U.S. Passport Photos

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Passport Photos

This page provides information about photos if you are applying or renewing using a paper form. If you are renewing online, follow the steps to upload a digital photo to your application.

Photo Tips

1. Submit one color photo
2. Submit a recent photo taken in last 6 months
3. Use a clear image of your face
4. Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence
5. Directly face the camera without tilting your head.
6. Take off your eyeglasses for your photo
7. Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines

Photo Examples ×

Photo Examples

• Shadows and Lighting
• Size and Position
• Resolution, Print Size, and Quality
• Digital Changes
• Pose and Expression
• Attire, Hats, and Glasses
• Background
• Children

Tips for Submitting your Photo

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 change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence.

• Do not submit photocopies or digitally-scanned photos.

• Do not submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

Pose and Expression

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

• Face the camera directly with full face in view.

Lighting and Shadows

• Have uniform lighting on your face.
  • Overhead lighting or lights too far off to the side can cast shadows on your face, obscuring your facial features.

• Lighting that is too bright may cause your image to be overexposed, while lighting that is too dim may make it underexposed.

Attire, Hats, and Glasses

• Take off any eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses.
  • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with your application.

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

• 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

• 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.

• Take off any face covering or medical mask so your full face is visible and the face covering or mask do not block portions of your face.

ALL / ALL /

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get my photo taken?

You can go to:

• An acceptance facility that will take a photo when you apply for your passport
• Any company which offers photo services
• A friend or family member, and print your own photo on matte or glossy paper

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

Can I smile in my passport photo?

Yes. Make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo.

Do I need a new passport if my appearance changed?

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.

Minor change - do not apply for a new passport

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

Major 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

Do you have more tips to take a photo of a baby or toddler?

Yes. Some tips include:

• Lay your baby or toddler on a plain white or off-white sheet, or cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet.
• Make sure there are no shadows on your baby or toddler's face.
• It is okay if a baby's eyes are not entirely open. All other children must have their eyes open.

Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Picture Perfect Passport

Follow these steps so you have a great passport photo.

Image Sizing Photo Tips

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

Low Quality Image or Paper Tips

Photo is blurry, grainy, pixelated, or printed on the wrong paper. Photos should be high resolution.

Photo Exposure Tips

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.

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