US Passport Photo Requirements — Size, Rules & Online Ordering
Get compliant US passport photos from your home. We format, check, and deliver — same-day pickup at Walgreens or CVS, or digital delivery for online renewal. 6 photos for $9.95 — less than half what Walgreens and CVS charge in store.
These requirements apply to all US government photo submissions: passport applications and renewals, naturalization/citizenship (N-400), nonimmigrant visa (DS-160 digital image), green card, and other immigration applications.
US Passport Photo Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) |
| Head size | 1 to 1.375 inches tall within the photo |
| Eye position | 1.125 to 1.375 inches from bottom of photo |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Color | Full color |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows |
| Expression | Neutral, eyes open, looking directly at camera |
| Attire | Regular street clothes — no uniforms (religious attire worn daily is allowed) |
| Headwear | No hats or headgear that obscures hair or hairline |
| Glasses | No glasses — not permitted since November 2016 |
Size & head position guide
Compliant photo example
Why Order from Us vs Going to CVS or Walgreens?
You pick up at the exact same Walgreens or CVS — just ask for “4×6 photo prints” under your name and phone number. The store charges about $0.35 to print. We check every photo for compliance before sending it to print.
Digital Photo Requirements (Online Renewal & DS-160)
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | At least 600×600 pixels (rectangular accepted) |
| Color | Color (24 bits per pixel, sRGB) |
| Format | JPEG |
| File size | 54 KB minimum, 10 MB maximum |
| Compression | Ratio ≤20:1 — use highest quality settings; do not send via text or save to cloud before emailing |
Pricing
How to Order — 3 Simple Steps
Take a photo at home
Plain white background, good natural light, camera at eye level. No glasses, neutral expression, both ears visible.
Upload and pay
Upload your photo here and pay via PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle. We check your photo for compliance before processing.
Pick up same day
Ready at your nearest Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart within hours. Or receive a digital image by email for online renewal.
Passport Renewal (Form DS-82)
- Use Form DS-82 if you meet the renewal requirements (most adults renewing within 15 years).
- Children under 16 cannot renew using DS-82 — they must use Form DS-11 in person.
- Online renewal is available for eligible applicants via the US Passport Online Renewal portal.
Urgent Passport Photos
Need photos fast? Order online and provide your nearest Walgreens or CVS address — we’ll have your photos ready for same-day pickup. For travel emergencies, we can also email a 4×6 inch print file instantly: print it at any photo lab, cut along the lines, and you’ll have 6 compliant 2×2 inch photos. Learn more about urgent passport photos →
Passport Photos for Babies & Toddlers
Babies and toddlers must have their own passport and meet the same photo requirements as adults. See our baby passport photo guide for tips on capturing a compliant photo at home with a sleeping or unsupported infant.
Other US Government Photo Applications
- US Visa Photos (DS-160) — same 2×2 inch requirements, digital format required
- Diversity Visa (DV Lottery) Photo — specific digital format required
- DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Digital Image
- N-400 Naturalization / Citizenship Photos
