A U.S. passport photo must measure 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The photo must be in color and printed on photo-quality paper when submitting a printed application. This is the finished photo size, not the size of the head inside it.
U.S. Passport Photo Dimensions: 2×2 Inches and Head Size
Required printed photo size
Head size and position
The head, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, must be 1 to 1⅜ inches (25 to 35 mm) tall. The U.S. Department of State photo guidance also requires the head to be centered and the full face to be visible. Follow the official framing examples so the head is not too large or too small.
Digital files and printed dimensions
The passport-photo rule for a printed submission is a physical size: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). A pixel count is a separate property of a digital image and does not by itself guarantee the required print size. If your application asks for an upload, follow the current instructions shown for that specific application method.
Passport photo size at a glance
| Measurement | U.S. requirement |
|---|---|
| Printed photo | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height, chin to top of head | 1–1⅜ in (25–35 mm) |
| Digital image minimum | 600 × 600 px |
Use the official passport photo requirements and its linked examples. A photo can have the correct outer dimensions and still be rejected if the framing, background, lighting, or other requirements are not met.