Size and Format
What size is a US passport photo? 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) — a square format. This is different from UK, EU, and Canadian passport photos, which use portrait (rectangular) formats.
What size should the head be? Your head, measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (including hair), must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) in the printed 2×2 inch photo.
What format is needed for the online renewal portal? JPEG format, minimum 600×600 pixels, square (1:1 ratio), file size 240 KB to 10 MB.
How many photos do I need? Two identical prints for paper applications (DS-11 new passport; DS-82 mail renewal). One digital upload for online renewal.
Background, Expression, and Appearance
What background is required? White or off-white, plain, no patterns, no shadows. Any non-white elements — including shadows cast by your head — cause rejection.
Can I smile? No. A neutral expression is required, with mouth closed. Any visible smile causes rejection.
Can I wear glasses? No. Glasses have been prohibited in US passport photos since November 1, 2016. Remove all glasses, including prescription glasses.
Can I wear a head covering? Only for documented religious reasons. Your full face from forehead to chin must be visible.
Does clothing colour matter? Avoid white or very light colours, which can blend with the white background. Any other everyday clothing colour is fine. No uniforms.
How recent does the photo need to be? Taken within 6 months of your application date.
Babies and Children
Do babies need their own passport photo? Yes. Every person including newborns needs their own photo. Child passports are valid for 5 years; adult passports are valid for 10 years.
Can I hold my baby in the photo? No other person should be visible. If you hold the baby, your hands and body must be completely outside the frame.
Does my baby need their eyes open? Eyes must be open and visible. For newborns who cannot reliably keep their eyes open, acceptance agents may grant discretionary allowances.
Can a pacifier be in the photo? No. Pacifiers must be removed.
Digital and Online Applications
Can I take my own passport photo at home? Yes. The State Department accepts home photos as long as they meet all requirements.
Can I use a selfie for a passport photo? You can, but use the rear camera rather than the front/selfie camera. The rear camera has better quality and less distortion. Self-timer or remote shutter helps prevent camera shake.
What happens if my photo is rejected? The State Department will contact you and ask for a new photo. This delays your application by 2–4 weeks. The processing fee is not refunded, but you don't need to resubmit your full application.
Can I reuse my previous passport photo? Only if it meets all current requirements and was taken within the last 6 months. A photo from your last passport renewal is almost certainly too old.
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Frequently Asked Questions
2×2 inch square, white or off-white background, head 1–1⅜ inches chin to crown, neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking at camera, no glasses, no head coverings (except religious), everyday clothing, taken within 6 months.
Only if taken within the last 6 months. Photos older than 6 months are rejected regardless of quality.
Related Tools
Related guides
- → Create your US passport photo
- → US visa photo
- → Baby passport photo
- → Full requirements guide
- → Size and dimensions
- → Background rules
- → Glasses rules
- → Expression rules
- → Clothing rules
- → Taking photos at home
- → How much it costs
- → Check your photo
- → Why photos get rejected
- → Where to get photos in the US
- → Digital passport photos
- → Printed passport photos
- → Visa photo requirements
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