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United States Passport

United States Passport Photo Maker

Upload any photo — the tool removes your existing background, drops in the plain white or off-white background required for United States passport, and produces a spec-exact 51×51mm image ready to submit.

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or click anywhere in this box to choose a photo

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JPG, PNG, or HEIC · Max 10 MB on Free · Face forward, eyes on the camera.

100% private — deleted after processing No sign-up to preview Spec-exact 51×51mm output

How to make a United States passport photo in 3 steps

Upload any photo of yourself, and the tool handles the entire United States passport spec pipeline — background removal, colour swap, spec-exact crop, file-size compression — in one pass.

Upload any photo of yourself

Use your phone, webcam, or any existing photo — it does not need a white background yet. Stand in front of a plain wall with even lighting and no harsh shadows on your face. Face the camera straight on with a neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed.

Background is removed and replaced

The tool detects your face and body, removes the original background, and composites you onto the plain white required by the State Department. Hair strands and clothing edges are preserved cleanly.

Auto-crop to 2×2 inches and download

Your face is auto-positioned within the 51×51mm frame at 300 DPI — head height between 25 and 35mm, centered. The output JPEG stays under 240 KB for DS-160 upload. Drag the crop box to fine-tune if needed.

Understanding the United States passport spec

The US Department of State requires a 2×2 inch (51×51mm) color photograph for every passport application — whether you file Form DS-11 (new passport) or DS-82 (renewal by mail). The background must be plain white or off-white with no shadows, patterns, or visible furniture. Since November 2016, glasses of any kind are automatically rejected. Photos must be taken within the last 6 months so they reflect your current appearance.

Dimensions

51×51 mm

2.0 × 2.0 in

Resolution

300 DPI

Print-ready

Background

plain white or off-white

AI-swapped

Head height

25–35 mm

Chin to crown

Requirements at a glance

2x2 inches (51x51mm), colour
Plain white or off-white background — no patterns, no shadows
Head between 25 and 35mm tall, centered
Neutral expression with both eyes open, mouth closed
No glasses (rejected since November 2016)
Taken within the last 6 months — recent likeness
No hats or head coverings (except religious, worn daily)
File size 54 KB to 10 MB

Common mistakes that get photos rejected

Wearing glasses — automatic rejection
Head too small in frame (less than 25mm) or too large (more than 35mm)
Off-white or beige background instead of pure white
Photo older than 6 months
Shadows on face or behind head
Digital photo taken in a mirror

Where United States passport photos are actually used

The 2×2 inch spec is shared across multiple US government applications. The same photo works for a Green Card renewal (Form I-90), citizenship application (N-400), Employment Authorization (I-765), and TWIC card. It also matches the spec used by India, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia — useful if you hold dual citizenship or are applying for a family visa across borders.

Applications that accept this photo spec

New US passport book or card (Form DS-11) — filed at a passport acceptance facility
US passport renewal by mail (Form DS-82)
Passport for a minor under 16 (DS-11 with both parents present)
Emergency passport at a regional agency (same-day or next-day service)
US Global Entry and Trusted Traveler Program enrollment
DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application (uploaded separately during consular processing)

United States passport photo FAQ

What size is a US passport photo in inches and pixels?

2×2 inches (51×51mm). At 300 DPI that is 600×600 pixels. The head must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25-35mm) from chin to the top of the head. This tool outputs at exactly those dimensions.

Can I wear glasses in my US passport photo?

No. Since November 1, 2016, the State Department rejects all photos where the applicant is wearing glasses — including prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses. The only exception requires a signed medical statement from your doctor.

How much does a passport photo cost at CVS, Walgreens, or the post office?

Most drugstores charge $15-17 for two printed passport photos. USPS locations charge about $15. This tool lets you create and download the digital file for free, then print it yourself on 4×6 photo paper at any drugstore kiosk for under $1.

What background color does the State Department require?

Plain white or off-white. No patterns, textures, or shadows. Photos taken against a beige wall, a grey backdrop, or with visible furniture behind you will be rejected. This tool replaces whatever background is in your source photo with the correct white.

Can I take a US passport photo with my iPhone or Android phone?

Yes. Modern phone cameras have more than enough resolution for the 600×600 pixel output. What matters is even lighting (face a window for natural light), a straight-on angle (not a selfie from below), and a neutral expression. Use this tool to handle the background and sizing.

What is the file size limit for DS-160 photo upload?

The DS-160 online form accepts JPEG files between 54 KB and 240 KB. Photos larger than 240 KB are silently rejected — the form just shows "photo does not meet requirements." This tool automatically compresses the output to stay under that cap.

How recent does my US passport photo need to be?

Taken within the last 6 months. The photo must reflect your current appearance — if you have significantly changed your hair, gained or lost weight, or had facial surgery, you need a new photo even if your last one is less than 6 months old.

Can I smile in a US passport photo?

A natural, neutral expression is required — mouth closed, no exaggerated expressions. A slight, natural smile is technically accepted, but a wide smile showing teeth will be rejected. The safest approach is a neutral expression with a relaxed face.

Is my uploaded photo saved on your servers?

No. Your photo is processed in memory and never stored on disk. The background removal runs server-side (the AI model is too large for a browser), but the input image is discarded immediately after processing. Nothing is logged, saved, or shared.

Can I print the passport photo at home?

Yes. The output is a 300 DPI JPEG at exactly 2×2 inches, so any inkjet or laser printer produces the correct physical size when you print at 100% scale (not "fit to page"). Use the 4×6 print sheet option to get multiple copies on a single sheet of photo paper.