The 2x2 inch square photo standard
A 2 x 2 inch (51 mm x 51 mm) photograph is the official biometric format required by the United States Department of State for US Passport applications, nonimmigrant visas (DS-160), immigrant visas, and the annual Green Card Diversity Visa (DV) lottery. Digitally, a 2x2 inch image at 300 DPI is exactly 600 x 600 pixels square.
Proportions and head position
The US State Department strictly requires that the head (from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head) must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm), or between 50% and 69% of the image total height. Eye height must be between 56% and 69% from the bottom of the image.
Quick rules for 2x2 photos
- Square Aspect Ratio: Width and height must be identical (1:1 aspect ratio, 600x600 px).
- Background: Uniform plain white or off-white background with zero shadows.
- No Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses must be removed.