Passport Photo Regulations

The following information is provided for your convenience. The official specifications are on the U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

When applying for a US Passport, you must submit a color photo taken within the last six months, using a white or off-white background. There should be no shadows, texture, or lines in the background. It must be a clear image of your face without filters or retouching. Eyeglasses are not permitted in the photo without a medical waiver.

Resolution, Print Size, and Quality

Submit a high-resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.

  • The correct size of a passport photo is:

    • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) 

    • Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

  • Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.

  • Do not digitally change the photo.

  • You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

Pose & Expression

Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. 

  • Face the camera directly with full face in view. 

  • Note to parents of young children: we have sample photos in the Photo Examples section below with tips for submitting a baby's passport photo. We realize that an infant's pose and expression are challenging to maintain for a photo. 

Attire

You cannot wear glasses.

  • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.

  • Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.  

  • You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire. 

  • You cannot wear a hat or head covering.

    • If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire  worn continuously in public.

    • If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.

    • Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot cast shadows or cover up part of your face.

  • You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.

  • You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well.

Glasses or Sunglasses

No, take them off for your passport photo.

If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, you must submit a signed statement from your doctor with your passport application.

Pose

Face the camera with your head centered in the frame and not tilted with a neutral expression. You may smile in the photo, but make sure both your eyes are open and your mouth is closed.

No Hat or uniform.

Babies and Toddlers

When taking a photo of your baby or toddler, no other person should be in the photo.

Lay your baby on his or her back on a plain white or off-white sheet. Ensure no shadows are on your baby's face, especially if you take a picture from above. Covering a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet and taking a picture of your child in the car seat may also be helpful.

Verify Your Photo

After you’ve created your passport photo, you can use the online photo tool to see if your photo meets the government requirements.