US Passport Photo Requirements (and Bangladesh NID/Passport Sizes)

A rejected passport photo does not just waste the cost of the picture — it can add weeks to an application, and if you booked travel around the expected processing time, those weeks hurt. At Bengal Enterprise in Hamtramck we take and print passport photos every day, for US passports, visas, green card applications, and — because of the community we serve — Bangladesh passports and National ID cards, which use different sizes than the US standard. Here is what each one actually requires.

US passport photo rules

The US State Department is specific, and the automated systems that pre-screen applications are unforgiving. The requirements:

• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), in color, printed on photo-quality paper.
• Head size between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head.
• Taken within the last 6 months, reflecting your current appearance.
• Plain white or off-white background with no shadows, patterns, or objects.
• Neutral expression or natural smile, both eyes open, facing the camera directly.
• No glasses — this has been the rule since 2016 and still catches people out.
• No hats or head coverings, except for religious purposes worn daily (a signed statement may be required), and the face must be fully visible from hairline to chin.
• No uniforms or camouflage; everyday clothing only.

The failures we see most

The photos that get bounced are almost never exotic failures. They are shadows on the background from a phone flash, heads too small in the frame because someone stood too far back, photos older than six months, and glasses. A kitchen-wall selfie can technically pass, but the rejection rate is high enough that redoing it professionally is cheaper than the delay.

Children and babies have the same rules with slight mercy — infants do not need a neutral expression, but eyes should be open and no parent's hand can be visible in the frame. We photograph babies regularly and know the tricks: white blanket, patience, and a squeaky toy held next to the lens.

Bangladesh passport and NID sizes

Bangladesh applications do not use the US 2 x 2 format, and bringing the wrong size is the most common reason customers come to us after a first attempt elsewhere.

Bangladesh e-passport (MRP/e-passport applications)

• Standard size is 40 x 50 mm (roughly 1.6 x 2 inches) for most application types — check your specific application notice, as some older forms specify 55 x 45 mm.
• White background, full face, no glasses, recent photo.
• Applications made through the Bangladesh consulate for renewals from the US frequently also ask for extra copies — order more prints than the form's minimum.

Bangladesh National ID (NID)

NID applications and corrections commonly require smaller "stamp size" photos (around 22 x 27 mm or 25 x 30 mm) alongside passport-size prints. The exact combination depends on the form, so bring your paperwork with you — we will read it and print exactly what it asks for.

Because our staff handle these applications weekly and speak Bengali, we can usually spot a mismatch between what a customer was told and what the form says before any money is spent on the wrong prints.

Visa photos for other countries

Almost every country has its own photo spec — Canadian visas, UK visas, Indian OCI cards, and Schengen applications each differ in size and head position. We keep the templates for common destinations and can size a compliant photo for nearly any application if you show us the requirement.

How it works at our counter

Walk in — no appointment needed. We take the photo against a proper white background with even lighting, check it against the requirements for your specific application, and print in minutes. If the first shot has a stray hair or a shadow, we retake it until it is right. You leave with correctly cut prints, and we keep the file on hand briefly in case you need extra copies.

Bengal Enterprise is at 12170 Conant St Ste E, Hamtramck — open Monday through Thursday 11 AM to 8 PM, Friday 3 to 5:30 PM, and Saturday 11:30 AM to 8 PM. Questions about an unusual application? Call (313) 733-4374 before you come in and we will confirm we can print the size you need.