US passport photo requirements: Everything you need to know

Getting your US passport photo right is crucial — one small mistake can delay your application or cause it to be rejected. That’s why it’s important to follow the official rules. In this guide, we walk you through the US passport photo requirements so you can take a compliant photo at home using our online tool and avoid common pitfalls.

Key points summary: for people in a hurry

Your passport photo must be 2 x 2 inches, in color, and taken within the last 6 months
Glasses, uniforms, and digital alterations are not allowed unless medically justified
Makeup and hairstyles are permitted if they don’t change or obscure your facial features
Smartphone iD helps you create a compliant passport photo from home with the correct size, background, and format

US passport photo requirements

To meet US passport photo requirements, you must follow these size and quality rules:

Photo dimensions: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
Quantity: One or two photos depending on application method
Color only: Black and white photos are not accepted
High-resolution: No blurriness, graininess, or pixelation
No filters or digital edits that alter your appearance

Photo composition guidelines

Your photo must show your face clearly and proportionally. Pay attention to the following points:

Head height must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm)
Face should be centered and directly facing the camera
Eyes should be around 1 1/8 inches (28 mm) from the bottom of the photo
Neutral expression required (closed mouth, eyes open)
Face, neck, and shoulders must be fully visible, with space around the head

Background requirements

The background should be simple and uncluttered to ensure your face is clearly visible. Requirements include:

Only white or off-white background is accepted
No shadows, patterns, or objects behind you
The background must be even and distraction-free

Attire and accessories

Only certain types of clothing and accessories are permitted. Here's what you should know:

No uniforms or camouflage clothing
Every day clothing is required
No glasses unless with a signed doctor’s statement
No tinted lenses or glare from glasses
Headgear only for religious or medical reasons (with documentation)
Avoid large jewelry or accessories that cover the face

Detailed guide on clothing for US passport photos

Makeup guidelines

You can wear makeup, but it must not interfere with your natural appearance. Follow these rules:

Use natural tones; avoid bright eyeshadows or bold lipstick
Avoid glittery or reflective products
No heavy contouring or fake eyelashes
Avoid high-SPF products that create flashback
Keep eyebrows natural, without reshaping or overapplying.

Detailed guide on makeup for US passport photos

Hair guidelines

Your hair should never obstruct your facial features. Keep in mind:

Hair must not cover your face or eyes
Style hair to leave facial features fully visible
No hair accessories that hide the face
Beards are fine if they reflect your usual appearance
Head coverings allowed only for religious or medical reasons

Detailed guide on hair for US passport photos

Detailed guide on hairstyle for US passport photos

Photo recency and validity

Your passport photo must reflect your current appearance. To meet this rule:

The photo must be taken within the last 6 months
Any major change in appearance requires a new photo

Technical and digital photo requirements

Whether submitting physical or digital passport photo, certain technical requirements must be followed:

Print format: Matte or glossy photo-quality paper
Digital format: JPEG only
Resolution: Between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels
File size: Between 54 KB and 240 KB, or up to 15 MB depending on the platform
No use of filters, digital retouching, or AI tools

Smartphone iD automatically checks and formats your digital photo to meet these exact standards.

Special considerations

Some flexibility applies to children and those with medical needs:

Slight head movement allowed for infants
No hands, toys, or objects should appear in the photo
A neutral expression is preferred but not mandatory for babies
Eyeglasses or headgear are only allowed with a signed medical note

FAQ

What type of paper should I use to print my passport photo?

To print your passport photo,you should use matte or glossy photo-quality paper. Regular printer paper is not acceptable.

Can I wear a turtleneck or hoodie in my passport photo?

No, these may resemble uniforms or cover the neck. Wear plain, everyday clothing that leaves your face and neck visible.

How much are passport photos in the US?

The cost of passport photos can vary in the US. However, you can expect to pay between $7-$20 USD.

Smartphone iD – 2 times less the price than competitors!

If you have been searching for a place to take cheap passport photos for countries other than the US, including Canada, Mexica and the EU nations, Walgreens is the only place that officially offers such a service across all locations.

Do my ears need to show in the passport photo?

No. Your ears do not need to be visible as long as your full face is clearly shown.

How can I take a passport photo for a baby?

You can easily take a baby passport photo using our online tool. Simply take a well-lit photo of your baby against a plain white background (such as a white sheet) and upload it to our service. The tool will automatically crop, adjust, and verify the image to meet passport requirements.

Can I wear makeup in my passport photo?

Yes, natural makeup is allowed. Avoid anything too bold, reflective, or unnatural.

Can I wear a hijab in my passport photo?

Yes, religious head coverings are permitted, provided your face is fully visible from forehead to chin.

Which hair colors are allowed in a passport photo?

All natural and dyed hair colors are allowed as long as your face isn’t covered.

How many photos do I need for a passport application?

Most applications require one photo, but some may ask for two. Always verify the requirements for your form. For US passport renwal you need one digital photo