US Passport Photo Resizer – 2×2 Inch Free Online 2026
Your photo never leaves your device — processed entirely in your browser.
Exact US passport photo requirements
A US passport photo must be exactly 2×2 inches — or 600×600 pixels at 300 DPI when submitted digitally. The background must be plain white or off-white. Your head must fill between 50% and 69% of the frame (1 inch to 1⅜ inch from chin to crown). Glasses have been prohibited since 2016. This tool resizes any photo to the exact 600×600 pixel square, adds a white fill, and delivers a JPEG under 240 KB — ready for online submission or printing at a 2×2 inch size.
The State Department uses an automated photo checker that validates pixel dimensions, background color, and head positioning before accepting any digital application. Submitting a photo that fails these checks causes your application to be rejected and returned, which can delay your passport by weeks. Getting the dimensions exactly right is not optional.
US Passport Photo Official Specifications
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | JPEG (color) |
| Digital dimensions | 600×600 pixels (2×2 inch at 300 DPI) |
| File size | Under 240 KB |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Head height | 1 inch to 1⅜ inch from chin to crown (50–69% of frame) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since November 2016) |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Issued by | US State Department / USCIS |
Source: US State Department (travel.state.gov). Specifications current as of 2026.
How to use this tool
- 1
Click "Choose Photo" and select your photo from your phone or computer. JPG and PNG files both work. Your photo never leaves your device — all processing happens in your browser.
- 2
The tool loads a preview of your photo so you can confirm it is the correct image before processing.
- 3
Click "Resize to US Passport Spec." The tool scales your photo to exactly 600×600 pixels, fills any gaps with a white background, and compresses the output to under 240 KB.
- 4
Check the stats panel — it shows your original file size, output file size, and dimensions (should read 600×600). If everything looks good, click "Download US Passport Photo" to save the JPEG file.
Common US passport photo mistakes to avoid
The most common rejection reason is the wrong background. US passport photos must have a plain white or off-white background — not light grey, not cream, not a blurred room background. If your photo was taken against a light grey backdrop (common in studios), the automated checker may still reject it. Always use a white wall or a sheet of white paper as your backdrop.
The second most common issue is incorrect head size. Your head — from your chin to the top of your crown — must fill between 1 inch and 1⅜ inch of the 2-inch frame height. If you stand too far from the camera, your head will be too small. If you stand too close, the top of your head gets cropped. A good rule: your face should feel slightly larger than comfortable in the viewfinder.
The third issue is lighting. Shadows behind your head, on your face, or cast by your nose across your cheek will cause rejection. Natural window light from directly in front of you works well. If using artificial light, use two light sources on either side of your face to eliminate shadows. Do not use a flash that creates a hot spot or red-eye effect.