US Passport Photo Requirements (2025)
The US Department of State specifies the following requirements for passport photos. These must be met exactly — photos that deviate in any dimension or composition are rejected, delaying your application by weeks.
- Size: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
- Head size: Your head must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head
- Head position: Centered in the frame, facing directly forward
- Expression: Neutral or natural smile, mouth closed, eyes open and forward
- Background: Plain white or off-white — no patterns, shadows, or visible edges
- Lighting: Even, no shadows on face or background
- Quality: In focus, printed on photo-quality paper (2×2 inches), no digital alterations
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
Glasses: No Longer Allowed
As of November 2016, the US passport application specifically prohibits glasses in passport photos. This applies to all glasses including transition lenses. If you wear glasses in your photo, your application will be rejected. Remove them for the photo — the final document will not show glasses regardless.
Clothing and Appearance
- No uniforms or camouflage clothing
- No hats or head coverings, unless worn for religious reasons (must provide a signed statement)
- No headphones or wireless devices visible
- No face-altering filters — use a plain camera app, not Snapchat or Instagram
The Most Common Reasons Passport Photos Are Rejected
- Incorrect head size. Head must be 1–1⅜ inches. Too small or too large are both rejected. This is the most common error with selfie-style photos.
- Shadows on the background. Stand at least 2 feet away from the background wall when taking the photo. Shadows behind your head or on one side of your face are grounds for rejection.
- Printed at wrong size. The printed photo must be exactly 2×2 inches. A 3×2 or 4×6 print of the photo does not comply even if the image itself is correct.
- Slightly off-center or angled head. Your face must be directly forward. Even slight tilts are rejected by the automated scanning systems.
- Old photo. Photos must be taken within 6 months of application. Using an older photo — even from a previous passport — is a common mistake.
Taking the Photo at Home
You can take a compliant passport photo at home with a smartphone camera. You do not need a professional photographer. Tips that make a significant difference:
- Use a white wall as the background — not an off-white or cream wall
- Shoot in good natural light or with two lights positioned at 45 degrees on either side (this prevents shadows on the background)
- Have someone else take the photo at eye level — don't use selfie mode, which introduces perspective distortion
- Use the back camera, not the front camera, for better resolution
- Have the photographer stand 3–4 feet away and use the standard camera app (not a portrait or filter mode)
Once taken, the photo must be cropped to show your head and shoulders filling the 2×2 frame, with your head occupying 70–80% of the frame height. The image must then be printed exactly 2×2 inches on photo-quality paper.
US Passport Photo vs. Other Countries
Different countries have different specifications. UK passport photos are 35×45mm (taller than wide, unlike the US square format). Canadian passport photos are 50×70mm. Australian photos are 45×35mm. If you need photos for multiple passports or visas, ensure you use the correct specification for each — they are not interchangeable.