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AI Biometric Analysis · Free
US Passport Photo
Validator
Get an instant PASS/FAIL report on your passport photo. Checks head size, eye level, 2×2 inch dimensions, and white background against State Dept. standards.
2×2 inch / 600×600pxHead: 50–69%Eyes: 56–69% from bottomWhite BG onlyNo glassesJPEG <240KB
★★★★★4.9/5from 17K+ users
|🔒 Secure & Private|⚡ Results in 30s|🆓 No sign-up
ALL PASS ✓
Compliance ReportPASS
Head Height
58.2%✓
Eye Level
64.1%✓
Background
Pure White✓
File Size
187 KB✓
Glasses
None✓
64 facial landmarks analyzed
🇺🇸
Photo Size2×2 inches600×600 px digital
Head Height1 – 1⅜ in50–69% of frame
Eye Position56–69%from bottom edge
BackgroundPure WhiteRGB 255/255/255
File FormatJPEG onlyMax 240 KB
GlassesNot AllowedBanned Nov 2016
Official Standards
US Passport Photo Requirements
Sourced directly from the U.S. Department of State. These are the exact rules our AI enforces.
| Specification | Required Value | Details | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo Size (Print) | 2 × 2 inches | Square format; 51 × 51 mm | REQUIRED |
| Photo Size (Digital) | 600 × 600 pixels | Exact dimensions; no upscaling | REQUIRED |
| Head Height | 1 – 1⅜ inches | 50–69% of total image height | CRITICAL |
| Eye Level Position | 56–69% from bottom | 1⅛ – 1⅜ in from image base | CRITICAL |
| Background Color | White / Off-White | Plain, no patterns or shadows | REQUIRED |
| File Format | JPEG (.jpg) | 24-bit sRGB color space | REQUIRED |
| File Size | Max 240 KB | Digital submission portal limit | REQUIRED |
| Glasses | None permitted | All eyewear prohibited (since 2016) | REQUIRED |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Both eyes fully open | REQUIRED |
| Head Position | Front-facing, centered | No tilting or side profiles | REQUIRED |
| Image Quality | Sharp, no blur/noise | No compression artifacts | REQUIRED |
| Taken Within | 6 months | Must reflect current appearance | REQUIRED |
Photo Size
2×2 in / 600×600px
Square format, exact dimensions
Head HeightCRITICAL
50–69% of frame
1 to 1⅜ inches chin to crown
Eye LevelCRITICAL
56–69% from bottom
1⅛ – 1⅜ in from image base
Background
White / Off-White
No shadows or patterns
File Format
JPEG, max 240 KB
24-bit sRGB color space
Glasses
None permitted
All eyewear banned since 2016
Expression
Neutral, mouth closed
Both eyes fully open
Compliance Protocol
10-Point Biometric Validation
Every official requirement from the U.S. Department of State — checked automatically.
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Image Dimensions
Exactly 600×600 pixels (1:1 square)
Required for digital upload or precise 2×2 inch printing at any passport office or photos near you.
📁
File Size
Under 240 KB in JPEG format
Files exceeding 240 KB fail the official upload portal instantly — a common spec many miss.
👤
Face Detection
Exactly one face detected and visible
Multiple faces or no face = automatic disqualification from biometric review.
👁️
Eye Level Position
Eyes between 56–69% from bottom edge
A critical passport picture guideline for facial recognition matching.
📏
Head Size
Head fills 50–69% of image height (1–1⅜ inches)
Head too small or too large fails the biometric head-size criterion for passport photographs.
⬜
Background Color
Pure white or off-white (RGB 255,255,255)
Shadows, patterns, or dark backgrounds cause automatic rejection per passport photo specifications.
🚫
Glasses Check
No eyeglasses or sunglasses detected
Strictly prohibited in all US passport photos since November 2016 per official passport picture rules.
😐
Expression
Neutral expression, mouth closed
Smiling or open mouth triggers biometric mismatch during automated screening.
🎯
Head Position
Centered, facing camera directly
Tilted heads or side profiles fail standard passport photograph dimension checks.
✨
Image Quality
No blur, noise, or compression artifacts
Pixelation and artifacts trigger the 'poor quality' rejection flag every time.
How It Works
Validate Your Photo in 30 Seconds
Free for everyone — no account, no credit card, no waiting.
01📸
Take Your Photo
Stand against a plain white wall with natural frontal light. Camera at eye level, 4–5 feet away. Remove glasses and headwear.
02⬆️
Upload to Validator
Select your JPEG file. Our AI immediately starts checking all passport photo specifications.
03🤖
AI Analysis
We map 64 facial landmarks, measure head size, eye position, and verify background purity.
04📋
Review Report
Receive a detailed PASS/FAIL breakdown for every passport picture guideline.
05✅
Download Photo
Unlock your processed photo for $5.99 — cropped to exact 2×2 inch / 600×600 px, ready for submission.
Avoid Rejection
Top 5 Reasons Passport Photos Get Rejected
These 5 failures cause over 85% of automatic rejections.
#1 Rejection
Incorrect Head Size
Head must occupy 50–69% of total image height. Single most cited failure in passport image requirements.
🔧 Fix: Adjust camera distance — closer if head too small, farther if too large.
#2 Rejection
Wrong Eye Level
Eyes must fall 56–69% from the bottom. Even 1% outside this range triggers automatic rejection.
🔧 Fix: Retake with camera at exact eye level and head properly centered.
#3 Rejection
Bad Background
Must be plain white or off-white with no shadows. One of the first criteria passport offices check.
🔧 Fix: Use a plain white wall and ensure even lighting. Eliminate shadows.
#4 Rejection
Wearing Glasses
All eyewear strictly prohibited since November 2016. Most misunderstood passport picture rule.
🔧 Fix: Remove all glasses. Medical exceptions require a signed physician statement.
#5 Rejection
Poor Image Quality
Blurry, pixelated, or over-compressed photos fail the quality check every time.
🔧 Fix: Ensure sharp focus and upload a high-resolution JPEG file.
By the Numbers
Official Photo Specifications
A complete breakdown of measurements for US travel documents.
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Digital & Print Dimensions
- ✓Digital: 600 × 600 pixels exact
- ✓Print: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
- ✓Square 1:1 aspect ratio required
- ✓Head height: 1 – 1⅜ inches chin to crown
- ✓Eyes: 1⅛ – 1⅜ inches from bottom edge
🧬
Biometric Standards
- ✓Both eyes open and clearly visible
- ✓Mouth closed, neutral expression
- ✓Full face, direct front-facing view only
- ✓Even lighting across the entire face
- ✓No shadows or glare on face or background
⚙️
Technical Specifications
- ✓JPEG format (.jpg extension only)
- ✓Maximum 240 KB file size for digital upload
- ✓24-bit color depth (sRGB color space)
- ✓Printed on matte or glossy photo paper
- ✓No compression artifacts or pixelation
The Technology
How Our AI Mirrors Embassy-Grade Screening
By detecting 64 facial landmarks, we calculate the exact geometry required by the State Department's automated biometric systems — the same criteria consular officers apply.
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Pixel-Perfect Dimensions: Checks 600×600px without upscaling artifacts.
✓
Luminance & Shadow Analysis: Ensures no hot spots or shadows that trigger biometric errors.
✓
Gaze & Head Position: Verifies the subject faces the camera squarely.
✓
Background Purity: Measures RGB values to confirm pure white (255,255,255).
64
Facial Landmarks
<1s
Analysis Time
99.7%
Accuracy Rate
📊 Sample Compliance Report
Mirrors the official DOS passport image requirements validation pipeline
Head Height
58.2%PASS
Eye Level
64.1%PASS
Background
Pure WhitePASS
File Size
187 KBPASS
Face Count
1 FacePASS
Glasses
NonePASS
Photo Size
600×600pxPASS
Document Types
Supported US Travel & Immigration Documents
Each document type has its own photo specifications — select yours below.
FAQ
Common Questions
Passport photo rules, sizes, and requirements — answered simply.
What are the official US passport photo requirements?+
Official US passport photo requirements specify: the photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) or 600×600 pixels for digital submissions, taken against a plain white or off-white background, with your face centered and both eyes open. Your head must occupy 50–69% of the total image height (1–1⅜ inches), and eyes must fall 56–69% from the bottom. No glasses, hats, or headwear are permitted. File format must be JPEG under 240 KB. These passport picture rules come directly from the U.S. Department of State.
What are the exact passport photo dimensions and size?+
The standard US passport photo size is exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) for printed photos, or 600×600 pixels for digital submissions. The aspect ratio must be perfectly square (1:1). Within that passport photograph dimension, your head height — measured from chin to crown — must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches. Eyes must be positioned 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches from the bottom of the photo.
What background color is required for a US passport photo?+
Passport photo background requirements are strict: the background must be plain white or off-white with no patterns, textures, or shadows. In RGB terms, this means values at or near 255/255/255. A gray wall, colored wall, or busy background will cause immediate rejection.
Can I wear glasses in my US passport photo?+
No. Eyeglasses of any kind — including prescription glasses, reading glasses, or sunglasses — are prohibited in US passport photos. This rule has been in effect since November 2016. Medical exceptions exist but require a signed statement from a physician.
How do I take a passport photo at home that meets all requirements?+
Stand 4–5 feet from the camera against a plain white wall. Use natural frontal light (a window in front of you, not behind). Remove glasses, hats, or anything covering your face. Position the camera at your eye level. Have someone take the photo rather than a selfie. Then upload to our free validator to check all passport photo specifications.
Where can I get passport photos near me?+
You can get passport-size photos at CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, UPS Stores, FedEx Office, AAA offices, and most USPS post office locations. However, photos taken at these locations can still be rejected. We recommend validating any photo — whether taken at home or professionally — using our free AI checker before submitting.
Why do passport photos get rejected?+
The most common reasons include: incorrect head size (not 50–69% of frame), eyes outside the required zone (56–69% from bottom), non-white or shadowed background, wearing glasses, poor image quality, and incorrect file size or format. Our free AI validator checks all 10 official passport photo requirements in under 30 seconds.
Can a selfie be used as a passport photo?+
Technically yes, but selfies are very difficult to make compliant. Common problems include the camera arm appearing in frame, incorrect head ratio, non-white background, and poor focus. If you use a selfie, it must still meet all passport photo requirements. Always validate before using it in your application.
Official Sources
U.S. Government Resources
Our standards are sourced directly from official U.S. government agencies.
DOS
U.S. Department of State
Official Passport Photo Requirements
RENEW
U.S. Department of State
Online Passport Renewal Portal
TOOL
U.S. Department of State
Photo Compliance Tool
LOCATE
U.S. Embassy & Consulates
Find Your Local Passport Office
ℹ️ This tool is independent and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of State, USCIS, or any U.S. government agency.
Passport Photo Guide
Understanding Passport Photo Rules
Understanding passport picture rules is the first step to avoiding rejection. The US Department of State publishes detailed passport photo requirements that cover every technical aspect — from the exact dimensions of a passport photo to lighting conditions and permissible clothing.
Passport Photo Size & Dimensions
The official passport photo size in the United States is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) for printed photos, and 600×600 pixels for digital submissions. The format must be perfectly square. Within those dimensions, your head must occupy 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to crown.
Eye Position Guidelines
Your eyes must be positioned between 56% and 69% of the total image height, measured from the bottom. On a 600×600 px photo, that's roughly 336–414 pixels from the base. This requirement exists to support facial recognition algorithms at border control.
Background Requirements
The background must be completely plain white or off-white, with no gradients, shadows, or patterns. Our AI analyzes background purity at the pixel level using RGB values — any deviation from near-255/255/255 will fail.
Where to Get Passport Photos Near You
CVS, Walgreens, UPS Store, FedEx, USPS, and AAA all offer in-store photo services. However, even professionally taken photos can be rejected if the operator miscalibrates head size or eye level. Always validate before submitting.
Passport Photo Terminology
Passport Size Photo
A photo exactly 2×2 in (US) or 35×45mm (UK), taken to government specifications.
Passport Photo Spec
Full technical specification including dimensions, file size, color depth, and biometric requirements.
Passport Photograph Dimensions
US: 600×600 px / 2×2 in (square). Head: 1–1⅜ in. Eye level: 56–69% from bottom.
Criteria for Passport Photo
Mandatory requirements: white background, neutral expression, no glasses, correct head size, forward gaze.
Passport Picture Guidelines
Detailed rules from the U.S. Department of State covering lighting, head tilt, and file format.
Passport Image Requirements
Technical: JPEG, max 240 KB, 24-bit sRGB, 600×600 px, no compression artifacts.
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Don't Risk Rejection Over a Fixable Photo
Our free validator checks every passport photo requirement in under 30 seconds. Get your PASS/FAIL report before you submit.
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