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International travel begins with a passport. While the application process involves several steps, the passport photo can cause significant delays if it doesn’t meet requirements.
Ensuring your photo meets the guidelines set by the U.S. Department of State is crucial for a smooth application or renewal process. This guide explains US passport photo requirements so you can capture the perfect picture and avoid unnecessary stress.
Understanding Core Requirements from the Department of State
The U.S. Department of State is the ultimate authority on passport photo requirements. Their official website provides the most up-to-date information.
General Guidelines
US passport photos must be in color; black and white submissions are not accepted.
The photo must be recent, taken within the last six months, to accurately reflect your current appearance. Major alterations to your appearance (significant facial surgery, adding/removing facial piercings or tattoos, or substantial weight changes) might require applying for a new passport even if your current one hasn’t expired. Minor changes like growing a beard, coloring your hair, or normal aging typically don’t require a new passport.
The image must be clear and in focus, accurately reproducing skin tones without shadows. Blurry, grainy, or pixelated photos are not acceptable.
It is strictly prohibited to make alterations to the photo using computer software, phone apps, filters, or artificial intelligence. The photo must genuinely represent your appearance.
Selfies are not permitted; someone else must take your photo.
Technical Specifications
The photo must be exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size. Within this frame, your head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. These precise measurements are essential for biometric scanning.
The background must be plain white or off-white, free from shadows, texture, or lines. A plain background keeps the focus on your face, preventing distractions.
Your pose and expression are regulated. You should have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. Face the camera directly with your full face in view. While a natural smile is acceptable in some instances, your eyes must be open and your mouth closed.
Clothing and Accessories
Specific rules govern your attire and accessories:
- No uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage clothing
- No hats or head coverings (exceptions for religious or medical reasons with documentation)
- No eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses (exceptions for documented medical reasons)
- No headphones or wireless hands-free devices
- Jewelry and facial piercings are allowed as long as they don’t hide your face
- No face coverings or medical masks
For religious or medical head coverings, you must submit a signed statement confirming this. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering cannot cast shadows or cover any part of your face.
Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement Category | Specific Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| General | Color photo | Accurate reproduction of skin tones for identification |
| General | Recent (within 6 months) | Reflects current appearance for accurate identification |
| General | Clear and in focus | Ensures facial features are discernible for recognition and biometric scanning |
| General | No alterations | Represents natural appearance without enhancements |
| General | No selfies | Avoids poor lighting, angles, and incorrect head size |
| Size | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) | Standard size for passport photos |
| Size | Head size 1 – 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) | Correct proportion for biometric scanning |
| Background | Plain white or off-white | Ensures focus is on the face without distractions |
| Background | No shadows, texture, or lines | Prevents obscuring facial features and ensures a uniform background |
| Pose & Expression | Neutral expression, both eyes open, mouth closed | Preferred for accurate biometric identification |
| Pose & Expression | Face camera directly, full face view | Ensures all facial features are visible |
| Attire & Accessories | No uniforms or camouflage | Standard civilian attire required |
| Attire & Accessories | No hats or head coverings (religious/medical exceptions) | Full face must be visible without obstruction or shadows |
| Attire & Accessories | No eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses (medical exceptions) | Eyes must be clearly visible without glare or obstruction |
| Attire & Accessories | No headphones or wireless devices | Avoids obscuring the face or hairline |
| Attire & Accessories | Jewelry and piercings allowed if not obscuring face | Personal items acceptable if they don’t impede identification |
| Attire & Accessories | No face coverings or medical masks | Full face must be visible |
Digital Photo Requirements for Online Submissions
For online passport renewals, you’ll need to upload a digital image rather than submitting a printed photo. This method has specific technical requirements:
- Dimensions: Minimum 600 x 600 pixels, maximum 1200 x 1200 pixels
- Aspect ratio: Square (height and width must be equal)
- File format: JPEG (.jpg)
- File size: For visa applications, ≤ 240 kilobytes; for passport renewals, 54 kilobytes – 10 megabytes
- Color: 24 bits per pixel within the sRGB color space (standard output for most digital cameras)
- Compression ratio: ≤ 20:1 (if compression is needed)
The head size within the digital image is also regulated:
- The distance from the top of your head to the bottom of your chin must be between 50% and 69% of the image’s total height
- The height of your eyes, measured from the bottom of the image to your eye level, should be between 56% and 69% of the image’s height
The Department of State offers a free photo tool for cropping and resizing, but this tool is primarily for paper applications and doesn’t check image quality.
When preparing a digital photo for online submission:
- Don’t upload scanned copies of existing passport photos
- Ensure high resolution and minimal compression
- Include ample space around your head and shoulders in the frame for proper cropping
Digital Photo Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement Category | Specific Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | Minimum 600 x 600 pixels, maximum 1200 x 1200 pixels | Height must equal width (square aspect ratio) |
| File Format | JPEG (.jpg) | Standard digital image format |
| File Size | ≤ 240 kB (visa); 54 kB – 10 MB (passport renewal) | Varies depending on application type |
| Color Space | sRGB, 24 bits per pixel | Standard for digital cameras |
| Compression | Ratio ≤ 20:1 (if needed) | Maintain image quality while reducing file size |
| Head Size | 50-69% of image height (chin to top of head); 56-69% of image height (bottom to eyes) | Ensures correct head proportion within the digital frame |
| Other | Avoid scanned photos | Use original digital photos for better quality |
| Other | High resolution, not overly compressed | Prevents pixelation and maintains clarity |
| Other | Sufficient space around head and shoulders | Allows for proper cropping by online tools |
Top Mistakes to Avoid
Having your passport photo rejected can lead to significant delays in your travel plans. Common reasons for rejection include:
- Incorrect size or dimensions
- Poor image quality (blurry, grainy, pixelated, low resolution)
- Improper facial expression
- Incorrect lighting (shadows, overexposure, underexposure)
- Non-white or textured background
- Wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses without medical documentation
- Wearing hats or head coverings without religious/medical justification
- Wearing uniforms or camouflage attire
- Hair or accessories obscuring the face
- Digital alterations or retouching
- Submitting a damaged photo (holes, creases, smudges)
- Submitting a photocopy or digitally scanned photo for printed applications
- Incorrect head positioning or size
- Not facing the camera directly
- Including other people or objects in the photo
- Submitting a photo older than six months
Where to Get Your Passport Photo
Professional Studios
Professional photography studios employ photographers experienced with passport photo requirements who use professional-grade cameras and lighting.
Pros:
- Expertise of the photographer
- Appropriate equipment
- Often a guarantee that the photo will be accepted (or a free retake)
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to other options
- Potential need for an appointment
Pharmacy and Retail Services
Many pharmacies and retail stores, such as Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Target, offer passport photo services.
Pros:
- Convenient and accessible, often with no appointment necessary
- More affordable than professional studios
- Some services offer a digital copy of your photo
Cons:
- Variable quality depending on staff and equipment
- Personnel might not have in-depth knowledge of requirements
- Digital copies sometimes not included or cost extra
Passport Acceptance Facilities
If you’re applying for your passport in person at a designated acceptance facility, such as a participating Post Office, some locations also offer photo services.
Pros:
- Convenience of getting your photo taken at the same place you submit your application
- Staff familiar with basic requirements
Cons:
- May require an appointment
- Limited availability at all locations
- Potentially variable photo quality
DIY at Home
Taking your passport photo at home is possible and can be the most cost-effective option.
Pros:
- Significant cost savings
- Convenience of taking photos at your own pace
- Ability to retake photos as needed
Cons:
- Higher risk of rejection if guidelines aren’t followed
- Need for printer and photo-quality paper for paper applications
DIY Tips:
- Use a plain white or off-white background (clean wall or plain sheet)
- Ensure good, even lighting to eliminate shadows (natural daylight is often best)
- Use a tripod or place your camera on a steady surface
- Stand far enough from the background to avoid casting shadows
- Have someone else take the photo
- Carefully ensure your head size and position meet requirements
- Use the Department of State’s online photo tool to crop your photo to the correct size
Service Comparison
| Service Type | Key Pros | Key Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Studio | Expertise in requirements, high-quality photos, potential for retakes | More expensive, may require an appointment |
| Pharmacy/Retail Services | Convenient locations, often no appointment needed, generally more affordable, some offer digital copies | Quality can vary, staff may have limited expertise, digital copies not always included |
| Passport Acceptance Facility | Convenient if applying in person, staff familiar with basic requirements | May require appointment, limited availability, quality might vary |
| DIY at Home | Most cost-effective, convenience of taking photos at your own pace | Higher risk of rejection if guidelines not followed, printer and photo paper needed for paper applications |
Guidelines for Infant and Child Passport Photos
Taking passport photos of infants and young children presents unique challenges. The Department of State provides specific considerations for these cases.
For newborns, the rules are slightly more lenient. It is acceptable if a baby’s eyes are not entirely open in the photo. The recommended method for photographing a newborn is to lay them on a plain white or off-white sheet or to cover a car seat with a similar sheet.
Ensure there are no shadows on the baby’s face. No other person should be visible in the photo, and any support used to position the baby (like a parent’s hand) should not be in the frame.
For older infants and young children, all general passport photo requirements apply, including the rule that their eyes must be open. To get a compliant photo:
- Take the photo when your child is well-rested and in a good mood
- Use a favorite toy or distraction to encourage them to look directly at the camera
- Take multiple shots to ensure you capture one that meets all criteria
Recent Updates to Passport Photo Regulations
Stay informed about changes to US passport photo regulations to avoid potential issues with your application.
One significant update involves the requirement for digital photos for online passport renewals, which has been in effect since August 2022. If you’re renewing your passport online, you must upload a digital photo meeting the specific technical requirements outlined earlier in this guide.
Since November 1, 2016, eyeglasses are generally no longer allowed in US passport photos. The only exception is for documented medical reasons, requiring a signed doctor’s statement.
The core requirements for passport photos submitted with paper applications have remained relatively consistent. Always check the official U.S. Department of State website for the latest information before taking your passport photo.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
