Passport Photo – U.S. Passport Photo Requirements
Important: November 1st, 2016 Glasses on passport photos are no longer permitted
When you plan to travel abroad, you’ll need a passport as proof of your identity. One of the main elements of your passport is the photo, but you can’t use just any photo. A correct photo will streamline the passport registration process while using a photo that doesn’t meet those requirements is one of the most common causes of delays when it comes to getting your passport. Download Passport Photo Creator to create the picture perfect passport and visa photos.
Where to Get Passport Photo Taken
You could get your passport photo taken at a number of location thru out the United States some example of location is:
- Walgreens
- Costco
- Target
- Walmart
- KINKOS
- CVS
- Passport Offices
- Local Photo Studio
U.S. Passport Photo Dimensions
Make sure you follow the instructions and parameters set by the U.S. Department of State Passport Agency. Your passport photo will be rejected if you do not follow every guideline. If you have any questions about the passport photo dimensions or requirements, please read this page carefully. The passport photo must always be printed in a 2×2 inch square. There are additional passport photo requirements that should always be met prior to submitting your passport application.
Passport Photo Requirements
- Passport photo size 2 x 2
- Taken within the past 6 months
- Color photo only (black and white photos are no longer accepted)
- Full face, front view with a plain white or off-white background
- Head measures between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches.
- Your eyes may not be more than 1-3/8 inches from the bottom of the photo and no less than 1-1/8 inches from the bottom of the photo.
- If you’re using a digital photo to print, it must have at least 300 pixels per inch (PPI) and measure 600 by 600 pixels.
- Taken in normal street attire
Composition Requirements
Passport photos must be in color with a plain white or off-white backdrop. A recent photo — taken in the last 6 months — is required. When it comes time to update your passport, bring or take a new photo. Look straight into the camera when taking your photo. Your expression should be neutral — no smiling — and eyes open.
The photo color should accurately represent skin and hair tone. Photos with too many shadows or that are over-exposed are not acceptable for passports. No shadow should be visible in the background. Too much light will cause shine on the skin, which is not appropriate for your passport.
Clothing Requirements
Photos should depict you in casual clothing without head adornments except for those required for religious purposes. Exceptions include glasses. However, the glasses should not create a glare that makes it difficult to view the irises and pupils of the eyes. Even if you wear glasses on a daily basis, you can remove them for your passport photo.
Style your hair so that it doesn’t obscure any part of your face. All head coverings should be styled so that they do not cast shadows on your face.
Passport Photos for Infant
It may be difficult to take a photo of a child, especially an infant, that perfectly meets these requirements. A child’s eyes may not be fully open, a child may smile or a seat may appear in the background. However, it’s best to encourage children to meet adult passport photo requirements.
Because of these requirements, many people opt to use the services of a professional photographer, especially one who is experienced with passport photos to expedite the process.
Religious Passport Photo
If you need to wear a burqa, topi (taqiyah) or a headscarf this is acceptable, but you need to add an additional letter stating that you are wearing this item on top of your head for religious purposes.
How to Make Your Own Passport Photo?
If you are going to take your passport photo you must not be wearing a white clothing. This is because all passport photos must be taken on a white background. Therefore, doing so would get your passport application rejected.
This, in fact, is the main reason why some passport applications are denied. A passport photo must be taken on an off-white background. If the background is blue, red, pink, orange or yellow background this is not acceptable by the passport agency.
We recommend the Passport Photo Creator application for a compliant passport and visa photo.
a white background
Under the section titled, “How to Take Your Own Passport Photo?” it says 2 different things. 1) “…all passport photos must be taken on a white background.” and then in the next paragraph it says, 2) “A passport photo must be taken on an off-white background.” Which is it? A “white background” or an “off white background”?”
one is sufficent, please staple to your application
Do you need to send both passport photos in when renewing?
no
I have a good photo but need to change the background to white…is photoshopping the background permissable?
U.S. Passport Help Guide thank you!
hello, you cannot have anything obstructing the face, earings and make up are fine but if the nose ring is obstructing the face than it will not be accepted.
Hello, because the US Department of State reccomends you send an extra photo especially if you are getting both a passport book and passport card.
Do I have to remove all my earrings, nose ring and makeup? I tried to go to Walgreens today and they told me all had up be removed. Can’t find anything in print that states that. Needless to say I left without picture.
Why do most retailers provide 2 passport photos if only 1 is required to be attached to the application/renewal form?
No, she must have passport photos that meet all requirements. The photos must be submitted with her application
I have a 16 year old girl who just got her drivers license this year. Can we use the photo taken for that? How would we go about transferring that photo to her passport?
1 picture is needed for the application
How many pics need for the passport?
Please try and keep them off your face as the US Department of State prefers nothing obstructing the face.
I have bangs. Will this be ok?
When you get passport photos done, they give you 2, one will be attached to your application and the second photo is just back up, you do not need to send the 2nd photo, it is just reccomended.
yes, no glasses are allowed unless he has a letter from his doctor.
Hello, honestly it does not make a difference as you do not need to send in a license when renewing a passport
Why are there 2 photos needed?
WE WENT AND HAD PASSPORT PHOTOS AT WALGREENS, MY HUSBAND WORE HIS GLASSES NOW I AM READING NOT TO WEAR GLASSES, DO WE NEED TO GET PICTURE REDONE
Should I get my enhanced driver’s license prior to renewing my passport?
we have not heard of that, I would wait and see if the photos get rejected
please order a certified long form copy on vitalchek.com
Hi I just paid a passport company to have an expedited new passport because I had run out of empty pages for aVisa. The picture looked fine when taken but I got it back and it had a yellow tint. They said they are now scanned and all the photos are yellowish now. Is this correct?
I have never had my original birth certificate with raised seal but do have a photo copy. I have a military passport, SSN card, military member for 33 years, etc.. Will the birth certificate copy again suffice to receive a civilian passport for leisure travel? I had a previous civilian passport which expired several years ago and no longer have it so I am assuming, hate to assume anything, that my birth certificate copy will be accepted again to obtain another civilian passport? Thanks on the front end!
Hello you would have to contact the US Department of State directly
No, just the parent on the BC
Hello, you cannot mail in a minors application they must appear in person with both parents present, if one parent cannot be present they can submit a DS 3053 notarized consent form, you can apply anywhere with an acceptance agent it does not have to be a regional office