Primary-source identity-photo guide
U.S. passport photo requirements
Paper forms and online renewal use different file and size rules. These concise answers follow the current U.S. State Department guidance without turning a recommendation into a guarantee of acceptance.
Reviewed by Peelaway. Sources checked August 11, 2026.
Use the official application as the final authority
Peelaway is not affiliated with the U.S. government. This guide summarizes the linked State Department pages; it cannot certify that a photo will be accepted. Rules and documented exceptions can change, so check the official source before submitting.
1. Paper application
What size is a U.S. passport photo for a paper form?
For a paper U.S. passport application, submit one color photo taken within the last six months. The print must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), with the head 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head, centered on a plain white or off-white background. Use the original, unedited photo on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.
| Official field | Current guidance |
|---|---|
| Photo | One color photo taken within the last 6 months |
| Printed size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head size | 1–1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, without shadows, textures, or objects |
| Paper | Matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
2. Online renewal
What file does U.S. online passport renewal accept?
For U.S. online passport renewal, upload an original color JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF taken within the last six months. The file should be 54 KB–10 MB. Do not scan a print or use filters, retouching, software, or AI. Leave extra room; the application lets you reposition or crop, and a State Department employee makes the final review.
| Official field | Current guidance |
|---|---|
| Photo | One original color photo taken within the last 6 months |
| Listed formats | JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, HEIF |
| Stated file-size range | Should be 54 KB–10 MB |
| Framing | Centered head and shoulders with extra room around the face |
| Upload step | Reposition or crop inside the official application |
Photo checklist
What the photo must show
- Face the camera directly without tilting your head; keep both eyes open and visible.
- Use a plain white or off-white background without shadows, texture, lines, or objects.
- Use clear, even lighting so the photo is sharp, in focus, and free of shadows.
- Center your head and shoulders and keep your full head visible.
- Remove glasses and anything covering your face; consult the official source for documented religious or medical exceptions.
Original photo only
Do not edit a passport photo
- Submit the original, unchanged photo without computer software, phone apps, filters, retouching, or artificial intelligence.
- Do not digitally replace or clean up an invalid background. Fix the setting and take a new photo.
- Do not correct red eye with an editing tool. Retake the photo with different lighting.
- Do not stretch or compress the image to resize it for a paper application.
- For online renewal, do not scan a print or take a picture of a printed photo to create the digital file.