U.S. Passport Photo Requirements: The Complete Checklist
Short answer
A U.S. passport photo must be 2×2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, in color, against a plain white or off-white background, with your full face visible, a neutral expression, and no glasses. Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches from chin to crown. Photos that break any rule are the most common reason applications get delayed.
Size and composition rules
The printed photo must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). Within that square, your head — measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your crown — must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm). Eyes should sit roughly 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches from the bottom of the photo.
The photo must be printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper. Photos printed on regular printer paper, with visible pixels, creases, or holes from a stapler, are rejected.
Background, lighting, and expression
Use a plain white or off-white background with no shadows, patterns, or other people. Face the camera directly with both eyes open and a neutral expression — a natural, slight smile is acceptable, but teeth-showing grins can trigger rejection.
Lighting must be even across your face. Shadows on the face or background are one of the top rejection reasons for home-taken photos.
Glasses, head coverings, and clothing
Glasses are not allowed in U.S. passport photos at all — not even clear, non-tinted ones — unless you have a signed medical statement. Hats and head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical purposes with a signed statement, and your full face must remain visible.
Wear everyday clothing. Uniforms and camouflage are not permitted, and white shirts can blend into the background, so a darker top photographs better.
Baby and child passport photos
Infants are the exception to the neutral-expression rule: no one else may appear in the photo, but a baby's eyes can be partially open and the expression relaxed. Lay the baby on a plain white sheet or use a covered car seat — never hold the baby in the frame.
For toddlers, take many shots and pick the one where the child faces forward with eyes open. Our photo tool's framing guides work for children too.
Take a compliant photo at home — free
You don't need to pay $15–$20 at a pharmacy. Our free passport photo tool runs entirely in your browser: take a live photo with your camera or upload one, align it to the official head-size guides, and download a 2×2 print or a 4×6 sheet of six to print at any photo kiosk.
If you prefer in-person service, our passport photo locations directory lists retailers and acceptance facilities that take photos, with hours and directions.
PassportOffices is an independent resource, not a government website. Rules, fees, and processing times change — always confirm details at travel.state.gov before you travel.