Understanding the 2×2 Inch Standard
US passport and visa photos use a square 2×2 inch format. Getting the head size right matters as much as the outer dimensions.
Official dimensions
The printed or digital photo must measure 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). Your head—from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head—must be between 1 and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), roughly 50–69% of the image height.
- Photo size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), square
- Head height: 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm)
- Eye height: 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches (28–35 mm) from bottom of photo
- Color photo on plain white or off-white background
Digital vs printed
Online renewal accepts a digital JPEG within specific file-size limits. Mail-in and in-person applications need two identical printed photos on photo-quality paper. The 2×2 size is the same for both.
Print at home or at a store
Our cropper exports the correct aspect ratio. Print one 2×2 photo per page, or use a 4×6 layout with multiple copies you can cut apart. Many people print a 4×6 sheet at Walgreens or CVS for under a dollar if they already have a digital file.
Ready to crop your photo?
Free online tool—pick your country template (US 2×2 or UK 35×45), align your head, and download. No account needed.