2x2 Inch Size
Photo must be exactly 2x2 inches (51x51mm. Our Software crops your photo to the precise dimensions required by the State Department.
Official Requirements
US Passport Photo Specifications
Every requirement from the U.S. Department of State, checked automatically by our Software.
Head Size: 1–1⅜ inches
Head height from chin to top must be 25–35mm. Our Software automatically positions your head in the correct zone.
White Background
Plain white or off-white with no shadows or patterns. Our Software removes any background and replaces it with perfect white.
No Glasses
Glasses are not allowed since 2016. If you must wear them for medical reasons, you'll need a signed doctor's statement.
Neutral Expression
No smiling, frowning, or raised eyebrows. Mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible.
Taken Within 6 Months
Must reflect your current appearance. If you've significantly changed your look, take a new photo.
How It Works
Create Your US Passport Photo in 3 Easy Steps
The fastest way to get a State Department-compliant passport photo — no appointment, no travel, no waiting.
Take Your Photo
Take a photo against any plain background using your phone or camera. Stand in good lighting, remove glasses, and keep a neutral expression. A selfie works perfectly.
Upload & Software Verifies
Upload to VisaID. Our Software removes the background, crops to 2x2 inches, positions your head correctly, and checks every State Department requirement automatically.
Download or Print
Download your digital photo instantly for online renewal (DS-82. Or order high-quality 2x2 prints on premium photo paper, delivered to your door via USPS.
Make your photo
Upload Your Photo
💡 Pro Tip (Maximize Acceptance): Authorities can reject photos for minor issues. We highly recommend preparing up to 3 slightly different variations (e.g., one with a slight smile, one completely neutral). You pay once for all!
📐 Photo Requirements:
- Face clearly visible and centered
- Neutral expression, mouth closed (or very slight smile)
- Good lighting, no shadows on the face
Remove Background and Adjust Your Photo
🞎 ✂ Align & Crop: Drag the image to center your face. Use the vertical orange line to align your nose. Zoom so your head fits between the guidelines. When ready, click "Save this Variation".
Example
🔍︎ Zoom:
1.20x
Preview Your Variations
🗋 After payment you will receive 4 formats for EACH variation:
✓ Digital 300 DPI (Web) • 600 DPI (High Quality Print)
✓ Printable 4x6" Sheet 300 & 600 DPI (6 photos with cut lines)
✓ Digital 300 DPI (Web) • 600 DPI (High Quality Print)
✓ Printable 4x6" Sheet 300 & 600 DPI (6 photos with cut lines)
Why VisaID
Why Choose VisaID for Your US Passport Photo
Trusted by millions of Americans for passport renewals, new applications, and child passport photos.
Software Automatic Verification
Our Software checks 20+ State Department requirements in seconds — head size, eye position, background, shadows, and more.
Expert Human Review
Every photo is double-checked by a trained specialist before delivery. We catch what Software might miss.
100% Acceptance Guarantee
If your photo is rejected by the State Department, we remake it free or refund you. No questions asked.
Instant Digital Download
Perfect for online passport renewal. Download a properly sized digital file immediately.
Baby & Child Photos
Special handling for infant and child passport photos. No need to bring your baby to a store.
Cheaper Than Drugstores
Save money compared to CVS, Walgreens, or post office photos. From just $9.99 for a digital file.
Frequently Asked Questions
US Passport Photo FAQ
Everything you need to know about getting your US passport photo online.
What are the requirements for a US passport photo?
The photo must be <strong>2x2 inches (51x51 mm)</strong>. The head must be between <strong>1 and 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm)</strong> from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The background must be plain white or off-white. No glasses, a neutral expression, and eyes must be open. Photo must be taken within the last 6 months. PhotoPass checks all of these requirements automatically.
Can I take my own US passport photo at home?
Yes, absolutely! Stand in front of a plain white wall with good, even lighting. Use your smartphone's rear camera for best quality. Have someone else take the photo or use a tripod and timer. Remove your glasses. Keep a neutral expression with both eyes open. Upload to PhotoPass and our AI will handle everything else — background removal, cropping to 2x2 inches, and compliance verification.
Where can I get a passport photo near me?
While you can get a passport photo at <strong>CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, UPS, and USPS locations</strong>, PhotoPass offers a faster, cheaper, and more reliable alternative. Our AI verification checks every State Department requirement — something a drugstore photo kiosk cannot do. Plus, you don't need to drive anywhere or wait in line. Get your photo from home in 3 minutes.
Is an online passport photo valid for a US passport application?
<strong>Yes, completely valid.</strong> The State Department accepts both digital uploads (for online DS-82 renewal) and printed photos. As long as the photo meets all official requirements, it doesn't matter where or how it was created. PhotoPass guarantees our photos meet every specification.
How long does it take to get a US passport photo online?
With PhotoPass, your digital US passport photo is ready in <strong>under 3 minutes</strong>. Upload your photo, our AI verifies and crops it, and you can download the final file instantly. If you order printed photos, they're shipped via USPS First Class mail and typically arrive in <strong>1-3 business days</strong>.
What's the difference between a 2x2 passport photo and a regular photo?
A 2x2 passport photo is a highly specific format: exactly 51x51mm with strict head size requirements (25-35mm chin to top of head). The background must be plain white, expression must be neutral, and no glasses are allowed. Unlike a regular portrait, it must meet <strong>biometric standards</strong> for facial recognition by government systems. PhotoPass automatically converts any photo into this precise format.
Can I use my phone to take a passport photo?
<strong>Yes!</strong> Modern smartphones have excellent cameras that are more than sufficient for passport photos. Use the <strong>rear camera</strong> (not selfie camera) for highest quality. Ensure good, even lighting without shadows on your face. Have someone take the photo for you at eye level. Remove glasses and keep a neutral expression. PhotoPass's AI handles the rest.
Do you guarantee that my US passport photo will be accepted?
<strong>Yes — 100% guaranteed.</strong> If your photo is rejected by the U.S. Department of State for any technical reason (wrong size, head position, background, lighting, etc.), we will correct and resend it for free, or provide a full refund — your choice. This guarantee is why millions trust PhotoPass for their passport applications.
US Passport Photo Guide & Resources
Get a 2x2 Passport Photo Without Leaving Home
Searching for "passport photo near me" or "Walgreens passport photo"? Save time and money by creating your 2x2 passport photo online with VisaID. No need to drive to CVS, the post office, or a passport photo booth. Our service is designed to replace the pharmacy photo counter entirely.
Whether you're renewing your passport online with the DS-82 form or applying for the first time, our Software creates a perfectly sized, State Department-compliant photo. It's faster than any "passport photo near me" search, and it's guaranteed to be accepted.
Top US Passport Photo Searches
- Passport photo near me: Skip the trip — get yours online.
- 2x2 passport photo maker: Auto-cropped to exact 51x51mm specs.
- Renew passport online: Digital photo ready for DS-82 submission.
- Walgreens passport photo / CVS passport photo: A better, cheaper alternative.
- American passport photo: Designed specifically for U.S. citizens.
Official US Passport Photo Requirements Checklist
A rejected photo is the #1 reason for passport application delays. Meeting the official US passport photo requirements is critical for a smooth application process. VisaID checks all of these automatically:
- Dimensions: Exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm.
- Head Size: Head height must be 1 – 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mmfrom chin to top of head.
- Eye Height: Eyes must be between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo.
- Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows, patterns, or textures.
- Expression: Neutral expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.
- No Glasses: Glasses are not allowed since 2016 (medical exceptions require a signed statement.
- No Uniforms: No camouflage or clothing that looks like a uniform.
- Recency: Photo must be taken within the last 6 months.
- Lighting: Even lighting with no shadows on the face or background.
Digital Passport Photo for Online Renewal (DS-82
The State Department now allows online passport renewal for eligible applicants using Form DS-82. This means you can submit a digital passport photo instead of mailing in printed copies. VisaID provides the perfect digital file, sized and formatted for the online renewal portal.
Our digital photos are high-resolution (300 DPI, correctly sized, and in JPEG format — exactly what the State Department's system expects. No scanning, no cropping, no guessing.
Online Renewal Requirements
- Your most recent passport must be undamaged and in your possession.
- You must have been at least 16 years old when it was issued.
- It must have been issued within the last 15 years.
- Your digital photo must meet all standard requirements.
Why Choose an Online Passport Photo Service?
Getting your US passport photo online is faster, more convenient, and more reliable than traditional methods. Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS use automated kiosks that often reject valid photos or fail to check all requirements. Post offices charge premium prices for basic photo services.
With VisaID, you get Software verification against actual State Department specifications, plus an expert human review. If any issue is detected, we flag it before you submit your application — something a drugstore photo booth cannot do. And if your photo is rejected, we remake it or refund you. That's a guarantee no pharmacy offers.
Benefits of VisaID
- Cheaper: Digital photos from $4.99 vs $15-18 at pharmacies.
- Faster: Ready in 3 minutes vs driving and waiting.
- Guaranteed: Money-back acceptance guarantee.
- Family-friendly: Get everyone's photo done from home.
- Mobile-first: Works perfectly on your phone.
Ready to Create Your Photo?
100% acceptance guarantee on every photo. Upload, App verify, download in 3 minutes.