Passport-Size Photo in Pixels—Does It Have To Be High Res?

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Passport-Size Photo in Pixels—What You Need To Know

When taking a passport photo, the first thing you need to do is learn and understand the official requirements. What can you wear when taking a picture? What is the required background color? What should be the appropriate size of the photo?

In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know about the resolution requirements of a passport-size photo in pixels. Alternatively, you can skip the hassle and to get your passport picture prepared for submission within five minutes.

General Passport-Size Photo Dimensions

As far as size and dimensions are concerned, you must adhere to the following specifications:

  • Dimensions—The size of the photo must be 2 x 2 inches. This is approximately 5 cm x 5 cm
  • Paper quality—The photo should be printed on high-quality matte or glossy photo paper. There should be no creases or smudges on it
  • Dimensions of your head—Your head should measure between 1 to 1 ⅜ inches (25 mm to 35 mm) from the top of your head to the bottom of your chin

Passport Photo Size in Pixels

According to the U.S. State Department guidelines for passports, the digital images must be in a square aspect or 1:1 ratio. The minimum and maximum number of pixels should be 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200, respectively. The photo needs to have high resolution, with no grainy or blurry parts.

Your passport photo should be in color (24 bits per pixel) in sRGB color space and must be saved in JPEG format. Since the file size must not be over 240 kB, you should compress the image to fit the maximum file size. Keep in mind that the compression ratio should not exceed 20:1, or photo quality gets affected.

Are Passport and Visa Photos the Same Size?

The passport requirements are set by the issuing country, but the visa requirements are set by the country you intend to visit. Every country has different rules. While some accept digital photos, others may want physical copies similar to passport photos.

How To Take a High-Quality Passport Photo

To take a high-quality photo, you should ensure the following:

  • Your cell phone camera should have a decent sensor size to be able to take high-resolution photos
  • You should set up proper lighting to avoid shadows and blurs
  • It is important to avoid filters and digital enhancers. While you may be able to beautify your face with them, you might end up ruining the quality of your photo

How To Edit an Existing Passport Photo

When you’re editing your photo, you must confirm that the photo has a resolution of at least 300 pixels per inch (12 pixels per millimeter). Here are the steps you need to follow to edit your picture:

  1. Upload an image to any photo editing software
  2. Resize and rotate it as required
  3. Crop it to a square image of at least 600 x 600 pixels
  4. Save the photo to your computer
  5. Print it to attach to your passport application

Other Passport Photo Requirements

While size is important, your choice of attire also matters a lot. Here are the key items you can and cannot wear in a passport photo:

AcceptableUnacceptable
  • Everyday clothing
  • Business attire
  • Light natural makeup
  • Facial tattoos and permanent piercings
  • Prescriptions glasses if you can provide a doctor’s statement verifying you have weak eyesight
  • Heavy makeup
  • Face masks or veils
  • Headbands or scrunchies
  • Sunglasses or tinted glasses
  • Headphones or hands-free devices
  • Jewelry that hides your features
  • Hats or headscarves unless you wear them for medical or religious reasons

In case you are taking the photo at home, you should be acquainted with other requirements, such as:

  • The background of the photo should be white
  • Your picture should not be older than six months
  • You cannot take a selfie, but you need to face the camera
  • Your expression should be as neutral as possible, but that shouldn’t stop you from putting up a slight smile. Look as natural as you can

Is it getting difficult to keep up with all these requirements? Go the easy way and use our app to make the necessary adjustments to your passport photo online.

DoNotPay Is the Best Passport Photo Editor

Why should you worry about your passport photo requirements when we’re here to help you out? DoNotPay can edit your digital passport photo to pass the government standards and email it to you within minutes!

Here is what you need to do:

  1. from your web browser
  2. Select the Passport Photos feature
  3. Upload your picture

Our AI software will start working on the editing process immediately. Once we’re done with the adjustments, we’ll email you the photo. If you want to get printed copies, enter your U.S. address and choose the shipping option you prefer.

Learn More About Passport Photos With DoNotPay

That is not all we can do! We also offer numerous guides where you can find tips regarding other passport photo requirements. DoNotPay can teach you:

Find your place of residence in the table below to see where you can have your passport photo taken:

San DiegoSacramentoBostonAlbuquerqueRaleigh
HoustonAtlantaPhoenixSan FranciscoDenver
CincinnatiRochesterLos AngelesColumbusScottsdale
HonoluluMinneapolisChicagoTallahasseeKansas City
New York CityPortlandPhiladelphiaAustinRockville
SeattleCharlestonSan JoseSan AntonioCharlotte
HerndonColvilleIndianapolisLas VegasBrooklyn

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