US passport photo requirements: the complete 2026 checklist

Getting your US passport photo rejected adds weeks to your application. The State Department is strict — a single violation means you resubmit from scratch. This guide covers every official requirement so your photo passes the first time.

Need a compliant photo right now? Use our free passport photo tool to crop and format your image to exact US specifications automatically.

1. Photo size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm)

The printed photo must be exactly 2 inches × 2 inches (51 mm × 51 mm). This applies whether you’re submitting a paper application with physical prints or uploading a digital image online. For digital submissions, the image must be at least 600×600 pixels and no larger than 1200×1200 pixels.

See the full breakdown of US passport photo dimensions at our US passport photo size guide.

2. Head size: 1 to 1-3/8 inches from chin to crown

Your head must occupy a specific portion of the frame — between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches measured from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head (not the top of your hair). This means your face should fill roughly 70–80% of the photo height.

How to measure: In photo editing software, draw a vertical line from the chin to the crown of the skull (not the hairline). On a 2×2 inch print, this distance must fall between 1 inch and 1.375 inches. If your head is too small or too large in the frame, the photo will be rejected. Our passport photo tool automatically positions your head in the correct zone.

3. Background: plain white only

The background must be plain white or off-white with no patterns, textures, shadows, or objects. No grey, cream, or light blue — white only. Busy backgrounds behind subjects, shadows cast on the wall, or furniture visible in the frame are all grounds for rejection. Stand at least a few feet away from any wall to avoid shadow spill.

4. Expression: neutral or natural smile, mouth closed, both eyes open

You must have a neutral expression or a natural, relaxed smile — but your mouth must be closed. No wide grins, no raised eyebrows, no squinting. Both eyes must be fully open and looking directly at the camera. Avoid sunglasses, tinted lenses, or anything that obscures your eyes.

Wondering exactly what expressions are allowed? Read our can you smile in a passport photo guide for side-by-side examples of accepted and rejected expressions.

5. No glasses (rule in effect since 2016)

Glasses of any kind are not permitted in US passport photos. This rule has been enforced since 2016. It applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses — all are prohibited.

Medical exception: The only exception is a medical condition that requires you to wear glasses at all times. In this case, you must submit a signed statement from your doctor along with your application. Even with a medical exception, tinted lenses are not allowed, and frames must not obscure any part of your eyes or face.

For full details on this rule, see our can you wear glasses in a passport photo guide.

6. Recency: taken within the last 6 months

Your photo must have been taken within the past 6 months and must reflect your current appearance. If you’ve had significant changes — a new hairstyle, facial surgery, substantial weight change — you’ll need a new photo even if your existing one is recent. The 6-month rule exists so your photo is a reliable identification tool at border control.

7. Lighting: no shadows, even and flat illumination

Lighting must be even across your face and background with no shadows. Shadows under the chin, nose, or on the background are a common rejection reason. Use diffused, natural-facing light or a softbox. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, direct flash that creates glare on skin, and any light source that creates a gradient on the background.

8. Resolution: 600×600 px minimum for digital, 300 DPI for print

For digital uploads, the image must be a minimum of 600×600 pixels and a maximum of 1200×1200 pixels, saved as a JPEG. For printed photos, the resolution must be at least 300 DPI to ensure sharpness. Blurry, pixelated, or over-compressed images are rejected automatically by the State Department’s biometric scanning system.

9. Clothing: everyday clothes, no uniforms

Wear your normal, everyday clothing. Uniforms of any kind — military, law enforcement, medical scrubs — are not permitted. Camouflage clothing is also prohibited. There are no restrictions on color or style otherwise, though clothing that blends into a white background may cause processing issues — a simple top in a solid, non-white color is the safest choice.

10. Head coverings: religious or medical only

Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons. The covering must not obscure any part of your face — your full face from hairline to chin and ear to ear must be clearly visible. If you wear a head covering daily for religious reasons, no additional documentation is required. For medical coverings (e.g., post-surgery head bandaging), a signed doctor’s statement should accompany your application.

11. No editing: no filters, no retouching, no feature alterations

Photos must not be digitally altered in any way that changes your appearance. No beauty filters, no skin smoothing, no blemish removal, no background replacement (unless you’re using a compliant tool that simply crops and resizes). The State Department’s facial recognition system compares your photo to your previous passport and travel records — edited photos that alter facial geometry or skin tone will be flagged. Minor adjustments for brightness and color balance are acceptable; anything that changes your features is not.

12. Color: full color only

Your photo must be in full color. Black-and-white photos, sepia-toned images, and desaturated photos are not accepted. Colors should be natural and accurate — avoid heavy color grading or filters that shift skin tones.

13. Print requirements for paper applications

If submitting a paper application (DS-11 for new passports or DS-82 for renewals), you must include two identical printed photos. Print both photos on a single 4×6 inch photo sheet, side by side, at 300 DPI minimum. Do not cut the photos yourself before submission — the acceptance facility will cut them. Use photo paper, not standard copy paper. Write your name and date of birth lightly in pencil on the back of each photo.

Where to submit your passport photos

US Post Office: Many USPS locations are designated passport acceptance facilities and will take your photo on-site for a fee.
Passport acceptance facilities: Libraries, courthouses, and government offices — find your nearest facility at travel.state.gov.
Online renewal (DS-82): The State Department’s online passport renewal system accepts digital photo uploads directly. Use our passport photo tool to generate a correctly formatted JPEG for upload.
Photo retailers: CVS, Walgreens, and AAA offer passport photo services.

How the State Department checks your photo

The State Department uses automated facial recognition and biometric analysis to verify photos. The system checks head size ratio, background color, shadow presence, image sharpness, and facial symmetry. It also compares your face against your previous passport record. Human reviewers conduct a secondary check. Most rejections happen at the automated stage within seconds of upload or scanning.

What happens if your photo is rejected

If your photo is rejected, you’ll receive a written or digital notice specifying the reason. For paper applications, USPS staff may flag the issue before submission. For online applications, the system returns an error code. In either case, you’ll need to retake the photo and resubmit — there is no penalty beyond the delay.

Common rejection reasons and how to fix them are covered in detail in our why passport photos get rejected guide.

Printable checklist: US passport photo requirements 2026

Before you submit, run through this checklist:

All boxes checked? Use our passport photo tool to format your image automatically before you apply.