Passport Photo Requirements 2026: U.S. Passport Picture Rules

A U.S. passport photo must be a recent 2×2-inch color photo taken within the last 6 months with a plain white or off-white background. The applicant must face the camera directly with a neutral facial expression, and glasses are not allowed unless medically necessary.

The United States Department of State uses strict biometric and facial recognition standards when reviewing passport photos. Incorrect photos are one of the most common reasons passport applications are delayed or rejected.

U.S. Passport Photo Size Requirements

What Does a Passport Photo Need to Look Like?

Your passport photo must:

• Show your full face clearly
• Be centered in the image
• Have proper lighting
• Have no shadows behind you
• Use a plain white background
• Be high resolution
• Be printed on photo-quality paper if submitting a physical application

You should remove:

• Sunglasses
• Headphones
• Filters
• Heavy shadows
• Uniforms
• Distracting accessories

Religious head coverings are permitted if they do not block facial features.

Passport Photo Background Rules

The background must be:

• Plain white
• Off-white
• Free of patterns
• Free of objects
• Free of shadows

Light gray, cream, textured walls, and edited digital backgrounds may cause rejection.

Can You Wear Glasses in a Passport Photo?

No. Eyeglasses are generally not allowed in U.S. passport photos.

Medical exceptions are rare and usually require signed medical documentation.

Passport Photo Facial Expression Rules

Applicants should:

• Face forward
• Keep both eyes open
• Maintain a neutral expression
• Avoid exaggerated smiles
• Keep hair away from the face

Facial recognition systems now analyze facial positioning and symmetry more aggressively than in previous years.

Digital Passport Photo Requirements

Digital passport photos for online renewals must:

• Be square
• Use JPG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF format
• Be between 600×600 and 1200×1200 pixels
• Remain unedited
• Avoid AI filters or retouching

The State Department warns applicants not to digitally alter passport photos.

Common Reasons Passport Photos Get Rejected

Passport photos may be rejected for:

• Incorrect size
• Shadows on the face
• Smiling too much
• Wearing glasses
• Poor lighting
• Edited backgrounds
• Low image quality
• Filters or retouching
• Incorrect head positioning

Photo rejection is one of the leading causes of passport processing delays.

Can You Take a Passport Photo at Home?

Yes. Many applicants now take passport photos at home using smartphones.

However, the image must still meet all U.S. passport photo requirements. Selfies are not accepted because another person must take the photo.

Tips for DIY Passport Photos

• Stand 2 to 4 feet from the camera
• Use natural lighting
• Avoid shadows
• Use a white wall
• Keep the camera level with your face
• Do not use portrait mode or beauty filters

Passport Photos for Babies and Children

Baby passport photos follow similar rules but allow some flexibility.

Infant passport photos:

• May show closed eyes for newborns
• Cannot include another person
• Cannot show toys or pacifiers
• Must still use a white background

Parents often place babies on a white sheet when taking the photo.

Where Can You Get Passport Photos Taken?

Common places include:

• Pharmacies
• Shipping stores
• Passport acceptance facilities
• Professional photography studios
• Online passport photo services

Many applicants also use smartphone apps that help crop passport photos to 2×2 format.

Passport Photo vs Visa Photo

Passport photos and visa photos are not always the same.

Different countries may require:

• Different dimensions
• Different backgrounds
• Different expressions
• Different biometric spacing

Always check the specific visa photo rules before applying internationally.

How Recent Must a Passport Photo Be?

Passport photos must generally be taken within the last 6 months to accurately reflect your current appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Passport Photos

What size is a U.S. passport photo?

A U.S. passport photo must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm).

Can I smile in a passport photo?

You may have a natural expression or soft smile, but exaggerated smiling is discouraged.

Can I wear makeup in a passport photo?

Yes, as long as it does not significantly alter your appearance.

Can I use a selfie for a passport photo?

No. Another person must take the photo.

Can passport photos be black and white?

No. Passport photos must be in full color.

Can I wear a hat in a passport photo?

Only for religious or medical reasons.

Are filters allowed on passport photos?

No. AI filters, beauty filters, and digital retouching are prohibited.