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US passport photo maker
Turn a phone photo into a US passport photo that meets the official size rules. You get a digital file for online passport renewal and a 4×6 print sheet. Free, and your photo never leaves your device.
2026Official rules
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Background: Plain white or off-white. No shadows, textures or objects.
Official US passport photo requirements
| Print size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), in colour, on matte or glossy photo paper |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25–35 mm), chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows, textures or objects |
| Glasses | Not allowed (a signed doctor’s note is needed for medical exceptions) |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed, facing the camera |
| Age of photo | Taken in the last 6 months |
| Online renewal file | JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF, between 54 KB and 10 MB |
| Edits | No filters or retouching; don’t scan a printed photo |
Last checked against the official sources on 28 October 2026: U.S. Department of State: passport photos · Uploading a digital photo (online renewal)
How to take a good photo with your phone
- Stand about 1 metre (3 feet) in front of a plain, light-coloured wall.
- Face a window or use even light, so there are no shadows on your face or the wall.
- Ask someone to take the photo at eye level. Avoid selfies; they distort your face.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, eyes open and mouth closed.
- Check the glasses rule in the table below; if in doubt, take them off. Keep hair away from your eyes.
- Upload the photo above, check it lines up with the guides, and download.
Common questions
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
No. The face detection and cropping run inside your browser. Your photo is never sent to a server.
What size is the digital file?
The download is a square 1200 × 1200 pixel JPEG, between 54 KB and 10 MB as required.
How do I print the photos?
Download the 4×6 print sheet and print it as a standard 4×6 inch (10×15 cm) photo at any photo shop or pharmacy. If you print at home, choose "actual size" or 100%, not "fit to page". Cut along the grey lines.