Local photo crop · Manual checklist

US Passport Photo Crop and Checklist

Prepare a correctly sized crop for a US paper passport application and check the main photo requirements. Choose your application route first: online renewal uses a different upload process and should not be treated as a paper-photo export.

Start here

Your application route

Application route

Your image stays in this browser. Reset or switching routes releases the loaded image and download. Your original file is never overwritten.

Frame your paper photo

Choose a local JPEG or PNG

Tool limits: 20 MB and 40 megapixels. Use the original photo, with the subject already upright. No background replacement, retouching or beauty filters.

Crop and head guide

Print sizePrint resolution Crop zoom 1× Horizontal crop position Vertical crop position Top of head (% from top) Bottom of chin (% from top)

Align the blue line with the top of your head and the orange line with the bottom of your chin. Adjust their percentages using the number fields or arrow keys. The shaded band shows the allowed chin positions relative to your head marker. Guides are not included in the download.

I positioned both markers on my photo.

Manual photo checklist

These are your checks, not automated approval. Review the official examples and any exceptions that apply to you.

The color photo was taken within the last 6 months. My face is centered and facing forward; eyes are visible and mouth is closed. The photo is clear, evenly lit and free of face or background shadows. The background is plain white or off-white; no other people or objects are visible. My appearance and background have not been digitally altered. I checked the official rules for glasses, head coverings and any medical, religious or infant exceptions.

0 of 6 manually checked. Visual approval remains unknown.

For paper applications, use matte or glossy photo-quality paper and verify the physical size.

How to use this tool

Choose paper application or online renewal.
For paper, position the crop and head-size guide without stretching the image.
Review the checklist and print at the stated physical size.

How the result is calculated

A paper passport photo is square and 2 by 2 inches. Cropping changes the framing; it does not confirm that lighting, expression, background or identity requirements are satisfied.

Worked example

A 600 by 600 pixel image printed at 300 pixels per inch measures 2 by 2 inches. Printer scaling must remain at actual size.

What this result does not cover

A technical size check cannot guarantee acceptance. Do not digitally alter your appearance. Follow the State Department's instructions for your application route.

Questions people ask

Can the tool replace the background?

No. It only crops and resizes in paper-photo mode.

Does a green size result mean approval?

No. A passport reviewer makes the acceptance decision.

Should I use this crop for online renewal?

Use the official renewal upload guidance and its cropping controls instead.

Sources and maintenance

State Department: Passport Photos and photo FAQs · Uploading a Digital Photo

Rule owner: Toolistify. Reviewed October 20, 2026. Review quarterly and whenever the application system changes; next review January 20, 2027. Toolistify is not a government service.

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