US Passport Photo
2x2 Inches.
Instantly crop and resize your picture to exactly 2x2 inches (600x600 px). Meets all US passport, visa, and green card requirements.
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Download ResizedThe Complete Guide to US Passport Photos (2x2 Inches)
Getting ready for international travel is exciting, but navigating the strict US State Department passport photo requirements can be a headache. The official standard for a United States passport is exactly 2x2 inches (51 x 51 mm). Getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons for application delays and rejections.
Our free online passport photo 2x2 inches maker is designed to help US citizens and visa applicants generate perfect, compliant photos in seconds. Unlike expensive drugstores, our tool works entirely in your web browser—ensuring your sensitive identity photos are kept completely private and are never uploaded to the cloud.
Understanding 2x2 Inches in Pixels & Dimensions
When applying online or preparing an image for printing, understanding digital dimensions is crucial. A 2x2 inch physical photo translates directly to digital pixels based on the DPI (Dots Per Inch) resolution:
- 300 DPI (Standard): The exact digital size is 600x600 pixels. This is the official dimension required for US digital passport and visa uploads.
- 450 DPI (High Res): Translates to 900x900 pixels, suitable for high-quality printing.
- 600 DPI (Ultra Res): Translates to 1200x1200 pixels, though often unnecessary for standard applications.
- Metric Conversion: 2x2 inches is equivalent to 51 x 51 millimeters.
Strict Photo Composition Rules
Meeting the 600x600 pixel requirement is just the beginning. The State Department has rigid composition rules that our cropping tool helps you achieve:
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01
Proper Head Sizing
Your head, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair, must measure between 1 and 1.375 inches (25 to 35 mm). This means your face should fill most of the frame.
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02
Eye Height Placement
Your eyes must be located between 1.125 and 1.375 inches (28 to 35 mm) from the bottom edge of the photo. Keep your head centered.
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03
White or Off-White Background
The background must be plain white or off-white, free of shadows, textures, or patterns. No doors or wallpaper should be visible.
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04
No Glasses (Since 2016)
Eyeglasses are completely banned from US passport photos. Even if you wear prescription glasses every day, you must remove them to avoid glare and frame shadows.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these frequent mistakes that lead to an immediate rejection of your passport application:
- Shadows on Face or Background: Use flat, even lighting facing a window.
- Unnatural Expressions: Smiling with teeth showing or frowning is not allowed. Maintain a neutral expression with both eyes open.
- Incorrect Uniforms/Attire: Do not wear uniforms, camouflage, or headphones. Religious headwear is allowed only with a signed statement.
- Filters or Retouching: Do not apply social media filters, airbrushing, or digital alterations to your face.
CVS & Walgreens vs. Free Online Tools
Traditionally, getting a passport photo meant a trip to a local pharmacy like CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid. These services typically charge anywhere from $15 to $17 for two printed photos.
By taking a photo at home with your smartphone and using our passport photo 2x2 online tool, you can create a perfectly compliant digital photo for absolutely free. If you need physical prints, you can align six 2x2 photos on a standard 4x6 print and print it at those same pharmacies for just 35 cents!
Beyond Passports: Visas, Green Cards, and DV Lottery
The 2x2 inch (600x600 pixel) dimension is the universal standard across the US immigration system. Our tool works perfectly for:
- US Visa Applications (DS-160)
- Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery entries
- Green Card (Permanent Resident) applications
- OPT and EAD card photos for international students
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a US passport photo in pixels?
A standard US passport photo is 2x2 inches. For digital uploads, the official requirement is a square 600x600 pixels (at 300 DPI resolution).
Can I take my own passport photo at home?
Yes, taking your own photo at home is fully allowed by the US State Department. Stand in front of a plain white wall, face a window for natural light, and use our free tool to crop it perfectly to 2x2 inches.
What is the background color for a US passport photo?
The background must be plain white or off-white. It must be free of shadows, patterns, or any visible objects behind your head.
How much does a passport photo cost at CVS vs online?
A set of passport photos at CVS or Walgreens usually costs around $16.99. Using our online cropper is 100% free, and you can print the resulting image on a standard 4x6 sheet at a pharmacy for under 40 cents.
Do passport photos have to be exactly 2x2 inches?
Yes. The US Department of State strictly enforces the 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) rule. Using incorrect dimensions will result in a mandatory rejection and delay your application.