Mexican Passport Photo Size: 35×45 mm vs US 2×2

Country guide · 🇲🇽 Mexico · Last verified: August 13, 2026

Quick answer: Mexican passport photos are 35×45 mm (not US 2×2 / 51×51 mm), white background, head 30–36 mm, no glasses. Read your appointment checklist first — many SRE and consulate offices capture the photo on-site. Prepare a 35×45 mm backup only when that checklist asks for prints. PixID ($4.99) checks crop and size and does not alter your face.

If a US pharmacy prints 2×2 inches by default, that square format is the wrong shape for Mexican passport procedures. Visa photos can use a different size by post; this guide covers both.

Quick facts


Passport size	35×45 mm
Visa size	39×31 mm or 35×45 mm (varies by consulate)
Background	Plain white
Head height	30–36 mm (chin to crown)
Photos required	2
Recency	Within 6 months
Glasses	Not permitted
Source	consulmex.sre.gob.mx

Passport photo specifications

Size and dimensions

Photo size: 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall (3.5 × 4.5 cm)
Head height: 30–36 mm from chin to crown
Face centred in the frame
Shoulders visible in the photo

Background

Plain white. Uniform, shadow-free, no patterns or textures. Good contrast between face and background — avoid white or very light clothing.

Expression and appearance

Expression: neutral, mouth closed. No smiling.
Eyes: both open, looking directly at camera
Head position: straight, facing camera directly, no tilt
Glasses: not permitted
Head coverings: only for religious or medical reasons (requires supporting documentation). Full face must be visible.
Clothing: everyday attire. No uniforms. Dark or coloured clothing recommended against white background.

Quality

Full colour only — black and white not accepted
Sharp, in focus, no blur or pixelation
Even lighting, no shadows on face or background
Printed on professional photo paper
No digital retouching, filters, or beauty enhancements

Mexican visa photo — different size

Mexican visa photo specifications vary by consulate and visa type. The most common:

Size: 39×31 mm (for many consulate visas in the US)
Some consulates accept 35×45 mm
Background: white

Always confirm the required size with the specific Mexican consulate handling your application before getting photos taken.

Applying at a Mexican consulate in the US

Mexican consulates in the US handle passport renewal and visa applications for Mexican nationals and foreign nationals seeking Mexican visas. Key things to know:

For Mexican passport renewal: Follow the checklist for your SRE office or consulate. Many appointments capture the photo on-site. When prints are required, use 35×45 mm, white background — typically two identical photos.

For Mexican visa applications: Photo size requirements can vary. The consulate general in Boston, for example, specifies 39×31 mm or 2×2 inches for visa photos. Check the specific consulate's website for your jurisdiction.

Major Mexican consulates in the US:

New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Miami, Phoenix, San Diego, Denver, San Francisco, Boston, and others

Mexican nationals in the US can typically use any US photo lab for passport photos — confirm the 35×45 mm format rather than the US 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) format.

Child passport photos

Same 35×45 mm size applies to all ages.

Child must be alone in the photo — no hands, arms, or other people visible
Infants who cannot sit up: photograph lying on a plain white surface
Children: neutral expression preferred; very young children have more flexibility
Same white background and quality requirements apply

Common rejection reasons

Wrong size — using 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) US format instead of 35×45 mm
Background not white — off-white, patterned, or with shadows
Glasses — not permitted
Non-neutral expression — smiling or open mouth
Head size outside acceptable range
Photo older than 6 months
Digital editing or filters detected
Clothing too similar to background colour

Get a compliant 35×45 mm file

Most US photo counters default to 2×2 inches. PixID checks the parts that usually get Mexican passport photos rejected: crop to 35×45 mm, head size, white background, shadows, and file dimensions. It crops and sizes your photo — it does not alter your face. Export a print-ready file for $4.99.

Create Mexico Passport photo — $4.99 →

Frequently asked questions

What size is a Mexican passport photo?

35 mm wide × 45 mm tall (3.5 × 4.5 cm). Head height 30–36 mm from chin to crown.

Do I need to bring photos to an SRE or Mexican consulate appointment?

Follow the checklist for your exact office. Many SRE and consulate appointments capture the photo on-site. Prepare a 35×45 mm backup print only when that checklist asks for printed photos.

Is a Mexican passport photo the same as a US passport photo?

No. Mexico uses 35×45 mm; the US uses 51×51 mm (2×2 inches). These are different sizes. Using a US-format photo for a Mexican passport application will cause rejection.

What background colour for a Mexican passport photo?

Plain white. No off-white, no cream. Uniform and shadow-free.

Can I wear glasses in a Mexican passport photo?

No. Glasses are not permitted. Remove all glasses for the photo. Medical exceptions require a doctor's written statement.

Can I get a Mexican passport photo at CVS or Walgreens?

Yes, but you must specify 35×45 mm — not the US 2×2 inch format. Some locations may not have this option. Alternatively, use PixID ($4.99) to check crop and background, export a correctly sized file, and print at any photo lab.

What size is a Mexican visa photo?

Varies by consulate. Common sizes: 39×31 mm or 35×45 mm. Check the specific Mexican consulate website for your jurisdiction before getting photos taken.

How many photos do I need for a Mexican passport application?

When prints are required, bring two identical 35×45 mm photos — or follow the exact count on your office checklist.

How recent must a Mexican passport photo be?

Within the last 6 months, reflecting current appearance — or the recency window stated on your office checklist.