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
- Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
- 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
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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.
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- Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.
- Face the camera directly with full face in view.
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- 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.
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Yes. Make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo.
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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
- A gender transition
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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: June 12, 2024