Your Ultimate Guide to 2x2 Photos
Let's delve into the nitty-gritty of 2x2-inch photos.
This popular photograph size has a wide range of uses, spanning from passport photos to personal mementos.
We'll cover its dimensions, applications, the standard quality necessary for official documents, and the correct methods for printing and resizing images to this specification.
What documents require the 2x2 photo format?
We've compiled a handy checklist so you can easily identify the documents that require 2x2 photos.
United States
In the US, a 2x2 photo is necessary for:
Document | Country | 2x2-Inch Size Requirement |
Citizenship Application Photo | US | ✅ |
EAD Card Photo | US | ✅ |
Green Card Photo | US | ✅ |
NFA ATF Photo | US | ✅ |
SAT ID Photo | US | ✅ |
Texas ID Photo | US | ✅ |
Tribal ID Photo | US | ✅ |
US Nursing License Photo | US | ✅ |
US Passport Card Photo | US | ✅ |
US Passport Photo | US | ✅ |
Visa to USA | US | ✅ |
Europe
Crossing the Atlantic, we can find the 2x2 photo appearing on only one document:
Document | Country | 2x2-Inch Size Requirement |
Spain Visa Photo | Spain | ✅ |
Asia
The 2x2 photo is necessary for the following documents in Asia:
Document | Country | 2x2-Inch Size Requirement |
Afghanistan Visa Photo | Afghanistan | ✅ |
Cambodia Visa Photo | Cambodia | ✅ |
India Visa Photo | India | ✅ |
Indian Passport Photo | India | ✅ |
Iraq Visa Photo | Iraq | ✅ |
Kuwait Visa Photo | Kuwait | ✅ |
Nepal Visa Photo | Nepal | ✅ |
Saudi Arabia Visa Photo | Saudi Arabia | ✅ |
Thailand Visa Photo | Thailand | ✅ |
Philippines Visa Photo | The Philippines | ✅ |
Vietnam Visa Photo | Vietnam | ✅ |
Africa
With Australia using the same 35x45 mm picture format as the UK, all that remains is the continent of Africa—which uses 2x2-inch photos for:
Document | Country | 2x2-Inch Size Requirement |
Ghana Visa Photo | Ghana | ✅ |
Kenya Visa Photo | Kenya | ✅ |
Kenyan Passport Photo | Kenya | ✅ |
Uganda Visa Photo | Uganda | ✅ |
Zambia Visa Photo | Zambia | ✅ |
2x2 photo—quality requirements
Use the picture examples and the following quality requirements to double-check whether your 2x2 photo will be accepted.
Criteria | Digital | |
Color photo | ✅ | ✅ |
Less than 6 monts old photo | ✅ | ✅ |
Clear, non-pixelated, grainy, or blurry image | ✅ | ✅ |
No social media filters | ✅ | ✅ |
White or off-white background, free of shadows, textures, or lines | ✅ | ✅ |
Dimensions | Photo should be 2x2 inches (51x51 mm); Distance from chin's bottom to head's top should be between 1–1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) | Photo should be 2x2 inches (51x51 mm); Distance from chin's bottom to head's top should be between 1–1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) |
Paper Quality | Photo should be printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper | N/A |
Resolution | 300–600 Dots Per Inch (DPI) | 600x600–1200x1200 px |
Photo filters | ❌ | ❌ |
Where is it possible to print a 2x2 photo?
Need to print a 2x2 photo for your US passport application or another document?
Here's how you can get it done:
Local retailers
A quick and effective way to locate a photo printing service nearby is to type "photo printing services near me" into your favorite search engine. This will highlight a map of local stores in your vicinity that offer photo printing—including 2x2 size photos.
Big-name retailers, like Walmart or CVS, are usually a reliable option as they often have their own in-house printing facilities.
For more details, check out the following links:
If you're specifically in search of places that cater to passport-sized photos, begin with a Google search for "2x2 photo prints near me."
2x2 photo prints—online options
If you'd rather not step out, you can get your physical prints without leaving the comfort of your home with popular photo apps like PhotoAiD®.
Just download our Passport Photo Booth App for iOS or Passport Photo Maker App for Android, and follow the simple step-by-step guide to get a digital 2x2 photo in seconds—your physical prints will reach any US address within 3 business days!
