Make United States Passport Photo Online

US Passport Photo Requirements

Renewing/Applying using a paper form:

Photo Submission Guidelines

• The photo must be recent (taken within the last 6 months).
• Submit one color photograph.
• Ensure the image clearly shows your full face.
• Do not digitally alter your photo using software, phone apps, filters, or artificial intelligence tools.
• Face the camera directly, with your head straight and not tilted.
• Remove eyeglasses before taking the photo.
• Use a plain white or off-white background that is free of shadows, textures, or lines.

 Lighting and Shadow-Free Appearance

• The photo must be clear, accurately represent natural skin tones, and be free of shadows.
• Use uniform lighting to illuminate your face evenly
• Avoid overhead or side lighting that casts shadows
• Ensure lighting is not too bright (overexposed) or too dim (underexposed)

Photo Dimensions and Head Placement

• The head must be centered and proportionally sized within the frame.
• Photo Requirements: The photo must measure 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), with the head height between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm), centered vertically and horizontally.

Image Resolution and Print Quality

• The photo must be sharp, with no visible pixels or printer dots, and printed on high-quality glossy or matte photo paper.
• Do not submit photocopies or digitally-scanned photos.
• Do not submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

Facial Expression and Body Positioning

• Face the camera directly
• Maintain a neutral expression
• Eyes must be open and clearly visible
• Mouth closed

Clothing, Headwear, and Eyewear Guidelines

• Full face must be clearly visible
• No shadows or clothing should block the face
• Hats/head coverings allowed only for religious or medical reasons

Clothing Restrictions

• Do not wear:

  - Uniforms

  - Clothing that resembles a uniform

  - Camouflage clothing

  - Everyday clothing is required.

Hats and Head Coverings

• Remove all hats and head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
• If wearing a head covering:

For religious purposes: Submit a signed statement confirming that the head covering is worn daily in public as part of your faith.

For medical purposes: Submit a signed doctor’s statement confirming the head covering is worn for medical reasons.

Head coverings must not cast shadows or obscure any part of the face.

Remove all eyewear before taking your photo, including:

• Eyeglasses
• Sunglasses
• Tinted glasses

If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, include a signed letter from your doctor with your application.

Your full face must be clearly visible: no shadows, reflections, or obstructions from glasses or accessories.

Accessories

Not allowed:

• Headphones
• Wireless hands-free devices
• Face coverings or medical masks

Allowed:

• Jewelry and facial piercings if they do not hide or block any part of your face

 Background Requirements

• Background color: White or off-white
• No shadows, textures, objects, or lines