A bad photo is one of the most common reasons a US passport application is delayed. The rules are strict but simple, and you can meet every one of them with a phone at home. This checklist follows the requirements published by the US Department of State.
Size and head position
- The photo is 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm).
- Your head measures 1 to 1⅜ inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. Hair may go past the edge of the photo as long as your whole head is shown at the right size.
- Face the camera straight on, with your full face in view and your head centered.
The passport photo maker draws these limits as guides: put the top of your head on the blue line and your chin in the green band.
When and how it was taken
- Taken in the last six months, and it must look like you do now.
- In color, sharp and in focus, with even light and no shadows on your face or behind you.
- Not edited: no filters, retouching, beauty modes or changed backgrounds. Cropping and resizing are fine.
Background
A plain white or off-white background, with no patterns, objects or shadows. A white wall or a white sheet pulled tight works. Stand a couple of feet in front of it so your shadow does not fall on it.
Expression
A neutral expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open and looking at the camera.
Glasses
Take off your glasses. Eyeglasses, sunglasses and tinted glasses are not allowed, and you should not rest them on your head either. If you truly cannot remove them for medical reasons, include a signed note from your doctor with your application.
Hats, head coverings and clothing
- No hats or head coverings, unless you wear them every day for religious or medical reasons. In that case include a signed statement, and make sure your full face is visible and the covering casts no shadow on it.
- Wear everyday clothes. Do not wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage.
- Remove headphones, earbuds and anything that hides your face. Jewelry is fine if it does not hide your face.
Babies and children
No other person may appear in the photo. Lay a baby on their back on a plain white sheet and take the photo from above, or seat them in a car seat covered with a white sheet. Make sure there are no shadows and no hands holding the child in the picture.
The printed photo
- Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper, at the exact size.
- No creases, holes, stains or writing on the front.
- Check one print with a ruler before you cut: it must be exactly 2 inches on each side.
Why photos get rejected
- Shadows on the face or the background.
- Glasses, or glare from glasses.
- A head that is too small or too big in the frame.
- A background that is not plain, or is grey or colored.
- A blurry or low-quality print, or a photo printed at the wrong size.
- Filters or retouching, including phone beauty modes.
Visas and green cards
US visa applications use a digital photo with similar rules; see the US visa (DS-160) photo guide. Most immigration forms also ask for 2 × 2 inch passport-style photos. Always check the instructions for your form.
Official source: US Department of State, passport photos.