US passport photo
Take a photo against a plain white wall, upload it, and Altols crops it to the 2 × 2 inch format with your head between 1 and 1⅜ inches. You get a digital file for online renewal and a 4 × 6 inch sheet you can print at a pharmacy photo counter.
Head and shoulders, facing the camera, in front of a plain light wall. Your photo stays on your device.
US passport photo requirements
| Photo size | 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head size | 1 to 1⅜ in (25 to 35 mm), chin to top of head |
| Eye height | 1⅛ to 1⅜ in (29 to 35 mm) from the bottom |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, no shadows or texture |
| Digital file | 1200 × 1200 px JPEG |
Source: U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov. Checked October 2026.
Before you take the photo
- Taken in the last 6 months, in colour.
- Neutral expression or a natural smile without teeth, both eyes open.
- No glasses. They have not been allowed in US passport photos since 2016.
- No filters, retouching or AI edits. The State Department rejects altered photos.
- Hats and head coverings only for religious or medical reasons, with a signed statement.
How it works
- Choose a photo. It stays on your device.
- Altols finds your face and crops to 2 × 2 in (51 × 51 mm) with the head at the right size. Adjust it if you like.
- Review the automatic checks and the watermarked preview.
- Pay $4.99 USD once and download the digital file and the 6 × 4 inch print sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a photo I took on my phone?
Yes. The State Department accepts photos taken at home, provided they meet the size, background and lighting rules. Ask someone else to take it from about 1.2 m (4 ft) away rather than taking a selfie, which distorts the face.
Which file do I upload for online renewal?
Use the 1200 × 1200 px JPEG. The online renewal system accepts files between 54 KB and 10 MB and lets you reposition the photo inside the application.
Where can I print the 4×6 sheet?
Any photo counter that prints 4 × 6 inch (10 × 15 cm) photos on glossy or matte photo paper, such as a pharmacy or supermarket kiosk. Print at 100% size, not "fit to page", then cut along the guides.
Does Altols edit my face or background?
No. Altols only crops and scales the photo you took. It checks the background and warns you if it looks too dark or busy, so you can retake it rather than edit it.