US passport photo guides
Each guide quotes the official rules and links to the source. PassPose is not a government site.
- US passport photo requirements
Every US passport photo rule in one list: size, head size, background, light, glasses, smile, hats, jewelry, and babies, with the State Department wording.
- How to take a US passport photo at home with your phone
Yes, you can take your own US passport photo at home. Set up the wall, the light, and the phone in 10 minutes, then print a 4×6 sheet at a photo counter.
- Free passport photo checker
Check your US passport photo for free against 11 State Department rules. See what the check measures, what it cannot check, and why photos fail most often.
- US passport photo size: inches, millimeters, and pixels
A US passport photo is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The head is 1 to 1⅜ inches. See the sizes in pixels for print, the DS-160, and online renewal.
- How much does a passport photo cost?
A US passport photo costs $15 at the post office, $16.99 at Walgreens, and $17.99 at CVS. See what each price includes, and the cheaper ways to do it at home.
- Are passport photo apps safe and accepted?
A photo from an app is fine if it meets every State Department rule and is not edited. See what apps do to your photo, where it goes, and what it costs.
- How to print a passport photo: matte or glossy, at home or at a store
Print a US passport photo on matte or glossy photo paper, 2 × 2 inches. Put two photos on a 4 × 6 sheet and order one print, or print at home.
- Best passport photo apps, ranked (October 2026)
PassPose ranks first: a free check of 11 rules before you pay, no edits, US$9.99. Five apps compared on price, edits, checks, and refunds, read October 20, 2026.
- How to take a baby or newborn passport photo at home
Lay your baby on a white sheet, put the window at the feet, and shoot from straight above. Steps, newborn tips, the eyes rule, and why baby photos are rejected.