US passport and many US visa applications ask for a 2×2 inch photo. This guide covers the official size, common head-size rules, background color, and the fastest way to get a print-ready file at home.
Quick specs
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2×2 in (51×51 mm) |
| Color | Color photo (not black & white) |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
| Head size (typical) | Face from chin to top of hair ≈ 1–1⅜ in (25–35 mm) |
| Expression | Neutral, both eyes open, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Avoid tinted lenses; many renewals prefer no glasses |
Always confirm the latest rules on your form (DS-11, DS-82, online renewal, or visa type) — agencies update details over time.
Need the photo now? Make a US passport photo online from a selfie, preview free, then unlock the digital file and a 4×6 print sheet.
Digital file vs printed copies
- Online applications usually need a single JPEG at the correct 2×2 crop.
- Paper forms / appointments often want two identical printed photos.
- Drugstore counters commonly print on 4×6 (4R) paper with multiple copies per sheet.
Just ID Photo unlocks both: one clean digital photo and a multi-copy 4×6 print layout in one payment. If you already have a compliant 2×2 JPEG, skip straight to the free sheet maker.
How to take the selfie
- Face the camera straight on — no tilt, no “selfie angle.”
- Use even indoor light; avoid harsh shadows on one side of the face.
- Stand in front of a plain light wall (white or off-white).
- Remove hats, headphones, and tinted glasses.
- Turn off Portrait Mode if your phone softens edges.
Then upload in the homepage maker. We crop to true 2×2 inches and generate a watermarked preview before you pay.
Printing 2×2 photos on 4×6
Most US kiosks (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco photo) use 4×6 / 4R paper (~15.2 × 10.2 cm).
- Get a compliant 2×2 photo (online maker or an existing file).
- Open the Photo Sheet Maker, choose US Passport / 2×2, paper 4×6.
- Download the JPEG and print at 100% / actual size (no fit-to-page).
- Cut along the guides.
Unsure which paper name to pick? See 3R, 4R, 5R, Letter & A4 explained.
FAQ
Is US passport photo the same as visa photo?
Often yes for size (2×2), but visa categories can add rules (background, recentness, quantity). Use the size your form lists.
Can I use a phone photo?
Yes, if the face is sharp, well lit, and the final crop is true 2×2. Soft Portrait Mode edges and busy backgrounds are the usual rejection reasons.
How much do drugstore passport photos cost?
In-store counters often run about $15–17 per sitting. Online unlock for digital + 4×6 sheet is typically much lower — see pricing.