U.S. Passport Photo Requirements: The Complete 2025 Guide
Getting your passport photo rejected can delay your travel plans by weeks. This comprehensive guide covers all official U.S. Department of State requirements to ensure your passport application is accepted the first time.
Create Compliant Passport PhotoWhy Passport Photo Requirements Matter
The U.S. Department of State enforces strict requirements for passport photos to ensure facial recognition systems work effectively and to maintain security standards. Non-compliant photos are the #1 reason for passport application rejections, causing delays of 2-8 weeks in processing.
This guide covers the official requirements updated for 2025, including precise measurements, background specifications, expression guidelines, and technical standards. Following these requirements is essential whether you're applying for a new passport, renewing an existing one, or replacing a lost or damaged passport.
Time-Saving Tip: Our AI-powered tool can automatically check if your photo meets most requirements and make necessary adjustments. Simply upload your photo to get a compliant passport photo in seconds.
Let's dive into the specific requirements you need to follow for a successful passport application.
Left: A compliant passport photo meeting all requirements. Right: A non-compliant photo with common issues highlighted.
Photo Specifications
Size and Dimensions
The U.S. Department of State requires passport photos to meet precise measurements:
- Photo dimensions: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Head height: Between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25-35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Eye position: Between 1⅛ inches and 1⅜ inches (28-35 mm) from the bottom of the photo
- Head position: Centered horizontally in the frame
Getting these measurements exactly right can be challenging. Our app automatically sizes and positions your head to meet these requirements precisely, eliminating guesswork.
Exact measurements required for U.S. passport photos, showing proper head positioning and size.
Color
- Must be in color (not black and white)
- Natural, even lighting required
- No over or underexposure
- Accurate color representation
Background
- Plain white or off-white only
- No patterns, textures, or designs
- No shadows on background
- No other people or objects visible
Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Must reflect current appearance
- Update photo if appearance changes significantly
- Children require more recent photos due to rapid changes
Lighting
- Even, diffused lighting on face
- No harsh shadows, especially under eyes
- No glare on skin
- No red-eye effect
Common Mistake: Using a colored or textured background. Even subtle patterns or off-white walls with texture can cause rejection. Our app automatically removes any background and replaces it with the perfect shade of white required by passport authorities.
Attire and Appearance Requirements
Facial Expression and Pose
Your facial expression and pose in a passport photo must meet specific criteria to ensure accurate identification:
- Expression: Neutral facial expression (neither smiling nor frowning)
- Mouth: Closed, natural position (no big smiles showing teeth)
- Eyes: Both eyes open and clearly visible
- Gaze direction: Looking directly at camera
- Head position: Facing the camera directly (no tilting or turning)
- Shoulders: Square to the camera (not angled)
While a neutral expression is required, this doesn't mean you need to look unhappy. A relaxed, natural face with a slight hint of a smile (sometimes called "smizing" or smiling with your eyes) is acceptable as long as your mouth remains closed.
Examples of acceptable (neutral) and unacceptable (smiling, frowning, looking away) facial expressions for passport photos.
Glasses and Eyewear
- No glasses allowed in passport photos as of November 2016
- Medical exceptions require signed doctor's statement
- If medically necessary, frames must not cover eyes
- No tinted lenses or sunglasses under any circumstances
- No glare or reflections on lenses if medically required
Head Coverings
- Allowed only for religious purposes
- Must submit signed statement verifying religious purpose
- Full face must be visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead
- No shadows on face from head covering
- Hairline must be visible to some degree
Clothing and Accessories
- Wear everyday clothing (no uniforms or similar attire)
- No camouflage or military-style clothing
- No wireless/Bluetooth headsets or similar devices
- Jewelry and piercings allowed if they don't hide face
- No hats or non-religious head coverings
Special Considerations
- Hearing aids and similar devices are permitted
- Facial tattoos and piercings are acceptable
- Permanent makeup is allowed
- Facial hair must be maintained as worn regularly
- Traditional or cultural attire is acceptable if face is fully visible
Need Help? Our app can analyze your photo and tell you if your expression, head position, and attire meet passport requirements. If there are issues, we'll provide specific guidance on how to correct them.
Technical Specifications
Digital Photo Requirements
If you're submitting a digital photo or applying online, your digital image must meet these technical specifications:
- File format: JPEG (.jpg) file extension
- Dimensions: At least 600 x 600 pixels
- File size: Between 54 KB and 10 MB
- Color space: sRGB or RGB color space
- Bit depth: 24-bit color (8 bits per channel)
- Compression: Minimal compression to avoid artifacts
Higher resolution photos are better, as they contain more detail. Our app ensures your digital photo meets all these technical requirements while maintaining optimal quality.
Resolution and Quality
- High-resolution image required
- No visible pixels or graininess
- No blurriness or soft focus
- Sharp, clear image with good detail
- No over-sharpening or artificial enhancement
Print Quality
- Professional photo quality paper
- Matte or glossy finish (both acceptable)
- No creases or damage to paper
- No inkjet printer streaks or patterns
- No low-quality thermal prints
Image Editing Restrictions
- No digital alterations to appearance
- No filters or effects
- No retouching to remove blemishes
- No red-eye correction
- No enhancement or beautification filters
Printing and Submission
- Do not staple or damage the photo
- No writing on front or back of photo
- Submit only the required number of photos
- Cut precisely to 2x2 inch dimensions
- No border around the photo
Examples of unacceptable photo quality issues like graininess, blurriness, overexposure, and pixelation.
Common Rejection Reasons
Understanding why passport photos get rejected can help you avoid common pitfalls. Here are the most frequent reasons for rejection:
Lighting Issues
- Shadows on face: Especially under eyes or on background
- Overexposure: Washed-out features or "hot spots" on skin
- Underexposure: Too dark, details not visible
- Uneven lighting: One side of face brighter than other
- Red-eye: Flash reflection in eyes
Composition Problems
- Incorrect size: Photo not 2x2 inches
- Head too large/small: Outside the 1" to 1⅜" requirement
- Head not centered: Off-center positioning
- Too close/far: Improper framing of face
- Cropped features: Part of head cut off
Expression and Pose
- Smiling: Showing teeth or exaggerated expression
- Eyes closed: Blinking or partially closed eyes
- Not facing camera: Head turned or tilted
- Looking away: Eyes not directed at camera
- Unnatural expression: Exaggerated or forced look
Technical Failures
- Poor resolution: Blurry, pixelated, or low quality
- Digital alterations: Visible editing or filters
- Improper background: Not plain white or off-white
- Glare or reflections: On glasses or skin
- Print quality: Inkjet streaks or poor paper
Wearing Sunglasses
Non-medical glasses without a physcian's note are not permitted in passport photos.
Source: U.S. Department of State
Common reasons for passport photo rejection, with visual examples from the U.S. Department of State.
Avoid Rejection: Our app automatically checks for many of these common issues and corrects or warns you of them before you submit your application. Upload your photo to get instant verification and suggested adjustments that ensure compliance with all requirements.
Special Cases and Exceptions
Infants and Children
Passport photos for babies and children must meet the same requirements as adult photos, but with a few special considerations:
- No other people in photo: Parents/guardians cannot be visible, even hands holding baby
- Eyes open: Child's eyes must be open (a significant challenge for newborns)
- Neutral expression: No crying or laughing
- Background: Place baby on white blanket or use white background
- Recency: Photos should be very recent due to rapid changes in appearance
For infants, the State Department recommends placing them on their back on a plain white sheet. Take the photo from above, ensuring no shadows fall on their face. For toddlers, you might try seating them in a car seat covered with a white sheet.
Medical Exceptions
The State Department recognizes that some individuals may have medical conditions that make it impossible to meet all photo requirements:
- Medical eyewear: Requires signed statement from medical professional
- Head coverings for medical reasons: Requires documentation
- Inability to maintain neutral expression: Due to physical condition
- Special needs: Accommodations for various conditions
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to meet photo requirements, include a signed doctor's statement with your application explaining the condition and why it prevents compliance with specific requirements.
Religious Accommodations
Religious head coverings are permitted in passport photos, provided:
- The covering is worn daily for religious reasons
- Your full face is visible from bottom of chin to top of forehead
- No shadows are cast on your face
- Submit a signed statement verifying the head covering is part of recognized religious attire worn continuously
Examples of compliant passport photos for special cases: infant, medical eyewear, and religious head covering.
Getting Help with Your Passport Photo
Getting a compliant passport photo doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. Here are your options:
Professional Services
Traditional options for professional passport photos include:
- Photo studios: $15-25 per set of photos
- Pharmacy chains: $13-20 (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)
- Post offices: $15 at select locations
- Warehouse clubs: $5-8 (Costco, Sam's Club)
While these services offer convenience, they don't always guarantee compliance with all requirements, and quality can vary significantly between locations.
Digital Solutions
Modern digital options offer convenience and often better quality control:
- Passport Photo Friend (our service): Upload any photo and our AI automatically creates a perfectly compliant passport photo
- Benefits of our approach:
- Automatic verification against all requirements
- Perfect sizing and cropping
- Background removal and replacement
- Lighting correction
- Digital delivery or printed photos shipped to your home
- 100% compliance guarantee
DIY Approach
If you prefer to create your own passport photo:
- Use our detailed guides for taking passport photos at home or with an iPhone
- Have someone else take the photo (not a selfie)
- Use proper lighting and a white background
- Upload to our tool for verification and formatting
- Print at the correct 2x2 inch size on photo-quality paper
Expert Tip: Even if you take your own photo, use our verification tool to ensure it meets all requirements before submitting. Our system checks over 20 different compliance factors in seconds, potentially saving you weeks of delay from a rejected application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smile in my passport photo?
No, the U.S. Department of State requires a "neutral facial expression" with a natural, relaxed face and both eyes open. This means no smiling with teeth showing, no frowning, and no raised eyebrows. A slight, closed-mouth natural expression is acceptable as long as it's not a full smile.
Can I wear makeup in my passport photo?
Yes, you can wear makeup as long as it represents your everyday appearance. Avoid heavy makeup that significantly alters your features. Permanent makeup and tattoos are acceptable. Remember that your passport may be valid for 10 years, so very trendy or dramatic makeup might make your identification more difficult later.
Can I wear jewelry in my passport photo?
Yes, you can wear jewelry including earrings, necklaces, and piercings as long as they don't obscure your face or cast shadows. Everyday jewelry that you normally wear is best. Very large or distracting pieces might be problematic if they cover facial features.
What if I wear glasses all the time?
As of November 2016, glasses are not allowed in passport photos, even if you wear them daily. The only exception is for medical reasons that make it impossible to remove glasses, which requires a signed doctor's statement. If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, ensure there's no glare and the frames don't cover your eyes.
Can I use a photo taken with my phone?
Yes, you can use a photo taken with a smartphone if it meets all the requirements for quality, lighting, background, and composition. Modern smartphones often have cameras capable of taking high-quality photos. Our app can help process photos taken with any device to ensure they meet all passport requirements.
How recent must my passport photo be?
Your passport photo must be taken within the 6 months prior to submitting your application. It should reflect your current appearance. If your appearance changes significantly (major weight change, facial surgery, gender transition, etc.), you should consider getting a new passport with an updated photo.
Create Your Perfect Passport Photo Now
Don't risk rejection and weeks of delay. Our AI-powered tool ensures your passport photo meets all U.S. Department of State requirements with 100% compliance guaranteed.