U.S. passport photo requirements

1. Photo size and composition

The U.S. Department of State requires a square photo measuring exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Your head must be centered and measure between 1 and 1.375 inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. Eyes should be positioned between 1.125 and 1.375 inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom of the photo.

The photo must be a close-up of your full face, taken from the front. No side profiles, tilts, or angles are permitted.

2. Background

The background must be plain white or off-white with no shadows, textures, lines, or objects visible. A subtle off-white tone is acceptable, but colored or patterned backgrounds will cause rejection.

There should be no shadows cast by your head or body on the background. Even, diffused lighting from both sides helps eliminate this common issue.

3. Lighting

Lighting must be even across your entire face — no shadows on the face, no overexposed hotspots, and no underexposed (too dark) areas. Natural daylight or soft artificial light from both sides works best.

Avoid direct overhead lighting (creates eye shadows) and single-side lighting (creates harsh shadows on one side of the face). Red-eye is not acceptable.

4. Pose and expression

You must face the camera directly with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open. A natural, closed-mouth smile is allowed, but exaggerated smiles, frowns, or raised eyebrows are not. Your mouth must be closed.

Keep your head level — no tilts up, down, or to either side. Your full face must be visible, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.

5. Clothing

Wear everyday clothing that you would normally wear in public. Uniforms, camouflage, and costumes are prohibited. Headphones, wireless earbuds, AirPods, Bluetooth headsets, and similar devices are not permitted — even if they are not powered on.

Hats and caps are not allowed unless they are religious or medical head coverings (see below). Large hair accessories that obscure the face or cast shadows should be removed.

6. Glasses

Glasses are not permitted in U.S. passport photos. This rule changed in 2016 due to glare and frame-obstruction issues causing widespread rejections. This includes prescription glasses, sunglasses, and tinted lenses.

Do not rest glasses on top of your head — remove them completely before the photo is taken. If you wear glasses daily, take them off just for the photo.

7. Head coverings

Religious and medical head coverings are allowed, but your full face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and from ear to ear. No shadows may be cast on your face by the covering.

You may need to submit a signed statement with your application confirming the head covering is worn daily for religious or medical reasons. Keep the fabric close to your head — loose or draped coverings that obscure facial features will be rejected.

8. Photo quality and resolution

Photos must be in color, printed on matte or glossy photo paper. Digital submissions must be at least 600 × 600 pixels and no larger than 240 KB for the DV Lottery. The image must be in focus, with no visible pixels, compression artifacts, or retouching.

The photo must be recent — taken within the last 6 months — and reflect your current appearance. Photos that have been edited by AI, filtered, or altered in any way are explicitly prohibited and will cause your application to be rejected.

9. Most common rejection reasons

10. Final 2024 compliance checklist

Before submitting your passport application, verify every item on this checklist:

• Photo is exactly 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
• Head height is 1–1.375 inches (25–35 mm)
• Eyes are 1.125–1.375 inches from bottom of photo
• Background is plain white or off-white with no shadows
• Lighting is even across the entire face
• Facing the camera directly with neutral expression
• Both eyes open, mouth closed
• No glasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses
• No headphones, earbuds, or headsets
• No hats or caps (unless religious/medical with statement)
• No uniforms, camouflage, or costumes
• Photo taken within the last 6 months
• Color photo, in focus, no digital artifacts
• No AI editing, filters, or face retouching
• 600 × 600 pixels minimum for digital submissions