How to get a
passport photo right

U.S. Passport Requirements: Guidelines and Common Mistakes

Don't let your passport photo delay your travel plans.

The State Department has very specific requirements for U.S. passport photos, and an incompliant photo will restart your application process and slow down your processing timeline. You'll want to review the requirements, which cover size, background, lighting, clothing, and even your expression.

Find out how to get your photo accepted on the first try.

U.S. Passport Checklist

Every item on this list is required for an acceptable passport photo required, so pay close attention here.

Size and Format

• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
• Printed on matte or glossy photo paper
• No digital filters, editing, or retouching
• Color photo only
• Minimum resolution of 300 PPI, 600 x 600 pixels for digital submissions
• Photo must be undamaged (no tears, creases, smudges, or holes)

Head Position and Size

• Head must be centered in the frame, not tilted at all
• Head height (top of hair to bottom of chin): between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches
• Face must be looking directly at the camera
• Neutral expression or a natural, relaxed smile
• Both eyes open and clearly visible

Background

• Plain white or off-white background
• No shadows on the face or background
• No patterns, textures, or other colors

Recency

• Must be taken in the past six months
• Must reflect your current appearance

Clothing and Accessories

• Every day clothing is fine
• Avoid uniforms, including U.S. military uniforms
• No camouflage clothing
• No hats or head coverings (Exception: head coverings worn daily for religious or medical reasons are allowed, as long as they do not obscure the face)
• No glasses. This rule took effect in 2023 and applies to all applicants, including those who wear glasses full-time. You may get a medical exemption with a signed doctor's note
• Jewelry and facial piercings are acceptable, as long as they do not obscure the face

DIY vs. Professional Passport Photos

You can opt to take your own picture or visit a local pharmacy, photo center, or shipping store to have your photo taken, but be aware of the margin for error in DIY passport photos. DIY photos fail for a handful of predictable reasons — see Common Mistakes below for what to watch out for.

Taking Your Own Passport Photo

Smartphone cameras deliver high-quality images for passport photos, but the challenge is controlling the environment.

If you go the DIY route, stand in front of a plain white wall with even natural light or a well-placed lamp in front of you. Selfies are not acceptable, so have someone else take the photo. You can then print it at a photo center or on standard photo paper.

Using a Professional Photo Service

Pharmacies, shipping stores, and many photo studios offer passport photo services. They cost between $10 and $20, and the photographer handles sizing, background, and printing. You walk out with an accepted-format photo in minutes.

A professional photo is worth the small cost if you are applying close to a travel date and cannot afford the delay of a rejected photo.

Passport Photos for Children and Infants

Children and infants must follow the same core requirements as adults, but we all know that it isn't as easy to get a compliant photo of a baby. Try these strategies to capture an acceptable passport photo of your small children and infants.

Key Rules for Children's Passport Photos

• No parents or caregivers visible in the photo
• Eyes must be open and visible
• Same white background rules apply

How to Photograph a Baby for a Passport

Lay a white sheet or blanket on a flat surface, and place your baby there on their back. Stand directly above them and take the photo looking straight down, but make sure to avoid creating shadows on their face.

Some parents place a white sheet over a car seat and photograph the baby from the front while the baby is upright. Either approach works as long as the background is completely white and no hands or other people appear in the frame.

Getting an infant to keep their eyes open for the photo is the hardest part. Take many photos and choose the best one. A slightly drowsy but open-eyed photo works just fine.

For children who are old enough to sit up, the same rules apply as for adults: white background, forward-facing, neutral or natural expression, and no accessories.

Common Passport Photo Mistakes

These mistakes are often the culprit behind rejected passport photos. Before you send in your application, take another look at your photo.

• Wrong background: The most common rejection reason. A plain white wall often has shadows, warm tones, or subtle texture. Natural light from a window directly in front of you helps. Take a test photo and zoom in before committing to a final print.
• Shadows on the face: Light coming from the side or from above creates shadows. Position your light source in front of you, not above or behind. If you are using a window, face it directly.
• Taking a selfie: The State Department does not accept selfies. Someone else must take the photo. A selfie angle also makes it harder to center your head correctly in the frame.
• Photo printed on regular paper: A photo printed at home on regular copy paper will not be accepted. Use a pharmacy, shipping store, or photo center that prints on standard photo paper.
• Low image quality: Blurry, grainy, or pixelated photos are rejected. Make sure the image is sharp before you print. Digital photos must be at least 300 PPI and 600 x 600 pixels.
• Filters or editing: Social media filters, brightness adjustments, and background removal tools are not allowed. Submit the photo as taken, with no edits.
• Head covering, without religious or medicinal reason: A baseball cap, beanie, or headband will get your photo rejected. Only religious or medically required coverings are permitted, and both require supporting documentation.

What Happens If Your Passport Photo is Rejected?

If the State Department determines your photo doesn't meet requirements, your entire application is returned to you by mail. This is called a 'return for correction.'

Your Next Steps

Your application stops moving forward. You will need to get a new compliant photo, correct any other issues flagged in the return letter, and resubmit your full application. The State Department does not hold your application and wait for you to send a replacement photo.

Time and Cost Impact

Processing time restarts from when they receive your corrected application, which ultimately adds weeks to your timeline. If you were counting on a specific travel date, you may need to pay for expedited processing on the resubmission.

The good news is that the return letter will tell you exactly what was wrong. A photo rejection is fixable, but you'll save significant time by paying close attention to photo requirements.

If your application has been returned and your travel is coming up quickly, CIBTvisas can help. Our expedited service is designed for situations where time is short.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my own passport photo?

Yes. Smartphones and digital cameras produce photos with enough resolution to meet requirements, but you may struggle with your background and lighting. Use a plain white background with even light and no shadows on your face. Have the photo printed on photo paper at a pharmacy or print shop. A photo printed on regular paper at home will not be accepted.

Can I smile in my passport photo?

Yes, with some conditions. The State Department requires a neutral expression or a natural, relaxed smile. A big, wide smile that shows your teeth or changes the shape of your face is more likely to be flagged. A calm expression is the safest choice.

Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?

No. As of 2023, glasses are not permitted in passport photos, even for everyday wearers.

What if my passport photo is rejected?

The State Department will return your full application by mail with a letter explaining the issue. You will need to get a new photo, make any other corrections noted, and resubmit. This will restart your processing time, as well. If your trip is coming up, contact CIBTvisas for explore expedited options.

Can I use a photo that's more than six months old?

No. Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. The State Department also requires that the photo reflect your current appearance. If your appearance has changed significantly since the photo was taken, even a recent photo may be flagged.

What's the correct passport photo size?

The photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). Within that frame, your head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your hair. Photo printing services at pharmacies are set up to get this sizing right automatically.

Do children have different passport photo rules?

The core rules are the same: white background, eyes open, no head coverings (except for religious reasons), and taken within the last 6 months. The main practical difference is that no parent or other person can appear in the frame, and parents must make sure that infants have their eyes open.

Ready to Apply?

A compliant photo is one of the most important parts of a clean passport application. Getting it right the first time protects your timeline and keeps your travel plans on track.

Visit our passport information page to learn about the full application process, or start your passport order with CIBTvisas and let our team guide you through every step.

How can CIBTvisas help you get your passport

Applying for a new or renewed passport can be a complicated process. It is easy to have your passport denied because of a mistake with paperwork, or even simply not meeting the passport photo requirements. This can cause you needless stress and waste your time, especially if you need to get your passport quickly for an upcoming international trip.

CIBTvisas can guide you throughout the entire process of applying for your passport. Our team of expert immigration and visa professionals submit all of the required documentation on your behalf, greatly minimizing the length of time needed to process your passport, and ensuring all documents are correctly filled out and submitted.