US Passport Photo Requirements: The Complete 2026 Checklist

Getting a passport photo rejected delays your whole application. This guide covers every official US passport photo requirement for 2026 so you can get it right the first time — then make a compliant photo online from a selfie, preview free, and unlock a print-ready file.

Primary sources: the U.S. Department of State Passport Photos page and the digital photo upload instructions for online renewal. For background context on biometric ID photo standards, see Passport photograph (Wikipedia).

Quick Checklist

Use this table as a final check before you submit:

Requirement	Rule
Photo size	2×2 inches (51×51 mm) — square
Head size	Chin to top of head: 1–1⅜ in (25–35 mm)
Background	Plain white or off-white, no shadows or patterns
Color	Full color — black and white is not accepted
Recency	Taken within the last 6 months
Expression	Neutral or natural smile; both eyes open
Glasses	Not allowed (rare medical exceptions with signed note)
Head covering	Not allowed unless for documented religious reasons
Lighting	Even, no shadows on face or background
Editing	No filters, retouching, or AI manipulation
Digital format	JPEG preferred (portal also lists PNG / HEIC / HEIF); 600–1200 px, 54 KB–10 MB

Always verify against the instructions on your specific form (DS-11 for new passports, DS-82 for renewals, or the online renewal portal), as details can change. When in doubt, follow the live travel.state.gov photo rules.

Correct vs. Incorrect Examples

The 7 most common failure points — swipe through each one to see what's accepted and what gets rejected:

Photo rules

1/7

Correct vs. Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

1/7 Image format

Photo must be in color and taken within the last 6 months. Black & white, sepia, or filtered photos are rejected.

Official Size Requirements

The US Department of State requires a 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) square photo. This applies to:

New passport applications (DS-11)
Passport renewals (DS-82, paper)
Online passport renewals
Most US non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications

Head size and positioning

Within that 2×2 frame, your head must take up the right proportion:

Head height (chin to top of head, not hat): 1 inch to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm)
Head centered horizontally and vertically
Face occupies roughly 70–80% of the frame height
No tilting, no "selfie angle" — straight-on, camera at eye level

A head that is too small (face dwarfed by empty space) or too large (forehead cut off) will be rejected.

Digital dimensions (for online upload)

If you are uploading a photo for the online passport renewal system (see the State Department’s upload a digital photo guide):

Spec	Requirement
Format	JPEG / JPG preferred (also PNG, HEIC, HEIF)
Dimensions	600×600 px minimum — 1200×1200 px maximum
File size	54 KB minimum — 10 MB maximum
Color space	sRGB
Bit depth	8-bit

Do not scan a printed passport photo and upload the scan — the system requires an original digital image.

Background Requirements

The background must be plain white or off-white with no distractions:

No patterns, textures, or gradients
No shadows cast behind you or on the background
No objects, furniture, or other people in frame
No outdoor scenery (trees, sky, fences)
No colored or grey studio-style backgrounds

Off-white (very light cream) is generally acceptable. A pure white wall is ideal. See the full passport photo background guide for DIY setup tips.

Common background rejections:

Shadow from overhead light falling behind you
Grey photo studio gradient (looks uneven when printed)
Brick wall, bookcase, or door showing through
Seatbelt strap visible across the shoulder

Expression and Pose Rules

Expression

Neutral expression — relaxed, no tension around eyes or mouth
Natural, closed-mouth smile is also acceptable
Mouth closed (or very slightly open in a relaxed smile)
Both eyes fully open and clearly visible
Do not squint or raise your eyebrows

Pose

Face the camera directly — straight ahead, no three-quarter angle
Head straight, not tilted left, right, up, or down
Shoulders facing forward
Camera must be at eye level — not from above (selfie angle) or below

What You Cannot Wear

Glasses — not allowed

Since 2016, the US Department of State generally does not accept glasses in passport photos. Even clear, non-tinted glasses create glare and shadow that automated systems flag as non-compliant. The only exception is a signed physician's statement certifying the glasses cannot be removed for medical reasons.

Remove prescription glasses, reading glasses, and sunglasses before taking the photo.

Hats and head coverings — not allowed

Hats, baseball caps, and head coverings are not permitted unless worn daily for established religious practices. If you wear a religious head covering:

It must not obscure any part of your face
A signed statement explaining the religious basis is typically required
The face from hairline (or head covering edge) to chin must be fully visible

Do not wear headphones, earbuds, or Bluetooth devices.

Uniforms and camouflage — not allowed

Do not wear:

Military, police, or other official uniforms
Camouflage clothing of any color pattern

Everyday civilian clothing is required.

Lighting and Photo Quality

Lighting is one of the most common rejection triggers. Requirements:

Even, flat lighting — no shadows on one side of the face
No shadows on the background
No harsh backlighting that creates a "halo" around the head
No red-eye
No glare on skin from flash

Best DIY setup: Stand 0.5–1 m in front of a white wall. Place two soft light sources (lamps or windows) in front of you, one on each side at roughly eye level. Avoid overhead-only lighting.

Sharpness and image quality

Must be a clear, high-resolution photograph
No motion blur, no grain, no pixelation
No Instagram, Snapchat, or other filters applied
No digital retouching — skin smoothing, blemish removal, and teeth whitening are all prohibited
Do not use AI-generated or AI-edited photos
Turn off Portrait Mode on iPhone and Android — the artificial background blur and skin smoothing frequently cause rejections

Color requirements

Must be a full-color photograph
Black and white photos are not accepted
Sepia-tone or any artistic color treatment is not accepted
The image format and recency (color photo, taken within last 6 months) must be obvious

Passport Photo Requirements for Babies and Infants

Babies and infants must have their own passport — and yes, they need their own photo too. The State Department allows some practical flexibility:

Rule	Adult	Baby / Infant
Eyes open	Required	Preferred; leniency for newborns
Facing camera	Required	Required
No support	N/A	No hands, arms, car seats visible
No props	Implied	No pacifiers, toys, or blankets in frame
Background	White/off-white	Same

How to take a passport photo for a baby

Method 1 — White sheet on floor (recommended)

Lay a plain white or off-white sheet on the floor with no wrinkles.
Place the baby on their back on the sheet.
Stand directly above, pointing the camera straight down.
Make sure only the baby's face and a plain white background are visible.
No arms supporting the head should be in frame.

Method 2 — Car seat with white sheet

Cover the car seat entirely with a plain white sheet so the seat and straps are completely hidden.
Place the baby in the covered seat.
Make sure no strap or colored edge shows across the chest or shoulders.
Photograph from the front at baby's eye level.

For a full step-by-step guide with more tips: Passport photo requirements for babies and infants.

Common Reasons Passport Photos Get Rejected

Knowing what gets photos rejected is just as important as knowing what's required. These are the most frequent rejection causes:

Rejection reason	How to avoid it
Glasses on	Remove all eyewear before taking the photo
Shadow on face or background	Use two light sources from the front; stand away from the wall
Head too small / too large	Check: head should fill 70–80% of the frame vertically
Background not white / not plain	Use a blank white wall; avoid textured or colored surfaces
Portrait Mode blur / skin smoothing	Turn off Portrait Mode; disable "enhance" settings
Photo older than 6 months	Take a fresh photo even if your appearance hasn't changed
Head tilted or not facing camera	Photograph straight on; use a tripod or prop the phone
Uploaded a scan of a printed photo	Use the original digital file, not a scanned copy
AI-generated or heavily edited image	Use a real photo with no AI manipulation
Color filter applied	Use your camera's default mode with no filters
Clothing resembling a uniform	Wear everyday civilian clothes

How to Take a Compliant Passport Photo at Home

You don't need a studio. Follow these steps with any smartphone:

Step 1 — Set up your space Find a plain white or off-white wall. Clear anything visible in the background (posters, shelves, furniture edges). Stand 0.5–1 m from the wall to minimize background shadow.

Step 2 — Set up lighting Place two light sources (desk lamps, ring light, or windows) in front of you — one on each side at roughly eye level. Avoid overhead lighting only, and avoid standing with a window behind you.

Step 3 — Camera settings

Turn off Portrait Mode
Turn off any beauty, smooth, or HDR modes
Use the rear camera (higher resolution than front camera)
Have someone else take the photo so you're not holding the phone

Step 4 — Pose and expression

Stand straight, camera at eye level
Look directly at the lens
Neutral expression or relaxed closed-mouth smile
Both eyes open, mouth closed or very slightly open
No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless religious)

Step 5 — Upload and crop Upload to Just ID Photo, select US Passport (2×2), and get a free watermarked preview before you pay. The tool handles the exact crop and white-background processing.

Digital Passport Photo Requirements for Online Renewal

The US online passport renewal system has specific digital photo requirements that differ slightly from paper applications:

Format: JPEG preferred (portal also accepts PNG, HEIC, HEIF)
Resolution: 600×600 px minimum, 1200×1200 px maximum
File size: 54 KB minimum, 10 MB maximum
Photo type: Original digital photo — not a scan of a print
No edits: No cropping by AI, no background replacement visible as a seam

For a full breakdown: Digital passport photo requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear glasses in my passport photo?

No. Since 2016, the US Department of State does not accept glasses in passport photos for most applicants. The only exception is a rare medical case supported by a signed physician's statement. Remove all eyewear — including prescription glasses, reading glasses, and clear lenses.

What background color is required for a US passport photo?

Plain white or off-white. No grey, no blue, no patterns, and no shadows on the background. A pure white wall or a plain off-white wall both work.

How recent does a passport photo need to be?

The photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. Even if your appearance hasn't changed, a photo older than 6 months will be rejected.

Can I smile in my passport photo?

Yes, but only a natural, relaxed, closed-mouth smile (or slightly open in a very natural expression). Avoid broad smiles that partially close the eyes.

Can I take a passport photo with my iPhone or Android?

Yes. Use the rear camera, turn off Portrait Mode, disable all beauty or smooth filters, and have someone else take the photo. The main rejection risks are Portrait Mode blur, skin smoothing, and busy backgrounds.

Can I use an AI-generated or AI-edited photo?

No. AI-generated faces and AI-edited photos (background replacement, skin retouching, etc.) are not accepted. Submit an authentic, unedited original photograph.

What is the correct passport photo size in pixels?

For digital upload (online renewal): 600×600 px to 1200×1200 px as a square JPEG. For print applications, the physical size is 2×2 inches at 300 DPI, which equals 600×600 px minimum.

How many passport photos do I need?

New passport (DS-11): 1 photo submitted with the application
Renewal by mail (DS-82): 1 photo
Online renewal: 1 digital upload
Child passport: 1 photo per child
Some visa applications may require 2 photos — check your specific form.

Can babies have their eyes closed in passport photos?

The State Department prefers eyes open and looking at the camera, but does allow leniency for very young infants who cannot hold a pose. Newborns in particular may be accepted with partially closed eyes. Older babies (3+ months) should have both eyes clearly open.