US passport photo: the 2x2 spec, done right.

Per the State Department: one color photo taken in the last 6 months, printed at 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), head measuring 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from chin to top of head, plain white or off-white background with no shadows, neutral expression with mouth closed and both eyes open, facing the camera directly, and no digital edits or filters of any kind.

Yes, officially. The State Department lists 'a friend or family member' as an accepted way to get your photo taken. Stand a few feet from a plain white wall, have someone shoot from about 4 feet (1.2 m) away in even light, then use the tool above to crop it to the exact 2x2 spec with the head-size guide.

No. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, and tinted glasses have not been allowed since 2016. The only exception is medical: if you cannot remove your glasses, include a signed doctor's note with your application.

Current State Department guidance asks you to face the camera with a neutral expression, both eyes open, and your mouth closed. Play it safe: relaxed, neutral face.

Hats and head coverings come off unless worn daily for religious reasons (signed statement required) or medical reasons (doctor's statement required), and even then your full face must be visible with no shadows. Uniforms, uniform-like clothing, and camouflage are not allowed.

The head must span 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) of the printed 2x2 photo, chin to crown. The tool above overlays that head-size guide on your photo as you position it, so you can see immediately whether you are inside the range.

No. The photo must be the original, unedited image: no filters, no retouching, no AI edits. Cropping to the correct size and composing the shot properly is what this tool does; it does not alter your appearance.

Pharmacies and shipping stores typically charge somewhere between 12 and 20 dollars for two prints. Taking it at home and cropping it here is free; you then print the 2x2 (or a 4x6 sheet with two photos) at any photo counter for under a dollar.

Online renewal uses a digital photo you upload instead of a print. The same composition rules apply (neutral expression, white background, no edits). The tool exports a correctly proportioned digital image you can use as a starting point; follow the upload checker's feedback during the renewal.

Same size spec, gentler rules: lay the baby on a plain white sheet (or cover a car seat with one), no other person visible in the photo, child facing the camera with a neutral expression. For infants it is acceptable if the eyes are not entirely open. See our baby passport photo guide for the step-by-step.