Your photo is a vital part of your passport application. To learn more, review the information below on how to provide a suitable photo to avoid passport processing delays.
Review the Photo Examples to see examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos. Photos copied or digitally scanned from driver’s licenses or other official documents are not acceptable. In addition, snapshots, magazine photos, low quality vending machine or mobile phone photos, and full-length photographs are not acceptable. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
We recommend you use a professional passport photo service to ensure your photo meets all the requirements. Photos must be 2″x 2″ (51 x 51 mm) in size with a background that is plain and white and free of shadows. Eyeglasses are not allowed in your photo.
If you are applying for a U.S. Passport or Visa, you must provide one (1) photo. Your photo must be:
- In color.
- Printed on photo quality paper.
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size.
- Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
- View the Photo Composition Template for more size requirement details.
- Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance.
- Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background.
- Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera.
- With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open.
- Taken in clothing that you normally wear.
- Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
- Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
- Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
- Headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
