U.S. Department of State: 2x2 Inch Passport Specs (2026)
The United States Passport photo is unique in the world of biometrics for its distinct 2x2 inch square format. Whether you are submitting a DS-11 in person or a DS-82 by mail, your photograph is the primary security feature of your citizenship document. The Department of State (DoS) is uncompromising on lighting, size, and background uniformity. The photo must be 2x2 inches (51x51mm) with the head size between 50% and 69% of the image height.
U.S. Passport Technical Specs
The 'Square' Rule and Biometric Ratios
Unlike standard 4x6 photos, the 2x2 inch square requirement means your portrait must be perfectly centered. The DoS requires the distance from the bottom of the photo to the center of the eyes to be between 1 1/8 inches and 1 3/8 inches. Our AI calculates this measurement down to the pixel, ensuring your eyes are exactly where the government scanner expects them to be.
Essential Do's and Don'ts for 2026
- No Eyeglasses: Since 2016, eyeglasses have been banned from US passport photos to ensure facial recognition accuracy.
- No Selfies: The Department of State officially recommends against selfies because of face distortion. Our tool uses AI to correct perspective and simulate a 5-foot distance, even if taken closer.
- Shadows: Shadows on the face or background are the #1 reason for delay. We remove all shadows from your background and balance the light on your face digitally.
Expert Tip: High-Quality Printing
When you download your photo from our tool, we provide a 4x6 inch sheet with two identical 2x2 inch photos. You can print this at any local pharmacy or photo store. This is the most reliable way to get an accepted photo for a fraction of the cost of in-store services.