• Submit a high resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.

• The correct size of a passport photo is:
  
  • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) 
  • Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.

• Do not digitally change the photo.

• You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

• Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. 

• Face the camera directly with full face in view. 

• Note to parents of young children: we have sample photos in the Photo Examples section below with tips for submitting a baby's passport photo. We realize that an infant's pose and expression are challenging to maintain for a photo. 

• You cannot wear glasses.
  • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.

• Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.  

• You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire. 

• You cannot wear a hat or head covering.
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire  worn continuously in public.
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo 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.

• You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.

• You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well. 

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:

• Undergone significant facial surgery or trauma
• Added or removed numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos
• Undergone a significant amount of weight loss or gain
• Completed a gender transition

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.