Passport Photo Requirements

Official U.S. Passport Photo Guidelines Explained

Passport photos must follow strict requirements established by the U.S. Department of State. Photos that do not meet these standards are one of the most common reasons passport applications are delayed or rejected.

This page explains the official passport photo requirements, common mistakes, and how applicants can ensure their photo meets U.S. passport standards before submitting a passport application.

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Official Passport Photo Size and Format

U.S. passport photos must meet the following specifications:

• Photo size: 2 inches by 2 inches
• Color photograph
• Printed on photo-quality paper
• Taken within the last 6 months
• Clear image with no filters or digital alterations

Both eyes must be open and clearly visible.

The photo must represent your current appearance.

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Background Requirements

Passport photos must be taken against a plain white or off-white background.

The background must:

• Be uniform and uncluttered
• Contain no patterns or textures
• Show no shadows behind the head

Objects, furniture, and other people cannot appear in the photo.

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Head Position and Expression

Applicants must face the camera directly with a neutral expression.

Requirements include:

• Face the camera straight on
• Eyes open and visible
• Neutral facial expression
• Mouth closed
• No exaggerated expressions

Your entire face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.

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Glasses, Hats, and Accessories

Certain items are not permitted in passport photos.

Applicants should remove:

• Eyeglasses
• Hats
• Headphones
• Wireless earbuds
• Face coverings

Religious head coverings may be worn only if accompanied by a signed statement explaining that the item is worn daily for religious purposes.

Medical head coverings may also be allowed with a signed medical statement.

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Lighting and Image Quality

Passport photos must be clear and evenly lit.

Photos will be rejected if they contain:

• Shadows on the face or background
• Blurry or low-resolution images
• Overexposed or underexposed lighting
• Red-eye
• Pixelation or distortion

The image must be sharp and properly focused.

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Children and Infant Photos

Passport photos for infants and young children must also meet official requirements.

However, minor variations are sometimes permitted for infants.

For child passport photos:

• The child must face the camera
• Both eyes should be open if possible
• No other person should appear in the photo
• Hands or objects should not obscure the child’s face

Parents may place infants on a plain white sheet when taking the photo.

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Common Passport Photo Mistakes

Passport photos are frequently rejected due to:

• Incorrect photo size
• Non-white background
• Shadows behind the head
• Wearing glasses
• Poor lighting
• Digital filters or editing
• Photos taken more than six months earlier

Ensuring the photo meets official standards helps prevent processing delays

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Where Passport Photos Can Be Taken

Passport photos may be taken at:

• Post offices
• Retail photo centers
• Pharmacies
• Professional photo studios

Many locations that provide passport services also offer passport photo services that follow official guidelines.