Pre-check your photo before you submit
Choose a U.S. application channel, pre-check measurable rules, and keep your original photo on-device.Choose paper passport, online renewal, or visa/DV digital upload. We check measurable State Department rules, mark unknowns for human review, and preserve the original background. Checks and originals stay on-device; only paid final bundles are encrypted for account re-downloads.
Before you upload
Select the rules that match how you will submit the photo.
Pre-check the original photo and generate a cropped 2×2 print file without changing its background.
Rules reviewed 2026-09-01 · 2×2 print file
Drop your photo here
The original and every check stay in your browser. Only paid final JPEG bundles are encrypted for 30-day account/order re-downloads.
How it works
Three steps, about a minute, no account needed to check.
Upload or snap a photo
Use a phone selfie or any portrait. The original, analysis and free preview stay in your browser.
Review measurable rules
Head size, eye position, tilt, expression, glasses, background and sharpness are checked; uncertain items stay marked unknown.
Follow the selected channel
Paper and visa/DV profiles can crop and resize while preserving the original background. Online renewal tells you to use the original file.
Why CheckPassportPhoto
Most photo apps just resize. CheckPassportPhoto is built around one thing: making the pre-check explainable and channel-specific.
Correctness, not guesswork
We measure head height, eye line and tilt against the exact 2×2 in spec — not a vague "looks fine".
Your photo stays private
Every check runs on-device. If you unlock a paid bundle, only the three final JPEGs are encrypted and stored for 30-day account re-downloads.
Only permitted output changes
Generated official-use files only crop, resize, or compress. A bad background means retake; it is never silently replaced.
Explains every result
No black box. Each item tells you exactly what passed, what failed, and why — like "head tilted 8°".
Free passport photo tools
Each runs in your browser. No upload, no watermark on tools.
Background changer
Editing-only background tool; altered output is not for U.S. passport or visa submission.
Passport photo cropper
Create a measured 2×2 crop while preserving the original background.
Resize for passport
Resize to 600px or HD 1200px at the right dimensions.
US requirements
Current U.S. passport photo rules and what automation cannot verify.
Passport photo pricing for every volume
Checks, permitted crop/resize transforms and watermarked previews are always free. Every paid export is a complete bundle: an HD JPEG, 4×6 and A4 print sheets, and private account/order re-downloads for 30 days.
Single photo
One complete photo bundle
- 1 watermark-free channel-specific HD JPEG
- 4×6 print sheet — six 2×2 copies at 300 DPI
- A4 print sheet — fifteen 2×2 copies at 300 DPI
- Private account/order re-downloads for 30 days
- Paper 2×2 or visa/DV 600×600 profile
- Original background pixels preserved
Family pack
Three complete bundles for a family
- 3 watermark-free channel-specific HD JPEGs
- 4×6 and A4 print sheets with every export
- Private account/order re-downloads for 30 days
- Useful for family paper or digital applications
- Same channel-specific crop/resize output
- Credits remain valid for 365 days
Pro
Complete bundles for frequent client work
- 100 client photo bundles each month
- Unlimited checks, permitted output transforms and previews
- HD JPEG plus 4×6 and A4 sheets for every export
- Private account/order re-downloads for 30 days
- Commercial use for client work
- Credits reset monthly and do not roll over
Secure checkout via Stripe, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Pro renews monthly until canceled; its 100 exports reset each billing period and do not roll over.
Frequently asked questions
Is the passport photo checker free?+
Yes. Pre-checking and watermarked previews are free and need no account. Watermark-free crop/resize exports start at $2.99, with one-time packs and an optional monthly Pro plan for frequent use.
How can I check if my passport photo will be accepted?+
Upload it to the free checker to review measurable issues such as head size, centering, eye position, tilt, expression, glasses, background and sharpness. Then compare the result with current U.S. passport photo requirements. No automated checker can guarantee the passport agency’s final decision.
What are the main requirements for a U.S. passport photo?+
For a paper application, submit one recent color photo that is 2×2 inches, with your head centered and 1–1⅜ inches from chin to crown. Use a plain white or off-white background, even lighting, a forward-facing pose, open visible eyes and a closed mouth.
Do I have to put my hair behind my ears for a passport photo?+
No. U.S. rules do not require your ears to be visible. Your full head must be shown, and your eyes and face cannot be covered by your hair.
What color shirt should I avoid for a passport photo?+
The State Department does not ban a specific shirt color. A white or very pale top can blend into the required white background; a plain medium or dark everyday top usually gives clearer contrast.
Does my photo get uploaded to a server?+
The original photo, facial analysis and free preview stay in your browser. If you unlock a paid bundle, only the three final JPEG files are encrypted for private account re-downloads for 30 days.
Can I smile in a US passport photo?+
Yes, a natural smile is allowed if both eyes are open and your mouth is closed. Avoid exaggerated expressions or an open-mouth smile.
Can I wear glasses?+
No. Since November 2016 the U.S. does not allow glasses in passport photos, except with a signed medical statement.
How do I take an infant passport photo?+
Place the baby on a smooth white or off-white blanket, photograph from directly above, and keep every hand, toy and pacifier out of frame.
Can I print it at home or at a pharmacy?+
Yes. The paid bundle includes a print-resolution 2×2 photo plus 4×6 and A4 print sheets. Print on photo paper at home or use a local photo-printing service.
Check your passport photo now
Free, private, and takes under a minute. See measured issues and the requirements that still need human review.
Start checking — it’s free