US Passport Photo Requirements: Official 2026 Specification Guide
The US Department of State rejects tens of thousands of passport and visa applications every year due to non-compliant photographs. Here is the verified breakdown of mechanical dimensions, head framing, and digital upload limits.
fact_checkEssential Specifications at a Glance
2 × 2 inches
51 × 51 mm
600 × 600 px
Up to 1200 × 1200 px
Max 240 KB
Must be under 240 KB
JPEG (.jpg)
RGB 24-bit color
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1. Head Framing & Proportions (The 50–69% Rule)
The Department of State requires your head (measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your hair) to occupy between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) of the total image height. This represents between 50% and 69% of the frame.
- Ensure the camera is at eye level, roughly 4 to 6 feet away.
- Maintain a direct, front-facing posture with both ears visible or unobstructed.
- Do not tilt your head up, down, or to either side.
2. Lighting & Background Requirements
The background must be completely plain white or off-white.
- No Shadows: Harsh shadows cast against the wall behind your head or on your facial features will trigger instant rejection. Use diffused, even lighting.
- No Textures: Patterns, tile grout lines, fabric textures, or outdoor elements are not accepted.
- Natural Skin Tones: Avoid heavy color filters, artistic tinting, or high-contrast saturation boosts.
3. Strict Attire & Accessory Rules
❌ Eyeglasses are Strictly Banned: Since 2016, eyeglasses cannot be worn in US passport photos. The only exception is a signed medical statement from a physician documenting urgent necessity (e.g., recent eye surgery).
❌ No Uniforms or Camouflage: Wear everyday casual or professional attire. Uniforms or military-style clothing are prohibited.
❌ No Hats or Head Coverings: Permitted only for religious or medical purposes, and you must submit a signed statement confirming religious practice. In all cases, the face must be fully visible from hairline to chin.
❌ No Headphones or Wireless Earbuds: Remove AirPods and smart glasses prior to taking the photo.
4. Digital Upload Requirements for Online Applications
For online renewals and Form DS-160 / Form DS-260 visa submissions:
- Dimensions: Minimum 600 × 600 pixels, up to 1200 × 1200 pixels. The aspect ratio must be exactly 1:1 (square).
- File Size: Must not exceed 240 KB (245,760 bytes). Files larger than 240 KB fail portal verification immediately.
- File Format: JPEG format (
.jpgor.jpeg) with standard sRGB color space.