Free US Passport Photo Maker Online (2x2 inch / 600x600px)
Upload your raw photo here
We will crop and compress it automatically.
US Standard Applied
Photo Ready!
Download NowHow to Make Your Own US Passport Photo (And Save $15)
Applying for a US Passport, a DS-160 Visa, or the DV Lottery (Green Card) is stressful enough without worrying about your photo getting rejected. Historically, applicants paid $15 to $20 at local pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens to get a compliant photo. Today, you can do it at home for free.
Step-by-Step Guide to Taking the Photo
- Find the right light: Stand facing a window during the daytime. Natural light prevents harsh shadows on your face.
- The Background: Stand about 1.5 to 2 feet away from a plain white or off-white wall. Standing too close causes a dark shadow behind your head, which will cause a rejection.
- No Selfies: Have a friend or family member take the photo using the rear camera of a modern smartphone. Hold the phone at eye level.
- Dress appropriately: Wear normal daily clothing (no uniforms or camouflage). A darker shirt helps create contrast against the white wall. Take your glasses off!
- Upload and Crop: Upload that raw photo to PixelBatch above. We will automatically format it to the strict biometric standards required by the US government and ensure the file is compressed to under 240KB.
PixelBatch vs. Paid Competitors
If you search for a "passport photo maker," you will find tools like VisaFoto or 123PassportPhoto. However, these tools use a "bait-and-switch" tactic. They let you crop the photo, but when you go to download it, they either cover it in a massive watermark or charge you $5 to $8 to download the file.
PixelBatch is 100% free forever. We do not add watermarks, and because our tool operates entirely via client-side processing, your highly sensitive biometric facial data is never uploaded to a remote server. The exact same secure technology we use here also powers our Amazon product image resizer and Instagram cropper, ensuring total privacy across all your tasks.
2026 Pre-Submission Checklist
Ensure your photo meets these exact criteria before uploading to the CEAC portal.
Exact Dimensions (2x2 Inches)
Must be exactly 600x600 pixels. The head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (50% - 69% of the image height). Our tool auto-crops this for you.
File Size Under 240KB
The US State Department servers will reject large files. Your photo must be a JPG compressed below 240KB.
No Glasses Allowed
As of 2016, you cannot wear glasses in a US visa photo, even if you wear them daily for medical reasons.
Plain White Background
The background must be plain white or off-white. No textures, patterns, or heavy shadows behind your ears.
Top 4 Reasons Photos Get Rejected
1. Wearing Glasses
As of November 2016, glasses are strictly prohibited. Even if you wear them daily for medical reasons, you must remove them to avoid glare.
2. Smiling
A wide smile alters the geometric mapping of your face. You must maintain a neutral expression with your mouth closed.
3. Incorrect File Size
The CEAC portal will instantly reject any file larger than 240KB. If you already have a cropped photo but it's too heavy, use our dedicated Visa Photo Compressor to shrink it safely.
4. Head Size Proportion
Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my own passport photo at home? ▼
Yes! The US State Department allows you to take your own photo. Stand 2 feet away from a white wall, face a window for natural light, and have someone else take the picture (no selfies allowed). Then use our tool above to crop it to 2x2 inches.
What color background is required for a US passport photo? ▼
The background must be plain white or off-white. There should be no patterns, textures, or cast shadows behind your head or shoulders.
Can I smile in a passport photo? ▼
No. You must have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. Exaggerated smiles alter your biometric data and will cause your application to be rejected.
How recent does a passport photo need to be? ▼
Your passport photo must be taken within the last 6 months to accurately reflect your current appearance.
How do I print a 2x2 photo at CVS or Walgreens? ▼
After downloading your 600x600px photo from our tool, you can place it on a standard 4x6 inch digital canvas. Then, send that 4x6 file to print at your local pharmacy for a few cents instead of paying the standard $15 passport photo fee.
Can I use this tool for the DV Lottery (Green Card) application? ▼
Yes. The DV Lottery requires the exact same dimensions: 600x600 pixels, 2x2 inches, and under 240KB.