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Photo Guide

U.S. Passport Photo Requirements

Bad photos cause more application rejections than anything else. Here are the exact specs — and the easiest ways to get a compliant photo.

The official specs

Size2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
Head size1 to 1⅜ in (25-35 mm) from chin to crown
BackgroundPlain white or off-white, no shadows
Taken withinLast 6 months
ExpressionNeutral, both eyes open, mouth closed
GlassesNot allowed (since Nov 2016)
Head coveringOnly religious/medical, with signed statement
UniformsNot allowed (except religious daily wear)

Do / Don't

Do
  • Face the camera directly, full face visible
  • Use even, shadow-free lighting
  • Wear normal everyday clothing
  • Keep hair off the face outline
  • Print on matte or glossy photo paper
Don't
  • Smile widely or show teeth
  • Wear glasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses
  • Use filters, retouching, or beauty mode
  • Wear headphones, hats, or uniforms
  • Submit a selfie with visible arm/phone

3 ways to get a compliant photo

1. Online photo tool — cheapest & fastest

Take a photo at home against a white wall, upload it, and get a government-compliant digital file with a compliance guarantee — typically under $10 versus $15-20 at a pharmacy.

Guaranteed
Recommended Service

iVisa Passport Photos — compliance guaranteed

Upload a selfie, get a government-compliant passport photo in minutes. Automatic background removal, size check, and expert review — accepted or your money back. Digital or printed delivery.

Secure application Fast processing
Get my photo
via iVisa — official partner

2. Pharmacy / retail — $15-20

CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and AAA all take passport photos. Reliable but pricier, and quality varies by staff training.

3. DIY print — free-ish

The State Department's own photo tool can crop your photo to spec. Risk: home printers often produce wrong color balance or paper weight — a common rejection cause.

Baby & child passport photos

Infants are the only applicants allowed to have eyes partially closed or mouth open. Lay the baby on a white sheet, photograph from above, and ensure no hands or toys are visible. No other person may appear in a child's photo.

What it costs: every option compared

OptionPriceGuarantee
DIY + online tool$0-8Yes (iVisa)
CVS / Walgreens / Walmart$15-20No
AAA (members)$10-15No
Post office (at appointment)$15Convenient but no guarantee

Step-by-step home method: how to take a passport photo at home — and the exact 2×2 size specs in inches and pixels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a passport photo with my phone?
Yes — a modern smartphone works if you follow the rules: plain white background, even lighting, no shadows, neutral expression, camera at eye level 4-6 feet away. Use a compliance tool to crop and verify.
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
No — glasses of any kind (including clear lenses) are banned in U.S. passport photos since 2016. Only exception: a signed doctor's statement for medical necessity.
What size is a U.S. passport photo?
Exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), with the head measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches (25-35 mm) from chin to crown. Printed on matte or glossy photo paper.
Can I smile in a passport photo?
A neutral expression or natural, slight smile is allowed — but no teeth showing, eyes fully open, facing the camera directly.
How recent must the photo be?
Taken within the last 6 months and reflecting your current appearance. Significant changes (major weight change, facial surgery, new face tattoos) require a new photo.
How many passport photos do I need?
One photo per application — for DS-11 in person and DS-82 mail renewals alike. It's smart to print 2-4 copies anyway in case the agent rejects one or you apply again soon.
Do my ears need to be visible in a passport photo?
No — that's an outdated myth. The State Department does not require ears to be visible; hair covering the ears is fine as long as your full face is unobstructed.
What makes a passport photo 'acceptable' or 'approved'?
A photo is approved when it meets every requirement: exactly 2×2 inches, head 1-1⅜ inches, white or off-white background, taken within 6 months, neutral expression, no glasses, no head covering (except religious, worn daily), even lighting with no shadows, and printed on photo-quality paper.
Can I upload a digital passport photo online?
For online passport renewals, yes — you upload a compliant digital photo during the application. For paper applications (DS-11, DS-82 by mail), you submit a printed photo; a digital file alone isn't accepted.
What are the passport photo requirements for a baby?
Mostly the same rules — but babies can have eyes closed only in newborns' photos, and no one else can be visible in the frame. See our dedicated baby passport photo guide for the exact technique that works.

In-depth guides

How to Take a Passport Photo at Home With Your Phone
Read guide
U.S. Passport Photo Size: Exact Dimensions & Printing
Read guide
Baby & Child Passport Photos: Rules, Tips & Common Rejections
Read guide
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Last reviewed: · PassportsUSA editorial team