Passport photo size: exact dimensions in inches, mm, and pixels
Passport photo sizes are not universal. The United States uses a square 2×2 inch format. Most of Europe uses 35×45mm. Canada uses 50×70mm. China uses 33×48mm. Using the wrong dimensions is one of the most common reasons passport and visa applications are rejected when travelling internationally. For US applicants, the size requirement is fixed and well-documented — the confusion usually comes from the difference between the printed photo size and the digital file dimensions for online submissions.
The practical answer
For a US passport, the printed photo must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51mm). For digital submission through the online renewal portal or DS-160, the file must be a square JPEG between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels. The head must occupy 50–69% of the image height from chin to crown, which means the head measures between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches within the 2×2 frame. Getting the outer dimensions right is straightforward; getting the head size right within those dimensions is where most self-taken photos fail.
Where people get surprised
Two things cause confusion. First, DPI. People ask how many pixels a 2×2 inch photo should be, and the answer depends on resolution: at 300 DPI, a 2×2 inch photo is 600×600 pixels; at 600 DPI it is 1200×1200 pixels. For digital upload to the State Department portal, any square file between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels is accepted regardless of the labeled DPI. Second, country differences. A US-format 2×2 inch photo is the wrong size for a UK visa (35×45mm), a Canadian passport (50×70mm), or a Chinese visa (33×48mm).
How PassSnap fits
PassSnap automatically applies the correct crop and export dimensions for the selected document type — US passport, visa, or other supported formats. The exported JPEG is sized to the correct specifications without manual measuring or resizing. For multi-country applicants, selecting the right document type before capture eliminates the guesswork entirely.
Passport photo size quick reference
US passport printed: 2×2 inches / 51×51mm. US passport digital online renewal: 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels, JPEG, square. UK passport: 35×45mm. Canada passport: 50×70mm. China visa: 33×48mm. India passport: 51×51mm (2×2 inches). EU general for most countries: 35×45mm.
Before you take the photo
- Confirm which country's passport or visa you are applying for before preparing the photo. Size requirements vary significantly by country and cannot be fixed after the fact.
- For US applications, the printed size is 2×2 inches. For digital upload, submit a square JPEG between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels. DPI is irrelevant for digital submissions.
- Do not assume a US-format passport photo works for non-US applications. UK, Canada, China, and most EU countries use different dimensions.
- For the DV Lottery digital upload specifically, the requirement is exactly 600×600 pixels, not a range. Files that are larger or smaller will fail the automated check.
- Head size within the frame matters as much as the overall photo dimensions. The head must occupy 50–69% of the image height regardless of whether you are printing or uploading digitally.
FAQ
What is the correct size for a US passport photo in pixels?
For printing at standard 300 DPI, a 2×2 inch photo is 600×600 pixels. For digital upload to the State Department's online renewal portal or DS-160, the file must be a square JPEG between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels. For the DV Lottery specifically, the file must be exactly 600×600 pixels.
Can I use a US 2×2 inch passport photo for a UK visa application?
No. UK visa photos must be 35×45mm, which is approximately 1.38×1.77 inches — a rectangular format, not square. A US-format 2×2 inch photo submitted for a UK application will be rejected for incorrect dimensions.
Does PassSnap handle the sizing automatically?
Yes. PassSnap crops and exports to the correct dimensions for the selected document type. For US passport applications, the exported JPEG meets the 2×2 inch print standard and the 600–1200 pixel digital upload range. Visit passsnap.app/supported-photo-types for the current list of supported document types.