and crops the result to its 51×51 mm United States preset.
Is the United States passport photo preview free?
Yes. The watermarked preview is free. Optional HD JPEG download uses 1 credit.
What should I do if Fogkits rejects my source photo?
Follow the issue shown in the result and take a new photo. Face the camera directly, keep your head level, move closer if your face is too small and use even lighting.
Does Fogkits guarantee that my passport photo will be accepted?
No. Fogkits checks the face, pose and crop, but it does not automatically judge expression rules. The issuing authority makes the final decision, so compare the preview with the latest official guidance before submitting it.
Prepare your United States passport photo
Upload and preview for free. Use 1 credit only if you want the final HD file.
Explore presets
Other countries
Source: U.S. Department of State. Last checked 2026-09-10. Requirements can change and may differ between online and paper applications.
Fogkits helps prepare your image but is not affiliated with the issuing authority and cannot guarantee acceptance.