Mexican Passport Photo Requirements from the US
Renewing a Mexican passport from the US? The photo size is different from the US format — here is everything you need to get it right the first time.
Mexican passport photos are 35×45mm — not 2×2 inches.
The US passport format (2×2 inch / 51×51mm) is a different size and will be rejected at the Mexican consulate. You need a photo specifically formatted to 35×45mm.
Full Photo Requirements — Mexican Passport
| Requirement | Spec |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45mm (width × height) |
| Color | Color — black and white not accepted |
| Background | Plain white — no shadows, no patterns |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Head covering | Not permitted (except documented religious reasons) |
| Head size | Face must occupy 70–80% of the frame |
| Orientation | Frontal — head straight, not tilted |
| Paper | Matte or semi-matte photo paper |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Resolution | Minimum 300 DPI |
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How to Renew a Mexican Passport from the US
Prepare your photo before booking your appointment. US photo centers can produce 35×45mm photos on request — ask specifically for 'international passport photo' or '35 by 45mm'. Most Walgreens and CVS locations can do this. Or use our online tool and print at any pharmacy kiosk.
All Mexican consulate passport appointments are scheduled through MEXITEL at mexitel.sre.gob.mx. Select your nearest consulate, choose 'Pasaporte' as the service, and pick an available slot. Demand is high at major consulates — check Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and New York, but also smaller regional consulates which often have faster availability.
Bring: your current or expired Mexican passport (original + photocopy of the photo page), your 35×45mm passport photo, proof of US residence (utility bill, bank statement, or any official document with your US address), and payment (approximately $36–$108 USD depending on validity period, by credit/debit card at most consulates).
Arrive 10–15 minutes early. Consulate staff will review your documents, take biometric data (fingerprints), and collect your application. Your passport will be mailed to you within 3–6 weeks after the appointment. Some consulates offer same-day or expedited service for an additional fee.
Matrícula Consular — Same Photo Requirements
The Matrícula Consular de Alta Seguridad (MCAS) is a consular ID card issued by Mexican consulates to Mexican nationals abroad. It is accepted by many US banks for account opening, some states for driving purposes, and local government offices.
The Matrícula Consular uses the same 35×45mm photo format with identical requirements to the passport. If you are getting a consulate appointment, you can apply for both your passport and your Matrícula at the same appointment with one set of photos.
Mexican Consulate Locations in the US
There are over 50 Mexican consulates and consular agencies across the US. Major locations:
Note
Most Common Photo Rejection Reasons
The most common mistake. US pharmacies default to 2×2 unless you specifically request 35×45mm.
Mexican consulates are strict about uniform lighting. Selfie-style photos with harsh shadows are rejected.
No glasses permitted — even thin frames or prescription glasses are not allowed.
Must be plain white. Off-white, cream, or light gray backgrounds are sometimes rejected.
Consulate staff compare your photo to your appearance. An outdated photo may be flagged even within the 6-month window if your appearance has changed significantly.
Physical printed photos are required for in-person consulate applications. Digital files alone are not accepted.
Tip
Mexican Passport Photo FAQ
What size is a Mexican passport photo?
Mexican passport photos must be 35×45mm (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). This is the standard European/international format — not the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format. If you submit a 2×2 inch photo to a Mexican consulate, your application will be rejected. Most US photo services can produce 35×45mm photos on request — or use our online tool which supports the 35×45mm format directly.
What are the full requirements for a Mexican passport photo?
Mexican passport photo requirements: 35×45mm size, color (not black and white), white background, frontal view (face centered, not tilted), neutral expression with mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses, no headwear (except for religious reasons), no heavy shadows on face or background. Head must occupy approximately 70–80% of the frame. Photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months) and printed on matte or semi-matte photo paper.
Can I renew my Mexican passport from the US?
Yes — Mexican nationals living in the US can renew their passport at a Mexican consulate. There are over 50 Mexican consulates and consular agencies across the US. You must make an appointment through the MEXITEL system at mexitel.sre.gob.mx. Bring your current or expired Mexican passport, proof of residence in the US (any document showing your US address), your passport photo, and the fee (around $36 USD, payable by credit/debit card at most consulates).
What is the Matrícula Consular and does it need a passport photo?
The Matrícula Consular de Alta Seguridad (MCAS) is a consular ID card issued by Mexican consulates to Mexican nationals living abroad. It is accepted as ID by many US banks, some states for driver's licenses, and local governments. The Matrícula Consular requires a passport-style photo in 35×45mm format with the same requirements as a Mexican passport photo. You apply for the Matrícula at your local Mexican consulate appointment.
Where can I get a 35×45mm passport photo in the US?
Most major pharmacy photo centers (CVS, Walgreens) and office supply stores can produce 35×45mm photos if you ask for the 'international passport photo' size — but call ahead to confirm. Walmart photo centers typically only offer the US 2×2 inch format. The most reliable option is an online tool that specifically supports 35×45mm formatting, which you can then print at any pharmacy kiosk.
How much does it cost to renew a Mexican passport from the US?
As of 2026, the fee for a Mexican passport book renewal at a consulate in the US is approximately $36 USD (1 year) or $72 USD (3 years) or $108 USD (6 years), payable by credit or debit card at most consulates. Some consulates also charge a biometric processing fee. Fees are set by the Mexican government and may change — check your consulate's website for current rates before your appointment.
How do I book a Mexican consulate appointment for a passport?
Mexican consulate passport appointments are booked through MEXITEL at mexitel.sre.gob.mx. Select your nearest consulate, choose 'Pasaporte' as the service type, and select an available date and time. Popular consulates in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York often have appointments booked weeks out. Check multiple consulates in your region — a consulate 1–2 hours away may have significantly shorter wait times.
Can I use a US 2×2 photo for a Mexican passport?
No. The US 2×2 inch format (51×51mm) is a square format and is larger than the Mexican 35×45mm requirement. A 2×2 photo will be rejected by the Mexican consulate. You must specifically request or produce a 35×45mm photo. This is one of the most common reasons Mexican passport applications are turned away at consulate appointments.