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US passport photo size

Sized to the US State Department's 2 × 2 inch specification — with rules that differ from India's in a few important ways.

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Click to choose a photo, or drag it here
A clear, front-facing photo works best

How to make a US passport photo online

The US State Department requires a 2 × 2 inch photo — the same physical dimensions as an Indian passport photo, but with several rules that are genuinely different. Photos must be taken within the last 6 months. The background must be white or off-white (off-white is explicitly acceptable, unlike some countries that require pure white). Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from chin to the top of your head within the frame — a specific measurement India's guidance doesn't spell out the same way. You must face the camera directly with a natural expression (a neutral expression or a natural smile are both acceptable, but with eyes open and mouth either closed or naturally smiling without teeth showing prominently).

The most significant difference from many other countries' rules: since a 2016 policy change, the US State Department does not allow glasses in passport photos at all, for any reason, even prescription glasses — this is a hard rule, not just discouraged. Most US applicants get their passport photo taken at a CVS, Walgreens, USPS location, or professional photo studio as a paid in-person service; this tool exists as a free way to produce a compliant photo yourself from any clear photo you already have, without a special trip.

top of head ~60% eye line ~ middle
Example framing: face centered, head fills most of the frame, eyes roughly at the vertical midpoint, plain background.
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No — the State Department has not allowed glasses of any kind in passport photos since 2016, even prescription glasses. This is different from some other countries' more lenient (if still discouraged) stance on glasses.
What's the head size requirement for a US passport photo?
Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head within the 2 × 2 inch frame. Use the crop box's corner handles to adjust how tightly the frame is cropped around your head to match this.
Does the background have to be pure white?
No — white or off-white is acceptable, which is slightly more forgiving than some countries' pure-white-only requirement. Turn on "White background" above if your original photo's backdrop is patterned or colored.
Can I use a photo taken on my phone?
Yes, as long as it's a clear, well-lit, front-facing photo — the State Department accepts phone photos as long as the final result meets the size, background, and expression requirements, which is exactly what this tool is for.