2×2 Passport Photo: US Size, Specs & How to Get One

Q: What size is a US passport photo?

A US passport photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) square. The head height from chin to top of hair must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) within the frame. Printed photos should be at least 300 DPI on matte or glossy photo paper with a plain white or off-white background.

Q: Is 2×2 the same as 51×51mm?

Yes. Two inches equals 50.8 mm, which the US State Department rounds to 51×51 mm for the 2×2 inch passport, visa, and green card photo standard. The printed image is a square: 2 inches on each side.

Q: Can I crop a photo to 2×2 at home?

You can crop at home if you preserve the correct head size (50–69% of image height), eye position, and a plain white or off-white background. Use a tool that exports at 300+ DPI for printing, or use PixID to validate compliance automatically before you print.

Q: What DPI for passport photo?

For printed US passport photos, use at least 300 DPI so the 2×2 inch print is sharp. Digital submissions (e.g. DS-160 or online renewal) follow file-size and pixel rules from the relevant system; when printing at home or at retail, 300 DPI is the safe standard.

Diagram: US passport and visa photo requirements for 2×2 inch prints, head height and eye placement. — Head height and placement must match State Department guidelines within the 2×2 frame.

Why 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) matters

For US travel documents, the 2×2 passport photo is the fixed format: same dimensions for a US passport, nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, green card applications, and many USCIS forms. Digital submissions still describe the same proportions — the image must look like a correctly cropped 2×2 photo, not a random square selfie.

51×51 mm is the metric label for the same square: 2 inches equals 50.8 mm; the State Department cites 51 mm for the 2×2 inch photo specification. If you are asked for a passport photo size 2×2 or a 2×2 inch photo, this is the measurement.

Exact dimensions & head size

Image size: The printed photo is exactly 2 inches wide × 2 inches high (51×51 mm).
Head size: The head — from the bottom of the chin to the top of the hair — must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) in the final image. That is roughly 50–69% of the photo height.
Position: Center the face; eyes should typically sit between about 1⅛ and 1⅜ inches from the bottom edge of the image (see the official diagram on travel.state.gov).

These rules apply whether you need a passport photo 2×2 for a new book, a DS-160 visa photo, or a digital passport photo for online upload — the proportions must match the 2×2 standard.

DPI, printing & digital files

For physical prints, aim for 300 DPI or higher so the 2×2 inch photo is sharp when printed. Lower resolution can look soft or pixelated when the embassy or passport agency scans the picture.

For online applications, portals use pixel dimensions and file-size limits instead of “DPI,” but the content should still look like a proper 2×2 crop with correct head size. See passport photo online for typical workflows and file delivery.

Background, color & expression

The background must be plain white or off-white, without texture, shadows on the backdrop, or other people/objects. The photo must be in color, taken within the last six months, with a neutral expression and both eyes open (unless documented medical exception). Glasses are generally not allowed except in limited cases; see the official photo requirements.

Not 35×45 mm: US vs most other countries

Most countries outside the US use a 35×45 mm rectangular photo (e.g. UK, Schengen, many Asian passports). The US 2×2 format is square and slightly larger in width than that rectangle. If you submit a 35×45 image for a US passport or visa, it may be rejected.

Compare formats and measurements in our passport photo size guide before you shoot or print.

How to get a 2×2 photo (prices & options)

Option	Typical cost	Notes
PixID.studio	$4.99	Digital file + printable sheet; compliance checks; instant download. Works with online passport photo workflows.
CVS Photo	~$16.99	In-store passport service; pricing varies slightly by location. See our CVS passport photo guide.
Walgreens	~$16.99	Similar retail passport package. Details: Walgreens passport photo.
Walmart	~$7.64	Often cheaper in-store; confirm availability. Walmart passport photo.
DIY + print	~$0.12–$0.35/sheet	Create a compliant 2×2 file, then print a 4×6 sheet at retail and cut. See print passport photos for $0.35 and cheapest passport photo comparisons.

Free tools often skip validation — for a risk-aware overview, read free passport photo options and best passport photo app picks.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a US passport photo?

A US passport photo is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). The head must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to crown. Prints should be at least 300 DPI on photo-quality paper with a white or off-white background.

Is 2×2 the same as 51×51 mm?

Yes. Two inches equals 50.8 mm; the State Department specifies 51×51 mm for the square 2×2 photo. It is the same format whether you say “2×2 inch” or “51 by 51 mm.”

Can I crop a photo to 2×2 at home?

You can, if you preserve head size, centering, and a plain white/off-white background. Export at 300+ DPI for printing. Using PixID avoids guesswork: it checks head height, background, and other rules before you print.

What DPI for passport photo?

For printed US passport photos, use at least 300 DPI. For digital uploads, follow the portal’s pixel and file-size limits while keeping the same proportions as a correct 2×2 image.