Requirement guide
Passport Photo Size
A printed U.S. passport photo must be 2 x 2 inches. The head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
The size rule is precise.Head size matters as much as the final square.PassportSnapper checks both before download.
Official-rule shortcut
Requirements Summary
| Final printed size | Exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) for a printed U.S. passport photo |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head |
| Position | Head centered, facing the camera directly, with the entire head visible |
| Print surface | Matte or glossy photo-quality paper for paper applications |
| Source image | Recent color photo with a plain white or off-white background and no digital alterations |
Reviewed against U.S. State Department passport photo guidance. Last reviewed July 16, 2026.
Fast workflow
How to get it done
- Start with a recent, sharp color photo taken against a plain white or off-white background.
- Face the camera directly and leave enough space around the head so the final crop does not cut off hair or chin.
- Use a 2 x 2 inch layout and check that the head measures 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown.
- Upload the original photo to PassportSnapper so the crop, head size, centering, background, lighting, and quality can be checked together.
- Before submitting a paper application, measure the printed result and confirm it is exactly 2 x 2 inches on photo-quality paper.
Rejection risks
Common mistakes
- Treating a square crop as proof that the head measurement is correct.
- Stretching or shrinking the image during printing so the final photo is not exactly 2 x 2 inches.
- Cropping too close to the hair or chin, or leaving the head too small in the square.
- Using a ruler on the screen instead of checking the physical printed dimensions.
- Printing on regular office paper or allowing printer settings to scale the photo automatically.
Quick answers
FAQ
Is 2x2 the same as 51x51 mm?
Yes. The State Department lists the printed size as 2 x 2 inches, or 51 x 51 mm.
Can hair touch the edge?
Hair may extend near the edge as long as the entire head is visible and the head size is compliant.
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