US Passport Photo Requirements

Every US passport application — new (DS-11), renewal by mail (DS-82), or replacement — needs one printed photo that meets the U.S. Department of State's specifications. A photo that misses them is the most common reason applications are put on hold. Here are the official requirements, and the mistakes that get photos sent back.

Size and position

The printed photo is a 2 x 2 inch square. Inside it, your head — from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head — must measure between 1 inch and 1-3/8 inches. This is the measurement people get wrong most often, because it depends on how far the camera is from you: standing too close makes the head too big, too far makes it too small. Your eyes should sit between 1-1/8 and 1-3/8 inches up from the bottom edge, and your head should be centered with your full face in view. Do not submit photocopies or digitally scanned photos, and do not submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

Background and lighting

Stand or sit in front of a plain white or off-white wall — nothing with texture, lines, patterns, or objects in frame. Lighting must be even across your face: overhead light or a light far off to one side casts shadows that obscure your features, and there must be no shadows on the background either. A photo that is too bright (overexposed) or too dim (underexposed) can also be refused, as can one that is blurry, grainy, or pixelated.

Expression, clothing, and glasses

Face the camera directly without tilting your head, with a neutral expression, both eyes open, and your mouth closed. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, and tinted glasses all come off — the only exception is a medical reason documented with a signed note from your doctor. Hats and head coverings come off too, unless you wear one daily for religious or medical reasons and provide the signed statement the Department of State describes; your full face must still be visible with no shadows cast by the covering. Headphones and wireless hands-free devices are not allowed. You may wear jewelry and keep facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face, and you cannot wear a uniform or camouflage clothing.

The no-editing rule

The Department of State is explicit: do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps, or filters, or artificial intelligence. That bans the features many photo apps advertise — beauty filters, skin smoothing, AI enhancement, and background removal or replacement. A digitally altered photo can be rejected even if it looks perfect. The fix the rules expect is simpler: retake the photo in front of a plain wall with even light.

Common reasons passport photos are rejected

Sources: U.S. Department of State — U.S. Passport Photos (travel.state.gov, page last updated December 15, 2025; accessed November 2026). Requirements can change — always confirm the current rules on the official page before you apply.