US Passport Photo Maker (2×2 in)
Make a 2×2 inch US passport photo from your own picture: crop with head-size guides, then download a digital copy or a 4×6 print sheet. Free.
- Files stay on your device
- Free, no sign-up
- Updated
Loading tool…
How to use the US Passport Photo Maker (2×2 in)
- Take a photo against a plain white wall, facing the camera.
- Upload it, then drag and zoom so the top of the head touches the top line and the chin is in the green zone.
- Download the digital photo for online forms, or the 4×6 in sheet to print six 2×2 in photos.
A US passport photo must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), in colour, taken in the last 6 months, against a plain white or off-white background, with the head measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
US passport photo requirements
| Size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head size | 1 – 1⅜ in (25 – 35 mm), chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Glasses | Not allowed (except with a signed medical statement) |
| Expression | Neutral or natural smile, both eyes open, facing the camera |
| Digital file | JPEG, square, at least 600 × 600 px |
Tips for a photo that gets accepted
- Stand about 1–1.5 m from a white wall so you don't cast a shadow on it.
- Use daylight from a window in front of you — not a flash or light from one side.
- Remove glasses, hats and headphones. Religious head coverings are allowed if your full face is visible.
- Ask someone else to take it, at eye level. Selfies held at arm's length distort the face.
Rules can change. Always check the current requirements at travel.state.gov before you apply. This site is not affiliated with the US government.
Frequently asked questions
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. Your photo is cropped and saved inside your browser and never leaves your device.
How do I print the photo sheet?
Print the 4×6 in sheet at any photo printing service or on a home photo printer using 4×6 in (10×15 cm) photo paper. Choose “actual size” or 100% — never “fit to page” — then cut along the grey lines.
Can this tool remove or change the background?
No. It crops and sizes your photo exactly. Take the photo in front of a plain white or light wall so the background is already correct.
Can I wear glasses in a US passport photo?
No. Glasses are not allowed in US passport photos unless you can’t remove them for medical reasons, in which case you need a signed statement from your doctor.
Can I smile?
Yes, a natural smile is fine, as long as both eyes are open and you are facing the camera.
Related tools
- US Visa Photo Tool (DS-160, 600×600)Create a US visa photo for the DS-160 form: square 600×600 px JPEG under 240 KB, with head-position guides. Free and private.
- UK Passport Photo MakerMake a UK passport photo: crop to 35×45 mm with head-size guides, download a digital photo for online applications or a 4×6 print sheet.
- Schengen Visa Photo Maker (35×45 mm)Make a 35×45 mm Schengen visa photo with head-size guides, then print it on a 4×6 sheet or save a digital copy. Free and private.
- Compress Image to 100KBShrink a photo to under 100KB for online forms and applications — fast, free and processed on your device.
- Compress Image to 200KBMake any photo 200KB or smaller for uploads and email while keeping good quality. Free, fast and done on your device.
- Compress Image to 20KBReduce a photo or signature to 20KB or less for exam, job and government forms — keeping it as sharp as possible. Free and private.