United States photo size and background
How to make a US passport photo online
- Use a recent color photo with a plain white or off-white background.
- Keep your face centered and directly facing the camera.
- Avoid filters, heavy retouching, shadows, hats, and objects in the background.
- Download a single 2 x 2 inch photo for online use or create a 4R print sheet.
Start with the 2 x 2 inch preset
This opens the shared FlymeTools passport photo maker with the matching country and document type selected. Upload your photo, adjust the crop frame, review Photo Check, and download a single photo or printable sheet.
Create this photoCommon mistakes to avoid
- Using a colored or textured background.
- Cropping the head too large or too small.
- Submitting a digitally altered photo when the authority asks for an original image.
- Printing with fit-to-page instead of actual size.
Printing tips
When printing passport or visa photos, use actual size / 100% scale. Do not use fit-to-page, borderless enlargement or automatic scaling unless the authority or print shop tells you to do so. If an online portal asks for one digital photo, upload the single photo file instead of the printable sheet.
Official requirement reference
Photo rules change and can vary by application type. Check the latest official instructions before submitting: U.S. Department of State passport photo requirements.
FAQ
What size is a US passport photo?
A common US passport photo is 2 x 2 inches. At 300 DPI, that equals 600 x 600 pixels.
Can I use a white background?
Yes. A plain white or off-white background is commonly required for US passport photos.
Can this tool guarantee approval?
No. It helps create the correct size and layout, but final acceptance depends on the passport authority.