May 29, 2026 · Country Guides
US Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – 2×2 Inch Format Guide
The United States requires a 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photo for passport applications — a non-standard size that differs from the rectangular ICAO 35×45mm used in Europe and most of the world. This guide covers every US State Department requirement, digital submission options, the 2016 glasses ban, and tips for children's photos.
Important: the US uses a 2×2 inch square — not the ICAO 35×45mm rectangle
Do not use a standard ICAO 35×45mm photo for a US passport application. The required size is 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — a square format. This is enforced by the US Department of State (travel.state.gov) and applies to all US passport and visa applications worldwide.
US Passport Photo Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) — square |
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35mm) from chin to crown |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no patterns or shadows |
| Expression | Neutral; natural smile also accepted |
| Eyes | Fully open, looking directly at camera |
| Glasses | Not permitted (banned since 2016) |
| Colour | Colour photo required (no black and white) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital submission | Yes — via State Department online renewal portal |
| Print locations | Walgreens, CVS, FedEx Office, US Post Office |
| Authority | US Department of State (travel.state.gov) |
Format Comparison: US vs ICAO vs Canada vs UK
| Country | Size | Shape | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 51×51mm (2×2 inch) | Square | White or off-white |
| ICAO standard (EU / DE / CH) | 35×45mm | Portrait rectangle | White or off-white |
| Canada | 50×70mm | Portrait rectangle | White or off-white |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm | Portrait rectangle | Cream or light grey |
Always verify with the official issuing authority. Requirements may change.
Digital Photo Submission for US Passports
The US State Department accepts digital photo uploads for eligible adult passport renewals through the online renewal application portal. The photo file must:
- Be in JPEG format
- Have a minimum of 600×600 pixels (representing the 2×2 inch frame at 300 DPI)
- Show the same composition as a printed photo — white or off-white background, head height within the correct range
- Be taken within the last 6 months
- Not be digitally altered beyond standard brightness and contrast adjustment
For in-person applications, first-time applicants, and children under 16, a printed 2×2 inch photo is required. These are widely available at Walgreens, CVS, FedEx Office, the US Post Office, and many AAA locations.
The 2016 Glasses Ban
Since 2016, glasses of any kind are not permitted in US passport photos. This includes:
- Prescription glasses
- Reading glasses
- Sunglasses and tinted lenses
- Transition lenses (even when clear indoors)
The ban aligns with ICAO biometric standards, which prohibit glasses because they cause glare, reflections, and shadows that interfere with automated facial recognition. Contact lenses remain permitted provided they do not alter the natural appearance of the iris.
Children's Passport Photos
Every US citizen, regardless of age, must have their own passport with their own photo. The same 2×2 inch format applies to children. For infants and young children:
- Eyes must be open and looking at the camera
- No parents, hands, or objects may appear in the frame
- You may lay the infant on a plain white surface — the background must appear white in the final photo
- A slight natural baby expression is accepted; a neutral expression is preferred
Child passports issued for applicants under 16 are valid for 5 years. Adult passports are valid for 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a US passport photo?
A US passport photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51mm). This is a square format, unlike the rectangular ICAO 35×45mm used in the EU. The head must occupy 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35mm) within the 2×2 inch frame. Do not use a standard ICAO 35×45mm photo for a US passport application.
Can I submit a digital photo for a US passport?
Yes. The US State Department accepts digital photo uploads for passport renewals submitted online. The photo must still meet all size and quality standards — 2×2 inch composition, white or off-white background, neutral expression. For in-person applications and first-time applicants, a printed 2×2 inch photo is required.
Why can't I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
The US State Department banned glasses in passport photos in 2016, aligning with ICAO biometric standards. Glasses cause glare, reflections, and shadows that interfere with biometric facial recognition. This ban applies to all glasses. Contact lenses are still permitted.
Is 51×51mm the same as 2×2 inches?
Yes. 2 inches equals exactly 50.8mm, which is typically rounded to 51mm. So 2×2 inches and 51×51mm refer to the same square photo size required by the US State Department.
Can I take my own US passport photo at home?
Yes. The State Department allows home photos. The photo must meet all requirements: 2×2 inch format, white or off-white background, neutral expression, eyes open, no glasses, and taken within the last 6 months. Printed 2×2 photos are widely available at Walgreens, CVS, and FedEx Office.
Is a hijab or religious head covering allowed in a US passport photo?
Yes. The US State Department explicitly permits religious head coverings such as a hijab, turban, or kippah in passport photos, provided the full face — from forehead to chin and from ear to ear — remains clearly visible. Face-covering veils (niqab) are not permitted.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority before submitting. US State Department passport photo requirements are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for official guidance. Check travel.state.gov for the latest instructions.
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