This page provides information about photos if you are applying or renewing using a paper form. If you are renewing online, follow the steps to upload a digital photo to your application.
Photo Tips
- Submit one color photo
- Submit a recent photo taken in last 6 months
- Use a clear image of your face
- Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence
- Directly face the camera without tilting your head.
- Take off your eyeglasses for your photo
- Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines
- Shadows and Lighting
- Size and Position
- Resolution, Print Size, and Quality
- Digital Changes
- Pose and Expression
- Attire, Hats, and Glasses
- Background
- Children
Tips for Submitting your Photo
- 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 change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence.
- Do not submit photocopies or digitally-scanned photos.
- Do not 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.
- Have uniform lighting on your face.
- Overhead lighting or lights too far off to the side can cast shadows on your face, obscuring your facial features.
- Lighting that is too bright may cause your image to be overexposed, while lighting that is too dim may make it underexposed.
- Take off any eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses.
- If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.
- You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage clothing.
- Take off your hat or head covering.
- If you wear one for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that says it is religious attire worn daily in public.
- If you wear one for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement that says you wear it for medical purposes.
- Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot cast shadows or cover 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.
- Take off any face covering or medical mask so your full face is visible and the face covering or mask do not block portions of your face.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can go to:
- An acceptance facility that will take a photo when you apply for your passport
- Any company which offers photo services
- A friend or family member, and print your own photo on matte or glossy paper
Acceptance facilities and photo vendors charge different fees for taking your photo.
Yes. Make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo.
You only need to apply for a new passport if your appearance significantly changed. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, do not apply for a new passport.
Minor change - do not apply for a new passport
- Growing a beard
- Coloring your hair
- Normal aging process
Major change - apply for a new passport
- Significant facial surgery or trauma
- Adding or removing many large facial piercings or tattoos
- Significant weight loss or gain
Yes. Some tips include:
- Lay your baby or toddler on a plain white or off-white sheet, or cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet.
- Make sure there are no shadows on your baby or toddler's face.
- It is okay if a baby's eyes are not entirely open. All other children must have their eyes open.
Last Updated: January 20, 2025
