Getting your passport photo right the first time is essential to avoid delays in your passport application. This comprehensive guide covers all official US passport photo requirements for 2026, helping you create a compliant photo that will be accepted.
You can see every requirement illustrated in our passport photo examples gallery, organized by category.
Official Size Requirements
The US passport photo has specific size requirements that must be followed exactly:
- Photo dimensions: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Head height: 1 to 1-3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from chin to top of head
- Eye position: Between 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches (28 to 35 mm) from bottom of photo
- Resolution: At least 600 x 600 pixels for digital submissions
- File size: Between 54KB and 10MB for online applications
- File format: JPEG, JPG, or HEIF for digital submissions
Our free editor crops your photo to 2x2 inches (600 x 600 pixels) and shows guide zones for head height and eye line. You line your head up with the guides; it doesn't measure your head for you.
Background Requirements
The background of your passport photo must meet these criteria:
- Color: Plain white or off-white only
- No patterns, textures, or designs
- No shadows on the background
- No other people or objects visible
- Consistent color throughout (no gradients)
Photos with shadows, patterns, or non-white backgrounds will be rejected. Ensure even lighting to avoid shadows.
Face and Expression Requirements
Your face must be clearly visible and meet these requirements:
- Face directly toward the camera
- Neutral expression or natural smile (mouth closed, no teeth showing)
- Both eyes open and clearly visible
- No squinting or closed eyes
- Head straight (not tilted or turned)
- Full face visible from hairline to chin
Glasses Policy (Updated 2016)
Since November 1, 2016, glasses are NOT allowed in US passport photos. This includes:
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Reading glasses
- Tinted glasses or sunglasses
- Transition lenses
- Decorative glasses
The only exception is if you have a signed medical statement confirming you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons.
Clothing and Accessories
- Wear normal, everyday clothing
- Avoid uniforms or military attire (unless worn daily for religious reasons)
- Remove hats and head coverings (religious head coverings are permitted)
- Remove headphones or wireless earbuds
- Hair accessories should not obscure the face
Lighting Requirements
Proper lighting is essential for a compliant passport photo:
- Even lighting on both sides of the face
- No shadows on the face or background
- No red-eye from flash
- Not overexposed or underexposed
- Natural skin tones (no filters or color adjustments)
Photo Quality Standards
- Photo must be in color (not black and white)
- Sharp focus with no blur
- Printed on photo-quality paper (for physical submissions)
- No digital alterations to your appearance
- No filters, beauty modes, or editing effects
Do not use filters or beauty mode on your phone camera. Photos that appear digitally altered will be rejected.
Baby and Infant Photo Requirements
Photos of babies and young children must still meet most standard requirements with some allowances:
- Baby must be photographed alone (no parent's hands visible)
- Eyes should be open (some allowance for newborns)
- White background required
- Neutral expression (babies don't need to have mouths closed)
- Can be photographed lying on a white blanket
Common Reasons Photos Get Rejected
- Wrong size or head proportion
- Shadows on face or background
- Glasses worn in photo
- Non-white or patterned background
- Blurry or low resolution
- Face not centered or tilted
- Eyes closed or not visible
- Too dark or overexposed
- Filters or digital alterations
- Photo older than 6 months
How to Ensure Your Photo Is Accepted
Use our free editor to size your photo before submitting. It will:
- Crop to a square 600 x 600 pixel JPEG
- Show guide zones for head height and eye position
- Give you a checklist of the rules to verify yourself: expression, glasses, background
- Run in your browser without uploading the photo
Create a compliant passport photo now
Check Your Photo FreeDigital vs. Physical Photo Submissions
For Online Passport Renewal
- File format: JPEG, JPG, or HEIF
- Size: Between 600x600 and 1200x1200 pixels
- File size: Between 54KB and 10MB
- Color space: sRGB
For Mail-in Applications
- Print size: 2x2 inches exactly
- Paper: Glossy or matte photo paper
- Quality: Photo lab or high-quality home printing
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