US Passport Card Photo Requirements

This guide explains the official photo requirements for the US Passport Card, a 51x51mm (2x2in) photo used for United States (USA) passport card applications. Meeting every specification below — correct dimensions, head height, background and expression — is essential to avoid rejection and get your application processed the first time.

Key Features:

• Country: United States (USA)
• Jurisdiction: Federal (United States)
• Document Type: Passport Card
• Issued by: U.S. Department of State
• Primary Specifications: 51x51mm (2x2in), Head 25-35mm. White or off-white background. The same photo as the passport book.

Photo Checking Standards for US Passport Card

When you choose the US Passport Card, the following are checked automatically:

1. Dimensions: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square.
2. Head Size and Position: 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head, centred.
3. Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.
4. Lighting and Contrast: The face is evenly lit, without harsh shadows or glare.
5. Facial Expression: A neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open.

6. Obstructions: Remove eyeglasses; no hats, headwear or sunglasses (religious or medical exceptions as the agency allows).

7. Background: The background must conform to the specified color (usually white or light gray) and be free of shadows.

8. Lighting and Contrast: The face must be evenly lit without harsh shadows or glare.
9. Facial Expression: A neutral expression with closed mouth is required.
10. Obstructions: Glasses (if allowed) must not have glare; no red-eye, and no hair covering the eyes.

Common Rejection Reasons

Photos for the US Passport Card are often rejected for:

• Wrong size or head size: the photo is not 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square, or the head is too large or too small.
• Too old: it was not taken within the last 6 months.
• Wrong background: it is not plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns, or it has shadows.
• Glasses, hats or glare: remove eyeglasses; no hats, headwear or sunglasses (religious or medical exceptions as the agency allows).
• Poor lighting: shadows across the face or background.

• Expression: smiling with teeth showing, or eyes not fully open.

• Poor Lighting: Harsh shadows on the face or background.

• Incorrect Background: The background color is not correct or has patterns/shadows.
• Improper Expression: Smiling, frowning, or having teeth visible.
• Glasses Glare: Reflections on eyeglass lenses.
• Head Size: The head is either too large or too small within the frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size photo does the US Passport Card need? A: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square. 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head, centred.

Q: How recent must the photo be? A: Taken within the last 6 months.

Q: What do I submit? A: 1 color print, stapled to the DS-11 or DS-82 (the same photo serves the passport book and card).

Q: Can I wear glasses or a hat? A: Remove eyeglasses; no hats, headwear or sunglasses (religious or medical exceptions as the agency allows).

Q: What background is needed? A: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: Choose the US Passport Card on our main page and upload a photo; it is sized, framed and checked against these rules automatically.

Q: Can I smile in this photo? A: No, a neutral expression with a closed mouth is required for almost all official ID photos.

Q: How can I create this photo? A: You can easily generate a compliant photo by selecting this standard on our main page.

Official Specs & References

For the most up-to-date and legally binding guidelines, refer to the issuing authority: U.S. Department of State.

Official Reference: US Passport Card – Official Photo Requirements

What the authority asks for (our summary):

• Size: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), square.
• Head: 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25-35mm) from chin to top of head, centred.
• Background: Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns.
• Glasses and headwear: Remove eyeglasses; no hats, headwear or sunglasses (religious or medical exceptions as the agency allows).
• How recent: Taken within the last 6 months.
• What to submit: 1 color print, stapled to the DS-11 or DS-82 (the same photo serves the passport book and card).
• No filters, editing or retouching.
• Neutral expression, both eyes open, facing the camera.

Additional Official References:

• 8 FAM 402.1 – Passport photographs (books and cards)