Sources & method

One projection, with explicit boundaries

This private prototype summarizes one current composition rule for photos submitted with a U.S. paper passport form. It does not cover online renewal, visas, or other countries.

Primary source

U.S. Department of State — Passport Photos. The page was last updated March 24, 2026 and was checked for this packet on September 27, 2026.

The source states that the printed photo is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), and that head height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head is 1 to 1⅜ inches (25 to 35 mm). It says the head and shoulders should be centered, but does not give a numeric centering tolerance. It also says to submit the original, unchanged photo.

Calculation

The worksheet divides the distance between the two user-placed horizontal guides by decoded image height. For an already-square image, that ratio is multiplied by exactly 2 inches. The millimetre display converts the projected inch value at 25.4 mm per inch.

Classification uses the stated inch band, including both boundaries. The official metric figures are rounded: 1 inch is 25.4 mm and 1⅜ inches is 34.925 mm. The worksheet shows the converted projection rather than pretending those rounded systems create two separate rules.

Fail-closed cases

• A non-square image returns unknown because a 2 × 2 projection would require an unstated crop, stretch, or print decision.
• Missing, reversed, or out-of-range guides do not produce a result.
• Horizontal offset is descriptive only. No invented pass/fail tolerance is applied.
• All non-geometric photo requirements and final acceptance remain unknown.

NOT_ACCEPTANCE_VALIDATIONOnly the agency reviewing an application can decide whether a submitted photo is acceptable.