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Passport Photos

Learn photo requirements for applying or renewing your passport with a paper form. For online renewal, upload a digital photo to your application. 

What to know before you start

Unacceptable photos are the number one reason why we put passport applications on hold. Review the guidelines and photo examples to learn what makes a photo acceptable. 

  • Submit 1 color photo taken in the last 6 months.
  • Directly face the camera without tilting your head.
  • Position yourself several feet away from the camera with your head centered and head fully visible.
  • Face the camera directly with a neutral expression, both eyes open and visible, and mouth closed.
  • Remove anything covering your face unless for documented religious or medical reasons.
  • Use a plain white or off-white background free of shadows, textures, or objects.
  • Submit the original, unedited photo without filters or digital changes.

Photo requirements and examples

  • Have uniform lighting on your face.
    • Make sure the image is clear, reproduces skin tones accurately, and does not have shadows.
    • Avoid placing overhead lighting or lights too far off to the side. This can cast shadows on your face, obscuring your facial features.  
  • Make sure lighting isn’t too bright which can make your image overexposed, or too dim which can make your image underexposed.

Photo examples

  • Clear photo of a man with even lighting and no shadows.
    ACCEPTABLE

    The image is clear, reproduces skin tones accurately, and does not have shadows.

  • Dark photo of a man.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    Photo is underexposed.

    Photo Tip

    Change your camera exposure or use extra lighting.

  • Blue-tinted photo of a man.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The color is not accurate.

    Photo Tip

    You may need to change your camera's white balance setting depending on the lighting.

  • Clear photo of a child with even lighting and no shadows.
    ACCEPTABLE

    The image is clear, reproduces skin tones accurately, and does not have shadows.

  • Photo of a man with strong shadows.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The photo includes shadows on your face and the background.

  • Make sure your head and shoulders are centered in the photo.
  • Position yourself several feet away from a white background or wall. If the person taking your photo is standing too close or too far away, your head may not be the correct size.  
    • The correct printed size of a passport photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
    • The size of your head in the printed photo must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
    • Your hair may extend past the edges of the photo, as long as your entire head is shown and is the appropriate size.

Photo examples

  • Photo of a man with head in center of image.
    ACCEPTABLE

    Your head is centered and the correct size in the photo.

    Photo Tip

    Your photo should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) with the head centered and sized between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm).

  • Photo of a man too close to camera.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    You are too close to the camera.

    Photo Tip

    The camera should be several feet (1.2 m) away from you. Your head size should be between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm).

  • Uncentered photo of a woman with part of her head cropped out of the image..
    UNACCEPTABLE

    Your head is not centered and fully in the photo.

    Photo Tip

    Your hair may extend past the boundaries of the photo, as long as your entire head is shown and is the appropriate size. Your photo should be 2 inches by 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) with the head centered horizontally and sized between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm).

  • Distant photo of a woman.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    You are far away from the camera or it is too zoomed out.

    Photo Tip

    Your head size should be between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm).

  • Submit a high-resolution color photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated. The photo should not have visible printer dots. 
    • Prior to taking your photo, set your camera to the highest quality setting.
  • Print your photo on matte or glossy photo-quality paper.
  • Do not submit photocopies or digitally scanned photos.
  • Do not submit photos with red eye.
  • Do not submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

Photo examples

  • Sharp printed photo of a woman on matte paper.
    ACCEPTABLE

    The photo is sharp without any visible pixels or printer dots. The photo is printed on glossy or matte quality paper.

  • Blurry photo of a woman.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The photo is blurry.

    Photo Tip

    Check that your camera is in focus before taking the photo.

  • Grainy photo of a woman.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The photo appears grainy.

    Photo Tip

    Use a higher quality printer ink, paper, or print setting, or increase printer’s resolution (dots per inch (DPI) setting). Use glossy or matte photo paper.

  • Incorrectly-sized passport photo example.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The photo is not the right size.

    Photo Tip

    Your photo should measure 2 inches x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), and the head should measure between 1 inch and 1.4 inches (25 and 35 mm).

  • Submit the original, unchanged photo.
  • Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence.

Photo examples

  • Photo of man with background digitally cropped.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The background is cropped using a photo retouching tool, changing the outline of your head, face, and neck.

  • Original unedited photo of a woman.
    ACCEPTABLE

    The image is an original image that has not been changed.

  • Edited photo of a man that is stretched to alter his appearance.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The image has been digitally changed to alter your natural appearance.

    Photo Tip

    Do not stretch or compress your image to resize it. 

  • Photo of a woman with red eye from camera flash.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The image has "red eye."

    Photo Tip

    Adjust or turn off the camera flash to avoid red eye. Do not use editing tools to cover up red eye, as this changes your natural eye color and shape.

  • Photo of woman with a purple skin filter.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The image appears to be edited and is using filters that make it different than an original image.

  • Face the camera directly with your full face in view and head not tilted.
  • The colored portions of your eyes must be clearly visible. Make sure that your eyes are not obstructed or covered by your hair.
  • Avoid exaggerated facial expressions. You can smile in your photo. Just make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed.

Photo examples

  • Photo of a woman facing forward with visible eyes and a neutral facial expression.
    ACCEPTABLE

    You are directly facing the camera with a neutral expression. Eyes are clearly visible.

  • Photo of a man with his head tilted forward.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    You are looking down, and your head is tilted forward.

  • Photo of a woman smiling with her mouth open.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    Your mouth is open.

  • Photo of a man’s head and shoulders at an angle.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    Your head is rotated, and your shoulders are not square to the camera.

  • Photo of a woman with her head tilted to the side.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    Your head is tilted to the side.

  • Photo of a woman with her eyes closed.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    Your eyes are closed.

    Photo Tip

    Your pupils and irises (colored portions of the eyes) must be clearly visible.

  • Take off any eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses. Do not rest them on your head for the photo.
    • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with your application.
  • Take off your hat or head covering.
    • If you wear one for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that says it is religious attire worn daily in public.
    • If you wear one for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement that says you wear it for medical purposes.
    • If you must wear a hat or head covering:
      • Your full face must be visible 
      • There should be no shadows or parts of your face blocked
      • It should be one color    
      • The material should not have patterns or small holes  
    • Take off any face covering or medical mask. Your full face must be visible. 
  • You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage clothing. 
  • You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices in or on your ears.
  • You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. 

Photo examples

  • Photo of a woman with her full face visible not wearing glasses.
    ACCEPTABLE

    Your full face is visible in the image. You are not wearing glasses.

  • Photo of a woman wearing a head covering with her face fully visible and no shadows.
    ACCEPTABLE

    Your full face is visible, and no shadows or clothing is blocking your face. The hat or head covering is one color with no patterns or small holes.

    Photo Tip

    You cannot wear a hat or head covering, except for religious or medical purposes. If you are applying in person or by mail, please provide a signed statement about why you are wearing a hat or head covering.

  • Photo of a woman with her glasses resting on her head.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    Your glasses are resting on your head.

    Photo Tip

    Take off your glasses and make sure they are not resting on your head.

  • Photo of a woman wearing a head covering that blocks part of her face.
    UNACCEPTABLE

     Your head covering blocks part of your face, and there are shadows on your face.

    Photo Tip

    Make sure your entire face is visible and free of shadows. You cannot wear a hat or head covering, except for religious or medical purposes. If you are applying in person or by mail, please provide a signed statement about why you are wearing a hat or head covering.

  • Photo of a man wearing sunglasses.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    You are wearing sunglasses.

    Photo Tip

    Take off your sunglasses before you get a photo.

  • Photo of a woman with scarf covering part of her face.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    Your scarf covers a portion of your face.

  • Photo of a man wearing a baseball cap.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    You are wearing a hat.

    Photo Tip

    You cannot wear a hat or head covering, except for religious or medical purposes. If you are applying in person or by mail, please provide a signed statement about why you are wearing a hat or head covering.

  • Photo of a woman with her hair blocking part of her face.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    Your hair blocks a portion of your face.

  • Background must be white or off-white, free of shadows, and plain without texture, objects, or lines.
    • Tip: Use a white blanket or sheet to cover a non-white wall. 
  • Position yourself several feet away from the wall.
  • If you are sitting in a wheelchair, it is okay if part of the head support is in the photo. Include a note with your application that explains that your background is not completely white because you are in a wheelchair.

Photo examples

  • Photo of a woman against a white background.
    ACCEPTABLE

    The background is white or off-white, without shadows, and is plain without texture, objects, or lines.

  • Photo of a man against a white brick wall.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The background is not plain and has texture and lines.

  • Photo of a man against a blue background.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The background is blue.

    Photo Tip

    The background should be white or off-white, free of shadows, and plain without texture or lines.

  • Photo of a woman in front of a window.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The background is not plain, and is not white or off-white.

    Photo Tip

    Use a white blanket or sheet to cover a non-white wall.

  • Photo of a man against an off-white background.
    ACCEPTABLE

    The background is white or off-white, free of shadows, and is plain without texture or lines.

  • Photo of a man sitting in a wheelchair against an off-white background.
    ACCEPTABLE

    You are sitting in a wheelchair. Part of the wheelchair's head support is in the image.

    Photo Tip

    Include a note with your application that explains that your background is not completely white because you are in a wheelchair.

  • For background, place your child on a plain white or off-white sheet. You can also cover a car seat with the sheet, then place your child in the car seat for the photo.
  • Make sure there are no shadows on your child's face.
  • No other person can be in the photo.
  • The child must face the camera.
  • The child's facial expression must be neutral.
  • The child’s full face must be visible.
  • It is okay if a baby's eyes are not entirely open. All other children must have their eyes open.

Photo examples

  • Photo of a baby facing forward with its eyes open.
    ACCEPTABLE

    No other person is in the photo, and the child is facing the camera with eyes open.

    Photo Tip

    It is acceptable if your infant's eyes are not entirely open.

  • Photo of a toddler facing forward in good lighting with a neutral expression.
    ACCEPTABLE

    The child is facing forward with correct lighting and acceptable facial expression.

  • Photo of a child not facing at an angle.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The child is not facing forward.

  • Clear photo of a child facing forward.
    ACCEPTABLE

    The photo is clear and the child is facing forward.

  • Photo of a child sticking her tongue out.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The child has an exaggerated facial expression.

    Photo Tip

    The child's facial expression must be neutral.

  • Photo of a boy by himself facing forward with his eyes open.
    ACCEPTABLE

    No other person is in the photo, and the child is facing the camera with eyes open.

  • Photo of a little girl covering her mouth with her hand.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The child's face is blocked by hands.

    Photo Tip

    The child's full face must be visible.

  • Blurry photo of a toddler.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The photo is blurry and the background is not white or off white. 

    Photo Tip

    Select a shorter exposure time or use a tripod or place camera on a steady surface to eliminate camera movement.

  • Photo of a baby with a pacifier in its mouth.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The child's pacifier blocks a portion of the face.

    Photo Tip

    The child's full face must be visible. 

  • Photo of a baby being held by a woman.
    UNACCEPTABLE

    The background is not plain, another person is in the photo, and part of the child's face is blocked.

    Photo Tip

    Place the child in a car seat with a white or off-white blanket.

Where to get photos taken

There are several options for where to get your passport photo. You can go to:

  • An acceptance facility that will take a photo when you apply for your passport
  • Any company that offers photo services
  • A friend or family member

Acceptance facilities and photo vendors charge different fees for taking your photo.

Appearance changes

You only need to apply for a new passport if your appearance significantly changed. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, do not apply for a new passport. 

Small change - do not apply for a new passport

  • Growing a beard
  • Coloring your hair 
  • Normal aging process

Big change - apply for a new passport

  • Significant facial surgery or trauma
  • Adding or removing many large facial piercings or tattoos
  • Significant weight loss or gain

Video tips

Video

Picture perfect passport

Follow these steps so you have a great passport photo.

Video

Tips for taking a great passport photo

Learn about a few tips for taking a good photo if you are renewing or applying in person.

Video

Capture the right lighting

Photos that are too bright or that show shadows on your face will also cause you problems. Your photo needs to be a clear image of your face.

Video

Properly size your photo

Photos that are taken too close or too far away will be rejected.

Video

Avoid blurriness

Your passport photo will be rejected if it is too blurry, grainy, pixelated or printed on the wrong paper. Photos should be high resolution.

Video

Use a photo taken within the last 6 months

Your passport photo needs to have been taken within the last 6 months.

Related information

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Last Updated: March 24, 2026

Owned by Passport Services