Photo Requirements For U.S. Passports

When you submit your U.S. passport application, you must provide 1 photo with your completed forms so that you can be identified by border officials when you travel. The picture you attach with your forms must adhere to a number of criteria in order to be accepted by the Department of State when your application is processed.

The guide below explains the requirements necessary to successfully prepare your passport photo for your application form so it can be submitted and processed without delay or rejection.

Photo Size:

  • Your photo should be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51mm) in size

  • Head size: The top of your head should be 1-1 ⅜ inches (25-35 mm) from the bottom of your chin

  • Your eye line should be approximately 1 ⅛ – 1 ⅜ inches from the bottom of the photo

Acceptable Photos:

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Requirements for Accepted Passport Photos:

  • The photo must be in color

  • Printed on matte or photo quality paper

  • Taken recently (in the last six months)

  • White or off-white background

  • Neutral facial expression or natural smile

  • Both your eyes must be open

  • Clothes you wear on a daily basis

  • Your full face must be visible

  • No eyeglasses, headphones or hands-free devices

  • No hats or head coverings (unless worn daily for religious purposes and don’t cover or cast a shadow over your face)

Requirements for Children’s Passport Photos:

  • Only the child applying for a passport may appear in the photo

  • The child must be facing the camera

  • Both the child’s eyes must be open in the photo (Photos of newborns and infants are usually accepted even if the child’s eyes are not open or not entirely open) 

What to Do if You Want To Take Your Own Photo:

Instead of using a professional photo service you might choose to take your own photo at home and submit it with your application. Photos taken at home are accepted by U.S. passport agencies. However, to ensure your photo is accepted you will need a friend or family to take the picture for you. Selfies are NOT permitted.

To assure your photo is accepted on submission, your photo must adhere to the main passport photo requirements listed above and must also meet the following standards:

  • Dimensions: Minimum image size: 600×600 pixels  Maximum image size: 1200 x 1200 pixels 

  • Color: The photo must be in color in sRGB

If You’re Renewing your Passport by Mail:

In order to renew your passport by mail will need to attach 1 photo to the application submission. When attaching the photo to your forms follow these rules in order to avoid processing delays:

  • The photo should be stapled to the application. Please use 4 staples placed vertically in the corners. The staples should be as close to the outer edges as possible

  • The photo must not be bent in any way