2x2 Photo: Free Passport & Visa Photo Maker Online (2026)

2x2 Photo Requirements: Background, Head Size, and Quality

To ensure your 2x2 passport size photo is accepted, it must meet all of the following requirements set by the US Department of State:

1. 1. Exact size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm)The photo must be exactly 2 by 2 inches square. Both the width and height must be 2 inches. The 2x2 picture size ratio is 1:1 — if your photo is not perfectly square, it will be rejected. In pixels, this means 600x600px at 300 DPI. The passport size 2x2 photo is the standard required by the US Department of State for all passport and visa applications.
2. 2. Head size: 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25-35mm)Measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, your head must fill 50-70% of the photo height. There should be some space above the head. The height and width of the 2x2 picture are both 2 inches, so your head occupies roughly the center of the frame.
3. 3. Background: white or off-whiteA 2x2 picture with white background is required for US passport applications. For US visa photos, white or off-white backgrounds are acceptable. The background must be plain, evenly lit, and free of shadows, patterns, or other objects. A colored 2x2 picture with white background means the subject is in color but the background is pure white.
4. 4. Print quality: 300 DPI or higherIf printing the photo, it must be printed at 300 DPI or higher on photo-quality paper. The 2x2 resolution at 300 DPI is 600x600 pixels. For online submissions, this pixel size is the minimum accepted by the DS-160 system.
5. 5. Photo recency: taken within the last 6 monthsThe photo must reflect your current appearance. Photos older than 6 months may be rejected. If your appearance has changed significantly (new glasses, major weight change, facial surgery), take a new photo.

Always check the official 2x2 requirements of the issuing authority before you print or submit. What is the size of a 2x2 photo required by your application? It is 2x2 inches (51x51mm). What is the width and height of a 2x2 picture? Both are 2 inches. Sizes can change, and some applications have additional specifications.

Official sources

The figures on this page were checked against these sources. Requirements change, so confirm the details that apply to your own application before you submit.

• US Department of State — Passport Photo Requirements
• USCIS — Photo Requirements

Last reviewed 2026-09-13.

How to Make a 2x2 Photo Online for Free

1. 1Select the 2x2 photo preset. The 2x2 Photo maker is pre-configured to the exact 2x2 inch (51x51mm) size required for US passport and visa photos. No manual size adjustment needed.
2. 2Upload your photo. Choose a photo with a plain, evenly lit background. Our 2x2 photo converter accepts JPG, PNG, and WebP files up to 10 MB. For best results, use a photo taken in good lighting against a white or light-colored wall.
3. 3Crop and center your head. Use the arrows or zoom controls to position your head in the center of the 2x2 frame. The tool automatically enforces the correct 2x2 picture size and head proportions.
4. 4Choose a background color. Pick white for US passport photos, or select blue or red if your application requires a different background. The tool removes the original background and applies the color you choose.
5. 5Download your 2x2 photo. Save the result as JPG or PNG at exactly 600x600 pixels (300 DPI). The file is ready for both online submission (DS-160) and printing. Completely free — no signup, no watermark.

Common 2x2 Photo Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many 2x2 passport and visa photos are rejected due to easily avoidable errors. Here are the five most common mistakes:

1. Shadows on the background. A 2x2 picture with white background must be completely free of shadows. Shadows usually appear when the light source is on one side. Solution: stand facing a window or use front-facing lighting to ensure even illumination.
2. Wrong head size. If your head is too small or too large in the 2x2 id picture, the photo will be rejected. The head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown. Our 2x2 photo maker automatically enforces the correct head size.
3. Incorrect expression. Smiling, squinting, or looking away from the camera are common rejection reasons. Keep a neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed. Look directly at the camera lens.
4. Low resolution. A 2x2 photo taken at low resolution will appear pixelated when printed or uploaded. Ensure your photo is at least 600x600 pixels at 300 DPI. Photos from modern phone cameras easily meet this requirement.
5. Outdated photo. Using an old photo that no longer reflects your current appearance is a frequent cause of rejection. Take a fresh photo if your appearance has changed in the last 6 months.

Countries and Documents That Use 2x2 Photos

The 2x2 inch photo size is primarily a US standard, but it is also accepted by several other countries and document types:

• United States — Passport — 2x2 inches (51x51mm), white background, head 1 to 1 3/8 inches. The most common use of the 2x2 passport photo.
• United States — Visa (DS-160) — 2x2 inches, white or off-white background. Uploaded digitally at 600x600 pixels.
• United States — Green Card — 2x2 inch photo with white background, matching passport photo requirements.
• United States — Driver's License — Some states use the 2x2 id photo format, though requirements vary by state.
• Philippines — Government IDs — Some Philippine government agencies and schools accept the 2x2 picture size (in addition to the more common 1x1 photo).

Frequently asked questions about 2x2 photos