US Passport Photo Requirements: Size & More
- 2x2-inch ratio
- Color picture
- Current photo only
- No cap or head cover
- No headphones
- No glasses
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Passport Photo Requirements for US
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The photo is cropped to the ratio given in the requirements. Head dimensions and position are also set up correctly.Prints & Digital
Save a digital copy of the photo for your US passport or print it at special printing services at your convenience.
Passport Photo Must Meet the Following Requirements:
Size and Proportions
Read moreCloseAs per the requirements, a correct photo for United States passport should be 2"x 2" (51 x 51 mm). Your head should be centered horizontally straight ahead. The face must be sized 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head or between 25 and 35 mm. Your entire head must be visible. Hair may extend past the boundaries of the passport photo frames, for instance, if your head proportions are outside the above mentioned width and height range.Pose & Expression
Read moreCloseOfficial US passport photo requirements say about neutral facial expression, eyes, neck and shoulders facing the camera directly. A natural smile is acceptable with mouth closed. A little bit of teeth showing is ok. Eyes should be clearly visible. Your head cannot be tilted forward, backward or to a side and must be in the photo in full.Shadows
Read moreCloseNo shadows on the face or background are acceptable (except for behind the ears). Your passport photos should have natural even light that reproduces your skin tone properly without too much brightness or darkness. Facial piercings, earrings, and necklaces are allowed if they are moderate in dimensions and don't hinder visibility.Background
Read moreCloseAccording to the governmental requirements, the background should be plain, without objects or other people, white or off-white color. No shadows are allowed in the photo for your new passport.Clothes, Hats, Hair
Read moreCloseWhen taking a photo for your passport, you can't wear a hat, uniform, camouflage attire, bulky jewelry, hearing device, or head covering except for religious or medical reasons. Both clothing exceptions require a signed statement for infants, children, and adults. Your full face should be visible even if you wear clothing or headgear for religious purposes. A toddler can't wear a hat like a cap, or another head covering, or baby bow. School uniform isn't permitted in a passport photo either. Smudges on child and babies clothing are acceptable. Make sure your long hair, toupee, or bangs doesn't obscure any part of your face. Facial hair is ok to be in the document photo: whiskers, a beard, or a moustache is a yes. Make sure all your hair fits into the frame and is not cut in half.Retouching
Read moreCloseAccording to the photo requirements, no editing or any retouching is allowed. You can not make your body thinner or polish skin by removing pimples, scars, tattoos, for instance. No selfies with social media filters are allowed. Passport photos must not be changed to remove red eye effect.Resolution & Print Size
Read moreCloseImages are required to be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch printer format setting). Blurry, pixelated, grainy photos won't pass guidelines. Please exclude motion blur when taking a baby’s passport image or your own snapshot with a mobile. We recommend using specialized photo printing shops for 2 x 2 inches width and height clear image printouts. Or if you print the submitted passport picture at home - use higher quality printer ink, photo quality paper and increase the printer’s resolution setting for the best printed passport photo size.Glasses
Read moreCloseThe passport picture requirements clearly state that wearing glasses, common eyeglasses, or sunglasses is not allowed. When taking a photo, you should remove glasses even if you wear them every day due to medical purposes.Babies, Kids
Read moreCloseBaby should be the only one present in their passport photo. No additional objects in the background. Neutral facial expression, natural smile or open mouth, head facing directly the camera. Eyes not entirely open are accepted for newborns and babies. For instance, photo must not contain closed eyes. Take a photo at your child eye level, so the eye line is at the correct position. Baby’s face should be entirely seen with no objects obscuring parts of his face. A picture where a hat, head covering for religious reasons, or other clothing that hide infants forehead, nose, eyebrows, hairline are rejected by passport photo rules.
Passport Picture Requirements: FAQ
What size is a U.S. passport photo?
Passport photos for U.S. passports and IDs must be exactly 2″ x 2″ (51 x 51 mm), with your head centered between 1″ and 1.4″ (25 and 35 mm).
What size is a U.S. visa photo?
For a visa, you need a photo in the size of 2″ x 2″ (51 x 51 mm).
Can I smile in a passport photo?
No, you cannot smile in a US passport photo. It’s recommended to keep a neutral expression for the best results. A slight smile is generally acceptable, as long as it doesn’t distort your facial features or obscure your eyes. It’s essential to follow the guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of State for passport photos to ensure your application is not rejected. Find out more information here: Can you smile in a passport photo?
How to make passport size photos?
Using PhotoBooth Online, you save time and receive a fine result! It’s easy to make snapshots for your new documents. Here’s several tips how to make an acceptable portrait for a US passport online with our photo services:
- Find a white background
- Not to cast shadows, adjust light and distance to avoid underexposed result or overexposure
- Wear everyday clothes, including religious attire worn daily. No uniforms.
- Stand straight, keep the photo camera on your eyes level
- Keep eyes open, straight shoulders, visible ears
- Take a pic with your digital camera
- Submit it to the PhotoBooth online passport application
- Wait a few moments to get a verified photograph after applying crop frame tool
- Download JPEG format files and print your US passport photographs on 4 x 6 inches photo quality paper on a color printer device or at a local store, pharmacy, library, Sam’s Club passport photo, or AAA passport photo office locations.
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?
Since 2016, you cannot wear glasses, dark glasses, tinted lenses, or sunglasses on your US passport photo, even if you do it due to medical reasons. If the document was issued before 2016 and you are wearing glasses in the photo, then there is no special need to change it.
How many passport photos do I need to provide for my passport or visa application?
For both passport and visa applications, you typically need to provide one passport-sized photo printed on glossy or matte high-quality photo paper, regardless of the possible cases. It must match the list of characteristics on the State Department website page.
However, it’s always a good idea to check the specific requirements for the country you’re applying to, as they may have their own regulations regarding passport and visa photos. Additionally, some applications may require additional photos, so it’s best to consult the official guidelines provided by the relevant government authority or embassy/consulate.”What color is the background of a US passport photo?
The background should be white, plain, without shadows, and without objects or people in the background.
How recent must a U.S. passport photo be?
You can use a new photo or a photo taken within the last six months. The photo should reflect your current appearance. This ensures that the photo represents you as you look at the time of your application submission. Photos taken more than six months ago will be rejected as not complying with official guidelines. So, it’s essential to make sure that your passport photo is recent and meets all the requirements specified by the U.S. Department of State. Learn more.