U.S. Passport Photo Requirements
One of the first rules when applying for a new U.S. passport or visa—whether through the travel.state.gov website or offline—is to make sure your photo meets official passport photo requirements. An incorrect size, format, eye placement, facial expression, or clothing can result in your application being rejected.
In this article, we provide a detailed overview of the passport photo requirements set by the U.S. government for all applicants.
Note that the U.S. passport photo rules are the same as the photo standards as the photo standards for U.S. visas and the Diversity Visa Lottery. The information below applies to all of these cases.
U.S. Passport Photo Format and Size
The standard photo size for all major documents in the U.S. is 2x2 inches (51x51 mm). For online submission, the digital picture dimensions in pixels should be 600x600 (i.e., 2x2 inches at 300 DPI), and the width to height ratio should be 1:1.
U.S. passport photo measurements cover not only the image size but also the subject’s positioning. The head must be centered and measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (about 25–35 mm). The ideal head height, including hair, is 1.3 inches. The distance from the bottom of the image to the eye line must be between 1 1/8 inches and 1 3/8 inches (1.125–1.375 inches or 29–35 mm). The photo must include the shoulders.
U.S. Passport Photo Background
The background must be plain white or off-white, with no shadows, textures, or objects visible. Solid light backgrounds such as beige or gray are not acceptable. The background should be evenly lit, with no gradients or dark areas behind the head or shoulders.
No other people, furniture, or items should appear in the photo. The background must be clean and uniform to ensure proper contrast between the subject and the background.
Color and Lighting
The snapshot must be clear and in color, with no strong shadows, blurring or visible pixels.
Pose and Facial Expression
The applicant must face the camera directly, with the head centered and eyes clearly visible. The head should not be tilted, and the shoulders should be straight. Both eyes must be open and not obscured by hair or glare.
The facial expression should be neutral, with the mouth closed. A natural, slight smile is acceptable, but exaggerated expressions, raised eyebrows, or squinting are not allowed. The applicant must maintain a calm and relaxed expression.
Do You Have to Show Ears in a U.S. Passport Photo?
No, it is not required. You may cover your ears with hair or religious headwear. However, the more clearly the photo reflects your appearance, the better. If possible, it is recommended to keep your ears visible in your passport photo.
What to Wear for a U.S. Passport Photo?
U.S. passport photo clothing requirements allow everyday attire but prohibit uniforms, including military uniforms, work uniforms, and clothing that resembles official attire, such as medical scrubs.
For best results, choose casual or smart-casual clothing that contrasts well with the white background. Avoid wearing white or very light colors that may blend into the background.
Jewelry is allowed, as long as it does not obscure the face or alter your appearance.
Is It Possible to Take a Passport Photo With a Head Covering?
Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons and may require a signed statement. This includes items such as hijabs or turbans. However, the head covering must not obscure any part of the face, including the forehead, eyes, or facial contours.
Hats, caps, headbands, and other non-religious headwear or hair accessories are not permitted.
Is It Allowed to Take a U.S. Passport Photo in Glasses?
No. Glasses are not permitted, even if they are non-tinted and worn daily. The only exception is when an applicant cannot remove their glasses for medical reasons. In this case, a medical certificate must be provided.
Should the U.S. Passport Photo Be Matte or Glossy?
The photo must be printed on high-quality photo paper. It does not matter whether the finish is matte or glossy; either is acceptable.
What Are the U.S. Passport Photo Requirements for a Baby?
The size, format, and background requirements for minors are the same as those for adults.
For infants, posing rules are more flexible. Babies under one year old are not required to have their eyes open. Children under six are not required to look directly at the camera, and a neutral facial expression is not mandatory.
How Many Photos Should I Bring for a Passport Application?
For a first-time passport application, you will need two identical printed photographs. For an adult passport renewal, one photo is typically sufficient.
U.S. Passport Photo Guidelines
One of the fastest ways to create a compliant U.S. passport or visa photo is to use a specialized online editor. Visafoto.com instantly converts an image so that it meets all official passport photo requirements, including size, background, head position, and lighting standards. The service also includes a money-back guarantee if the generated photo is not accepted by the relevant authorities, subject to the service terms.
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Getting the Passport Photo Online: Instructions
- Take a photo of yourself against any background. Face the camera directly, keep your shoulders straight, and ensure your face is clearly visible;
- Make sure the image meets basic requirements: proper clothing, even lighting, and no strong shadows or objects in the background;
- Upload the photo to Visafoto.com to get an instant result. The service automatically adjusts the background to the required white or off-white, crops the image to the correct 2×2 inch format, aligns the head position, and improves overall image quality for compliance with official standards. Optional enhancement features can also improve lighting, correct exposure, and optimize clarity for digital or printed submission. Customer support is available 24/7 to assist with any questions.
The same instructions can be used for U.S. visa photo requirements as well.
How to check if my U.S. passport or visa photo matches the requirements?
For this purpose you can use the free visa photo checker by 7ID App. The tool has been specifically designed to check the photo for the criteria set by the US Department of State.
If for any reason the photo purchased at Visafoto.com doesn't pass the checks, contact our support. We will fix the photo for free. For your convenience, the support is available 24/7.
Get the U.S. passport photo online now!
Last update: April 2026