US Passport Photo – Free 2×2 Inch Maker
Create a compliant US passport photo entirely in your browser — free, no account required, nothing uploaded to any server. The tool automatically crops and resizes your photo to the official 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) format.
Official US Passport Photo Requirements
- Size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) / 600×600 px at 300 DPI
- Background: Plain white or off-white, no patterns or shadows
- Head height: 1 inch to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Glasses: Not permitted (rule in effect since 2016)
- Head coverings: Not permitted except for religious reasons (must submit a signed statement)
- Expression: Neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed
- Pose: Full face from the front, looking directly at the camera
How to Make Your US Passport Photo
- Take or select a photo. Stand in front of a plain white wall in good, even lighting. Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression. Upload the photo using the tool above.
- Adjust the crop. The tool automatically detects your face and sets the crop. Drag the frame if needed so your head fills 70–80% of the frame with the correct head height.
- Download and print. Click Download to save your 2×2 inch photo or a print-ready 4×6 inch sheet. Print at 300 DPI at any pharmacy or photo shop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Shadows on the face or background. Use diffuse, even lighting and stand a few feet away from the wall.
- Head too small or too large. Your head must measure between 1 and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown in the final 2×2 photo.
- Wearing glasses or a hat. Both are rejected unless a religious head covering exception applies.
- Non-white background. A cream, gray, or patterned background will cause your application to be rejected. The background must be plain white or off-white.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a passport photo with my phone?
Yes. Use this tool to upload a photo taken with your phone. The tool will automatically crop and resize it to the required 2×2 inch format. Make sure the photo is taken in good lighting against a plain white or off-white background.
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No. Since 2016, the US Department of State does not accept passport photos with glasses, regardless of whether they have tinted lenses. Wearing glasses will result in your application being rejected.
What background is required for a US passport photo?
The background must be plain white or off-white with no patterns, textures, or shadows. This tool automatically removes the background and replaces it with the correct white color.
How recent does my passport photo need to be?
Your photo must have been taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly since your last passport, you must submit a new photo.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
No. You must have a neutral expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. Smiling, squinting, or any other expression is not permitted for US passport photos.
Where can I print my passport photo?
You can print at most pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid), FedEx/UPS stores, or Walmart Photo Center. Download the 4×6 inch print sheet from this tool and print it at 300 DPI to get two correctly-sized 2×2 inch photos.
What happens if my passport photo is rejected?
If your photo is rejected, you will need to submit a new one that meets all requirements. Common rejection reasons include incorrect size, wrong background color, shadows on the face, glasses, or a hat. Use this tool to ensure your photo meets all official requirements.