Guides/Passport photo

Resize passport photo (size guide)

Passport photo sizes vary by country. Use cm/inches requirements and convert to pixels using the output DPI; resizing alone does not make a passport photo compliant.

Open image resizer →Convert cm/inches to pixels
Dimension and DPI workflow
  • Read the required physical width and height.
  • Choose the DPI required by the printer or application.
  • Calculate each side: inches × DPI = pixels.
  • U.S. 2×2 in calculation at 300 DPI → 600×600 px.
  • 35×45 mm calculation at 300 DPI → about 413×531 px.
The second line is a dimension example, not a universal passport specification.
DPI tips
  • Use the DPI named by the print or submission instructions.
  • DPI metadata relates pixel count to physical print size.
  • Do not stretch the face to force a target ratio.
Output validation
  1. Confirm the exported pixel dimensions in the download summary.
  2. Open the file and inspect focus, color, background, and face position.
  3. Confirm file format and file-size limits in the application.
  4. Compare the final output with the current official checklist.
Background & crop

Do not use padding to manufacture an acceptable background or edit the person’s outline. Retake the photo when the original background or composition fails the authority’s rules.

Sources

Each source applies only to the claim described beside its link.

  • U.S. Department of State: Passport photosSupports the U.S. paper-application checklist, including a 2×2 inch photo, centered head sizing, image quality, and the warning against digital changes.
    Source checked:
Related guides
Print size
Resize in cm/inches

Use this when the passport workflow includes print size requirements, so the photo fits the requested paper dimensions.

Pixels
Resize in pixels

Use this when the upload portal lists pixel targets, so the passport photo matches digital submission specs.

File size
Resize in KB

Use this when the application also sets a max file size, so the photo can be accepted after resizing.

Requirements
Passport photo requirements

Use this when you need the exact rules before cropping, so size, background, and head position stay compliant.

FAQ

What passport photo size should I use?

Use the exact dimensions from your issuing authority and application route. A U.S. paper passport example is 2×2 inches, but that does not govern another country or online route. Quick tip: Convert physical dimensions to pixels only after confirming the required print or upload instructions. Common mistake: Assuming one passport size or workflow applies everywhere.

What DPI should I use?

Use the DPI named by the printer, application route, or issuing authority. There is no universal passport-photo DPI value. Quick tip: Treat DPI as the conversion between physical print size and pixel dimensions; it does not add image detail. Common mistake: Choosing 300 DPI by habit when the current instructions specify something else or use a digital upload.

Can I resize to a passport size online?

You can resize dimensions locally only when the authority permits that workflow and the result keeps the person’s appearance unchanged. Quick tip: Do not add padding to manufacture a background or margin for a U.S. paper passport photo; retake a nonconforming original instead. Common mistake: Treating a correctly sized export as proof that the authority will accept the full photo.