Passport Photo Requirements
Applicants must submit one new passport photo. Please see examples below for the proper requirements of a passport photo.
Photo Requirement Checklist
- In color
- 2 x 2 inches in size
- Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
- Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
- Full face, front view, with the head centered within the frame
- Neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed
- Head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Photo must have a plain white or off-white background with no distracting shadows on the face or background
- Taken in normal street attire:
- Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily
- Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hair line
- If you normally wear a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
- Do not wear glasses of any type in your photo. If you are unable to remove your glasses for medical reasons, a medical certificate may be required.
- Articles worn for religious or medical reasons should be accompanied by a statement to that effect.
Both of these examples show well composed photos
Can you take your own passport photos?
You can take your own passport photos using a smartphone and the right app. Start by ensuring you have a plain white background, and for best results, ask someone else to take the photo for you. We recommend using RushMyPhoto or the Passport Photo Creator app. These apps utilize advanced AI technology to ensure your photos meet the U.S. Department of State Passport Agency's strict requirements.
The best part? You can take as many photos as you like until you're happy with how you look. Once you've captured a compliant passport photo, you can choose to print, ship, or pick up your photos at a convenient location near you