Passport Photo Size
A US passport photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). The head, from chin to top of head, must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches, which is 50% to 69% of the photo height.
Size by photo type
| Photo type | Size | Head height | File |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Passport Photo | 2 × 2 in, print | 50% to 69% of photo height | Printed photo |
| US Passport Online Renewal Photo | 1200 × 1200 px JPG, digital upload | 50% to 69% of photo height | JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF; 54 KB to 10 MB |
| US Visa Photo | 600 × 600 to 1200 × 1200 px, digital | 50% to 69% of photo height | JPEG; 240 KB or smaller |
| DV Lottery Photo | 600 × 600 px, digital | 50% to 69% of photo height | JPEG; 240 KB or smaller |
| Baby & Child US Passport Photo | 2 × 2 in, print | 50% to 69% of photo height | Printed photo |
Head size and eye position
- Head (chin to top of head) must be 50% to 69% of the photo height (1 to 1 3/8 inches in a 2x2 inch photo).
- Eyes should sit roughly 55% to 70% of the photo height from the bottom. (Passport911 recommendation (not an official rule))
- Head should be centered horizontally in the frame. (Passport911 recommendation (not an official rule))
Digital photo sizes
US visa (DS-160): a square JPEG between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels, 240 KB or smaller.
DV lottery: 600 x 600 pixels, 240 KB or smaller.
Online passport renewal: the State Department sets file rules rather than a pixel size: JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF; 54 KB to 10 MB. Passport911 exports a 1200 x 1200 JPEG.
Make a photo at the right size
Frequently asked questions
What size is a US passport photo?
2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), with the head measuring 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head.
How big should the head be?
Chin to top of head should be 50% to 69% of the photo height, which is 1 to 1 3/8 inches in a 2x2 inch photo.
What pixel size is a US visa photo?
A square JPEG between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels, 240 KB or smaller.
Is there a pixel size for online passport renewal?
The State Department sets file rules instead: JPG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF; 54 KB to 10 MB. Passport911 exports a 1200 x 1200 JPEG.
Does passing the checker mean my photo will be accepted?
No. Passport911 checks your photo against published requirements, but final acceptance is decided by the issuing agency.
Sources
- U.S. Department of State: passport photo requirements
- U.S. Department of State: online passport renewal photo
- U.S. Department of State: visa photo requirements
- U.S. Department of State: visa digital image requirements
Content last reviewed 2026-10-18. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the issuing agency.