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Official 2026 Specifications

U.S. Passport Photo Requirements

Complete biometric standards and technical parameters for U.S. Department of State applications — including online renewals via MyTravelGov, first-time applications (Form DS-11), and mail renewals (Form DS-82).

Dimensions

2 × 2 inches

51 × 51 mm

Head Proportion

1″ to 1⅜″

50% – 69% of height

Digital Pixels

600 × 600 px

Up to 1200×1200 px

Background

Plain White

0 shadows / patterns

Eyeglasses

Prohibited

Zero exceptions

Recency

Last 6 Months

Current appearance

22 CFR 51.26 COMPLIANT

Meets official U.S. Code of Federal Regulations standard

DS-11 & DS-82 ACCEPTED

Guarantees acceptance for mail and in-person applications

MYTRAVELGOV READY

Verified sRGB JPEG format (600–1200 px, 54 KB–10 MB)

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State Department Dimensional & Positioning Standards

Official proportions per Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR 51.26).

1. Overall Dimensions

2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)

The photo must be a perfect 1:1 square. Digital files must be minimum 600×600 pixels up to 1200×1200 pixels at 300 DPI resolution.

2. Head Height (Chin to Crown)

1″ to 1⅜″ (25 to 35 mm)

The applicant’s head (from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair) must occupy between 50% and 69% of the photo’s total vertical height.

3. Eye Level Baseline

1⅛″ to 1⅜″ (28 to 35 mm)

Eye level must be measured between 1⅛ inches (28 mm) and 1⅜ inches (35 mm) from the bottom edge of the photo.

MyTravelGov (Online Renewal) vs. Paper Applications (DS-11 / DS-82)

Ensure your photo conforms to the exact submission channel requirements.

Critical MyTravelGov Requirement: sRGB Color Space

iPhone camera photos are captured in Display P3 wide color space by default. The State Department MyTravelGov portal strictly rejects Display P3 images without descriptive error messages. Our validator automatically transcodes uploaded images into certified 24-bit sRGB JPEG format.

Specification ParameterOnline Renewal (MyTravelGov)First-Time (DS-11) & Mail Renewal (DS-82)
Submission FormatDigital Upload (JPEG)Printed Physical Photographs
Dimensions600×600 px to 1200×1200 px2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Color Profile24-bit sRGB (Mandatory)Full Natural Color
File Size / Paper Quality54 KB to 10 MBMatte or glossy photo paper (no copy paper)
Quantity Required1 Digital Image UploadDS-11: 2 identical photos | DS-82: 1 stapled photo
Eyeglasses RuleProhibitedProhibited

Official State Department Acceptance Checklist

Ensure your photo complies with every official guideline before submission.

1. Lighting & Shadow Elimination

Light must illuminate both sides of the face evenly. There must be no shadows under the chin, across the nose, or behind the head on the background wall. Flash shadows cause immediate rejection.

2. Facial Expression & Eye Openness

Maintain a neutral expression or a natural, subtle smile. Both eyes must be open, alert, and looking directly into the camera lens. Mouth must remain closed with teeth not excessively exposed.

3. Eyeglasses Ban (Since Nov 2016)

Eyeglasses are banned in all U.S. passport photos. Clear prescription lenses, reading glasses, and transition lenses are not allowed because reflections obstruct automated facial biometric checkpoints.

4. Dress Code & Permitted Headwear

Wear normal everyday street attire. Uniforms, camouflage clothing, hats, and wireless earbuds/headphones are prohibited. Religious headwear is allowed when accompanied by a signed statement.

5. Facial Hair & Alterations

Beards, mustaches, and natural facial hair are completely acceptable. Do NOT use beauty filters, skin-smoothing algorithms, or digital retouching to remove blemishes or change natural features.

6. Infant & Baby Passport Photos

Newborns can be photographed lying flat on a plain white sheet from above. No hands, parent faces, or toys may be visible. Infants under 1 year are given leeway if eyes are not completely open.

Visual Compliance Examples (Pass vs. Fail)

Review official comparison cases validated against State Department guidelines.

11. Plain White Background

Incorrect photo example: Background must be plain white or off-white. Off-color, patterned, textured, or busy backgrounds are rejected.
Rejected
Background must be plain white or off-white. Off-color, patterned, textured, or busy backgrounds are rejected.
Correct compliant photo example
Approved
Meets official 2×2″ standard

22. Lighting & Zero Shadows

Incorrect photo example: Even lighting across the face. Shadows under the chin, behind ears, or on the backdrop cause automatic rejection.
Rejected
Even lighting across the face. Shadows under the chin, behind ears, or on the backdrop cause automatic rejection.
Correct compliant photo example
Approved
Meets official 2×2″ standard

33. Centered & Level Head Pose

Incorrect photo example: Head must be centered and face directly forward. Tilted, turned, or looking away poses are not accepted.
Rejected
Head must be centered and face directly forward. Tilted, turned, or looking away poses are not accepted.
Correct compliant photo example
Approved
Meets official 2×2″ standard

44. Eyeglasses Ban (Since 2016)

Incorrect photo example: All eyeglasses (prescription lenses, reading glasses, sunglasses) are strictly banned by the State Department.
Rejected
All eyeglasses (prescription lenses, reading glasses, sunglasses) are strictly banned by the State Department.
Correct compliant photo example
Approved
Meets official 2×2″ standard

How to Print 2×2″ Photos for $0.39 at Walgreens, CVS, or Target

In-store passport photo desks charge up to $17.99 for two cut prints. Here is how to print them as a standard 4×6″ photo sheet.

The 4×6″ Printable Template Hack:

  1. Upload your photo to our studio tool above to check compliance and crop to exact 2×2″.
  2. Download the 4×6 inch Print Template containing two identical 2×2″ photos with cut guides.
  3. Order a standard 4×6″ print online at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, or Target for approximately $0.39 (do not order under their specialized "passport photo service").
  4. Pick up your print, cut along the guidelines with scissors, and submit with your application.
Price Comparison
CVS / Walgreens in-store fee:$16.99 – $17.99
USPS Post Office photo fee:$15.00
Our 4×6″ Print Template at local photo kiosk:$0.39

Form DS-11: First-Time Applications

Used by first-time applicants, minors under 16, or individuals whose previous passport expired over 5 years ago (15 years for adults).

  • •Must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility.
  • •Requires two identical 2×2″ color printed photos.
  • •Do not attach photos with glue; present them loosely or paperclipped.

Form DS-82: Adult Passport Renewal by Mail

Used for renewing an adult 10-year passport issued within the last 15 years when you were 16 or older.

  • •Submitted via USPS Priority Mail or online via MyTravelGov.
  • •For mail applications: attach one 2×2″ photo using 4 vertical staples in corners.
  • •For MyTravelGov: upload 1 square sRGB JPEG digital file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to common questions about U.S. passport photo rules.

Can I wear eyeglasses in my U.S. passport photo?
No. Since November 1, 2016, the U.S. Department of State has strictly prohibited eyeglasses in all passport photos — including clear prescription glasses, reading glasses, and transition lenses. The only exception requires a signed medical statement from a doctor explaining why glasses cannot be removed due to a medical condition (such as recent eye surgery). Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never permitted.
What are the exact photo specifications for MyTravelGov online passport renewal?
For online passport renewals via the MyTravelGov portal, your digital photo must meet these technical requirements: (1) Format: JPEG file (.jpg), (2) Dimensions: Square aspect ratio, minimum 600×600 pixels up to 1200×1200 pixels, (3) Color Profile: 24-bit sRGB color space (iPhone Display P3 photos must be converted), (4) File Size: Between 54 KB and 10 MB, (5) Compression: Uncompressed or minimally compressed with zero digital alterations.
What is the difference between DS-11 and DS-82 photo requirements?
The photographic standard is identical (2×2 inches / 51×51 mm, plain white background, head 1–1⅜ inches). The difference is the submission procedure: Form DS-11 (first-time applicants, minors, or replacement passports) requires two identical printed photos submitted in person at an acceptance facility. Form DS-82 (adult renewal by mail) requires one photo attached to the form using four vertical staples in the designated corners.
Can I smile in my U.S. passport photo?
Yes, a natural, unforced smile with both eyes open is permitted by the U.S. Department of State. However, an exaggerated grin, open-mouth laughing showing wide teeth or tongue, or squinting eyes will cause the automated biometric scanning system to reject the photo. A neutral expression is recommended as the safest option.
Can I take my U.S. passport photo at home with a smartphone?
Yes, taking your passport photo at home is fully permitted as long as it satisfies all State Department criteria. Stand 4 to 5 feet away from a well-lit white wall in daylight, avoid shadows, keep a neutral expression, and remove eyeglasses. You can use our tool to automatically verify biometric proportions, crop to the exact 2×2 inch format, and generate a 4×6 inch printable template.
What type of paper must printed passport photos use?
Printed passport photos must be printed on photo-quality paper — either matte or glossy finish. Photos printed on plain copy paper, cardstock, or textured paper will be rejected. The print must be sharp, in full natural color, and free of ink streaks or pixelation.