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United States · Passport Photo

Make an US passport photo online - 51 x 51 mm

Make an US passport photo online with the verified 51 x 51 mm preset, plain white background guidance, official-source requirements, a free preview, and the HD photo plus printable 4x6 sheet when the result is ready.

United States Passport Photo size: 51 x 51 mm (2.01 x 2.01 inches). Required background: plain white; head height: 50–69%. Source checked: U.S. Department of State, 2026-08-11.
Make US passport photoBrowse countries
Before passport photo preparation: portrait with an indoor background
After passport photo preparation: printable 4x6 sheet on a white background
Photo size51 × 51 mm (2.01 × 2.01 in)
Backgroundplain white
Head size50-69% of photo height · 25-35 mm chin to crown
Digital requirementsUse the standalone HD JPEG for online upload when the authority asks for one photo file. Do not upload the printable sheet when a portal asks for a single photo.
Print requirementsPrint the photo at exactly 51 x 51 mm on photo paper when a printed photo is required. Use 100% / actual size and never fit the image to the page. The printable sheet includes cut guides for individual photos.
Official sourceU.S. Department of State
Last reviewed2026-08-11

Check the official rules before submitting

We are an independent photo tool, not a government agency. Document rules can change, so check the official source linked on this page before submitting. The issuing authority makes the final acceptance decision.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. 1.Choose United States and Passport Photo in the editor.
  2. 2.Upload a clear recent photo taken against a plain wall in even light.
  3. 3.Fit the face guide, validate the crop, and set the required background.
  4. 4.Preview for free, then download the HD file and printable 4x6 sheet when ready.

How to take the source photo

  • Take the source photo with even front light and no shadow behind the head.
  • Face the camera directly with eyes open, a neutral expression, and a closed mouth.
  • Frame head and shoulders so the face can be cropped to the verified head-size range.
  • Remove glasses before taking the photo.
  • No casual hats or caps; any permitted covering must leave the full face visible with no shadows.

Common rejection reasons

  • Smiling, frowning, closing eyes, or opening the mouth.
  • Hair covering the eyes or face outline.
  • Necklaces, chains, or shiny jewelry covering the neck/face or reflecting light.
  • Shadows on the face or behind the head.
  • Heavy filters, beauty effects, or retouching.
  • Wearing glasses when the authority requires them to be removed.
  • A casual hat/cap or permitted head covering casting shadows or hiding facial edges.

Digital upload

  • Use the standalone HD JPEG for online upload when the authority asks for one photo file.
  • Do not upload the printable sheet when a portal asks for a single photo.

Printing

  • Print the photo at exactly 51 x 51 mm on photo paper when a printed photo is required.
  • Use 100% / actual size and never fit the image to the page.
  • The printable sheet includes cut guides for individual photos.

Official source

Official source: United States Passport Photo

U.S. Department of State. Open official requirements: United States Passport Photo (https://travel.state.gov/en/passports/apply/help/photos.html). Last reviewed: 2026-08-11.

Cropping, resizing, validation, preview, and export run in your browser. Background processing runs only when you choose the background step.

FAQ

Is my photo public?

Cropping, resizing, validation, preview, and export run in your browser. Background processing runs only when you choose the background step.

Can I print on a 4x6 sheet?

Yes. The editor includes a printable sheet, but submit the standalone United States Passport Photo file when an online portal asks for one photo.