US Passport Photo Examples
Learn what makes a valid passport photo with these official examples. Compare good vs bad photos to ensure your application is accepted.
Lighting & Shadows
Proper lighting ensures your face is clearly visible without shadows or color distortion.
Acceptable Photos
✓Clear image, accurate skin tones, no shadows
✓Even lighting, no shadows
Unacceptable Photos
✕Photo is underexposed
✕Color is not accurate
✕Shadows on face and background
✕Unbalanced lighting
Size & Position
Your head must be centered and sized correctly: 1 to 1-3/8 inches from chin to top of head.
Acceptable Photos
✓Head centered and correct size
✓Facing camera, head centered
Unacceptable Photos
✕Camera too close
✕Head not centered properly
✕Head size too small
✕Full head not in photo
✕Too far from camera
Resolution & Quality
Photos must be sharp and clear with at least 600x600 pixel resolution.
Acceptable Photos
✓Sharp without visible pixels
✓Clear, high-quality image
Unacceptable Photos
✕Photo is blurry
✕Photo appears grainy
✕Low quality, appears scanned
✕Blurry, can't see face clearly
Digital Alterations
No filters, editing, or digital alterations are allowed. Photos must be original.
Acceptable Photos
✓Original image, not changed
✓Original digital image, no filters
Unacceptable Photos
✕Background cropped, outline changed
✕Digitally changed to appear thinner
✕Has "red eye"
✕Edited with filters
Pose & Expression
Face the camera directly with a neutral expression or natural smile. Eyes must be open.
Acceptable Photos
✓Facing camera, neutral expression
Unacceptable Photos
✕Looking down, head tilted forward
✕Facial expression not neutral (exaggerated)
✕Head rotated, shoulders not square
✕Head tilted to side
✕Not facing camera
Glasses & Accessories
No glasses allowed since 2016. Religious head coverings are OK if face is visible.
Acceptable Photos
✓Full face visible, religious head covering OK
✓Full face visible, no glasses
Unacceptable Photos
✕Wearing glasses (not allowed since 2016)
✕Head covering blocks face, shadows
✕Wearing sunglasses
✕Scarf covers portion of face
✕Wearing hat
✕Hair blocks portion of face
Background
Background must be plain white or off-white with no shadows, patterns, or objects.
Acceptable Photos
✓White/off-white, no shadows, plain
✓White/off-white, shadow-free, plain
✓Wheelchair head support visible (acceptable)
Unacceptable Photos
✕Not plain, has texture and lines
✕Blue background
✕Not plain, not white
✕Shadows beside head
Children & Infants
Children must be photographed alone, facing forward with eyes open when possible.
Acceptable Photos
✓Child alone, facing camera, eyes open
✓Facing forward, correct lighting
Unacceptable Photos
✕Child not facing forward
✕Exaggerated facial expression
✕Face blocked by hands
✕Photo is blurry
✕Pacifier blocks face
✕Another person in photo
Quick Requirements Summary
Photo Size
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Head height: 1 to 1-3/8 inches
- Digital: 600 x 600 pixels minimum
File Requirements
- File size: 54KB to 10MB
- Format: JPEG, JPG, or HEIF
- Taken within last 6 months
Expression
- Neutral or natural smile
- Mouth closed (no teeth)
- Eyes open and visible
Not Allowed
- Glasses (since 2016)
- Hats or head coverings*
- Filters or digital editing
*Religious/medical exceptions with statement
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