US Passport Photo Online — 2x2 Inch Size Checker
Get the correct US passport photo size (2x2 inch, 600x600px), plain white background, checked against State Department requirements — ready in about 3 minutes. Preview free, pay only when happy.
US passport photo requirements
- Size: 2×2 inches (600×600px, square)
- Background: Plain white
- Expression: Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Glasses: Not allowed
- Standard: US State Department compliant
Why use Smart Passport Photo
- ✅ Free preview before you pay
- ✅ Automated compliance checks against State Dept rules
- ✅ Free retake or refund if rejected — no proof needed
- ✅ Background automatically replaced with plain white
- ✅ $4.99 one-off, no subscription
- ✅ Photo deleted from our servers within 24 hours
Free to preview · Pay once · No subscription
Photos deleted within 24 hours · UK servers (AWS eu-west-2) · Never used for AI training · Rated on Trustpilot
How it works for a US passport photo
- 1. Upload or take a photo. Use your phone's rear camera against a plain light wall, facing a window for even lighting. No special equipment needed.
- 2. Automated State Dept compliance check. We check head size and position, expression, eyes, lighting and background against State Department photo requirements, and replace your background with plain white automatically.
- 3. Free preview before you pay. See exactly what your finished 2x2 inch photo looks like before paying anything — if something's off, retake it for free.
- 4. Download and submit. Download your 600×600px digital photo to upload with your DS-11 or DS-82 application, or order prints for an in-person submission.
Common US passport photo mistakes
- Head size out of range — the State Department requires your head to measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown; standing too close or too far gets this wrong.
- Off-white or shadowed background — a cream wall, patterned wallpaper, or shadow behind you can trigger rejection even if it looks "white" to the eye.
- Photo older than 6 months — the State Department requires a recent photo that reflects your current appearance.
- Glasses or head coverings — not permitted except for documented religious or medical reasons.
- Heavy shadows from a single light source — use even, diffused lighting facing a window for best results.
Official US passport resources
For the full official specification, see the State Department's passport photo requirements. To start a new application or renewal, visit travel.state.gov. Smart Passport Photo is an independent service and is not affiliated with the US Department of State.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US passport photo?
US passport photos are 2x2 inches (51×51mm, 600×600px square), with the head sized between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown, on a plain white or off-white background.
Does this meet US State Department requirements?
Yes. We run automated checks for head size and position, expression, lighting and background colour against the requirements published on the State Department's official photos page (travel.state.gov/.../passports/how-apply/photos.html), which specifies a 2x2 inch square photo, plain white or off-white background, neutral expression with both eyes open, and no glasses, hats or head coverings except for religious reasons. You get a free preview of the result before you pay, so you can retake the photo if anything doesn't pass.
Do I need a white background?
Yes, a plain white background is required. Our AI removes your original background and replaces it with white. For best results, take your photo against a light wall so your hair and shoulders are clearly separated from the background.
Can I use a phone photo?
Yes — take a photo facing a window or other light source, with a neutral expression and no glasses, and upload it. Our tool crops and formats it to the required 2x2in specification.
What if my photo is rejected?
The State Department will send a letter (Form DS-5505) requesting a new photo if yours is rejected. If this happens, contact us with your order number for a free retake or full refund — no proof or rejection letter required.
Taking a passport photo for a baby or child?
Yes — the same 2x2 inch, white-background format applies to infants and children of any age, including newborns. The State Department allows a parent's hand to support a baby's head as long as it isn't visible in the photo, and babies don't need to have their eyes open. Lay your baby on a plain white surface and photograph from directly above.