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USA vs Germany passport photo — full spec comparison
Side-by-side comparison of passport photo requirements for USA and Germany, sourced from each issuing authority.
In short
USA requires 51 × 51 mm while Germany requires 35 × 45 mm. The two specifications are NOT interchangeable — a photo accepted for one will be rejected by the other.
Specification table
| Attribute | USA | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Photo size | 51 × 51 mm | 35 × 45 mm |
| Head height | 49–69% | 71–80% |
| Background | White or off-white | Plain light |
| Glasses | glasses prohibited | see glasses rule |
| Authority | U.S. Department of State | Federal Foreign Office of Germany |
| Verification | Official — exact | Official — exact |
| Last verified | 2026-05-21 | 2026-05-21 |
