This page provides information about passport photos if you are applying in person or renewing by mail.
Bad photos are the number one reason why we put passport applications on hold. Follow these easy guidelines to quickly respond to the letter asking for a new photo:
For additional information on how to reply to a letter, go on our Respond to a Letter or Email page.
No, take them off for your passport photo.
If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, you must submit a signed statement from your doctor with your passport application.
Watch this video to see an example!
You can have a friend or family member take your passport photo, or you can get your photo taken by an acceptance facility or photo vendor.
Many acceptance facilities such as posts offices, libraries, and local government offices will take your photo. Check our Acceptance Facility Search page to see if your local facility offers photo services.
Acceptance facilities and photo vendors charge different fees for taking your passport photo. Keep in mind you only need to provide us one photo when applying.
Face the camera with your head centered in the frame and not tilted with a neutral expression.
You may wear a hat or head covering, but you must submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public or a signed doctor's statement verifying the item is used daily for medical purposes.
Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot cast shadows or cover up part of your face.
No. Both adults and children cannot wear uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire in their photos.
No, you can not digitally alter a photo to remove red eye. You will have to submit a new photo without red eye.
Yes, but make sure both your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo.
When taking a photo of your baby or toddler, no other person should be in the photo.
Lay your baby on his or her back on a plain white or off-white sheet. Make certain there are no shadows on your baby's face, especially if you take a picture from above. Covering a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet and taking a picture of your child in the car seat may also be helpful.
It is acceptable if an infant's eyes are not open or entirely open. All other children must have their eyes open.
Only if your appearance has significantly changed from what is in your current passport. Growing a beard or coloring your hair would not constitute a significant change. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, you do not need to apply for a new passport.
You may have to apply for a new passport if you have:
If the appearance of your child under the age of 16 has changed due to the normal aging process, you do not need to apply for a new passport for your child.
You can use our photo tool to see if your photo meets our requirements. Upload your photo and see examples of good and bad photos.
We realize customers may wear face coverings and masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
When someone takes your passport photo, you must remove your face covering or mask so your full face is visible and the face covering and mask do not block portions of your face. We need to see your full face to establish your identity.
Please do not take a selfie because they are often the incorrect size and have the wrong head position for passport photos.