With routine processing times ranging from six to eight weeks, getting a new passport is a time-consuming and sometimes cumbersome operation. No one wants to prolong it by providing a photo that doesn’t quite meet the state department’s requirements.
Most people know that you have to keep your eyes open and mouth closed in a passport photo, but there are more specific rules about clothing and head position that you also need to keep in mind. Here’s what to wear (and what not to wear), the correct image size, approved backgrounds, and other rules you need to know when submitting a photo for your passport book or card.
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Size and Resolution
Getting the dimensions right is arguably the hardest part of providing your own passport photo. What is a passport-size photo? The U.S. Department of State requires a square photo that’s two inches long and wide. Your face must take up between one inch and an inch and three-eighths from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
The photo should show you clearly and without editing — this is a #nofilter zone. Also, selfie photos aren’t allowed because they are often the incorrect size and have the wrong head position. You must have someone else take the photo or take it using a tripod.
Your passport photo should be high resolution — not blurry, grainy, or pixelated — and printed on photo-quality paper. It can be matte or glossy as long as it doesn’t have holes, creases, or smudges.
Color and Light Requirements
The Department of State wants the photo in your passport to be in color, but it doesn’t stand for too much busyness in the background. Photos must be taken against plain, untextured white or off-white backgrounds with no shadows. Should be well-lit in the photograph so that your skin tone is accurately represented.
Only Recent Photos Allowed
The rules state that your photo must be taken within six months of submitting it with your passport application. “We verify that the photo looks like you,” reads the Department of State website, presumably by comparing your photo to the one on your driver’s license or another proof of identity.
Posing for Passport Photos
Save the sultry or silly poses for Instagram. According to the State Department, in passport photos, you should have “a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.” No big cheesy grins, no silly faces, no pouts. Smiles are okay as long as your mouth is closed.
In your photo, you should be facing the camera directly with your full face in view. If you are getting a passport photo for a baby or young child, this is harder than it sounds. There is more leniency for baby passport photos, according to the State Department.
What to Wear and What Not to Wear
Passport photos are not the place to make fashion statements. The State Department wants your photo to be “taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.” However, no uniforms or clothing that looks like a uniform. Also, no camouflage attire.
You should not wear a hat or head covering in your photo. If you wear a hat or head covering for a religious or medical reason, you need to submit a signed statement that it is “religious attire worn daily in public” or provide a signed doctor’s statement that says “you wear it for medical purposes,” according to the State Department. Even with those signed statements, your full face has to be visible.
Also, do not wear headphones or earpieces. You can, however, wear jewelry, including body jewelry, as long as it doesn’t hide your face. Take off any face covering or medical mask.
As far as glasses go, the Department of State changed its ruling on those in 2016. It now requires that glasses are removed for the photo, even if you aren’t using a flash camera. If you have a passport older than 2016 that includes a photo in which you’re wearing glasses, it’s still valid until the expiration date. But when you take a new photo for renewal, you’ll have to take them off. If you have a medical need that prevents you from removing your glasses for the photo, the State Department requires a signed note from your doctor.
What is the U.S. Passport Size?
FAQs
What is the required size for a U.S. passport photo?
Photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), with the head measuring between 1 and 1.4 inches from chin to top.
Can I smile in my U.S. passport photo?
Neutral facial expression is required, but a natural, slight smile is allowed as long as both eyes are open.
What background is required for a U.S. passport photo?
The background must be plain white or off-white, with no patterns, shadows, or objects visible.
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
No, glasses are not allowed unless medically necessary, in which case a signed doctor’s statement is required.
What should I wear in my passport photo?
Regular everyday clothing is recommended. Uniforms, camouflage, and extravagant attire are not allowed.
Can I wear a hat or head covering in my passport photo?
Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons, and a signed statement may be required.
Are digitally altered or filtered photos accepted?
No, passport photos must be unedited, with no filters, airbrushing, or digital enhancements.
Can I take my own passport photo at home?
Yes, but it must meet official requirements, including correct size, lighting, and background.
How recent must my passport photo be?
The photo must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance.
Can I submit a black and white passport photo?
No, all U.S. passport photos must be in color with clear, natural skin tones.
