US Passport Photo Requirements: Simple Guide for 2026
A passport photo might seem like a small detail, but it can make or break your US passport application. From the exact passport photo size US standards to background and expression rules, even minor errors can cause delays. Follow this guide, you can get it right the first time.
Know about the Passport Photo Size US Requirements
When preparing your passport applications, the first thing you should stress is photo size. The US passport photo size requirements are very specific, and even small mistakes can lead to rejection.
For printed photos, the image must be 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). Your head should measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm) from your chin to the top of your head, with your face clearly centered in the frame.
If you are submitting a digital photo, it should be at least 600 × 600 pixels and no more than 1200 × 1200 pixels, saved in JPG, JPEG, or HEIF file format. The file size must be between 54 kilobytes and 10 megabytes which is required by the application system.
US Passport Photo Background Rules
The background is where most people go wrong with passport photos. The US passport photo background must be clean and neutral so nothing distracts from your face.
Use a plain white or off-white background with no patterns, textures, or decorations. Make sure there are no shadows, objects, or people visible, and avoid anything like furniture or scenery in the frame.
Keeping the background simple is one of the easiest ways to follow US passport photo requirements.
Facial Expression and Head Position
When it comes to facial expression, the US passport photo rules are stricter than many people expect. The goal is to capture a clear, neutral image of your face without any distractions.
You should look directly at the camera with your head straight and centered in the frame. Keep a neutral expression or a natural, relaxed smile, with your eyes open and mouth closed. Avoid tilting or turning your head, as even a slight angle can cause the photo to be rejected.
Lighting and Image Quality
Lighting plays a big role in whether your passport photo gets accepted. Under US passport photo guidelines, the image needs to be clear, evenly lit, and free from visual distractions.
Use soft, even lighting on both sides of your face to avoid harsh shadows. Make sure there are no shadows on your face or the background. The photo should be sharp, in color, and not blurry. Also check for red-eye, glare, or reflections, especially if you’re using indoor lighting.
What to Wear for a US Passport Photo
Choosing the right outfit can make a difference in how your passport photo turns out. US passport photo guidelines recommend wearing normal, everyday clothing that looks natural and professional.
Avoid uniforms, camouflage patterns, or costumes, as these are not allowed. It’s also best to skip white or very light-colored tops, since they can blend into the background and make your shoulders hard to see.
If you wear religious clothing on a daily basis, you can keep it on for your photo, as long as your full face is visible. Finally, remove large jewelry, hats, or accessories that could distract from your face or cast shadows.
Glasses and Head Coverings
In most cases, glasses are not allowed in US passport photos. This rule helps prevent glare, reflections, and eye obstruction. Glasses are only permitted for medical reasons, and you must provide a signed doctor’s statement explaining why they cannot be removed.
Head coverings are allowed for religious or medical purposes, but there are strict conditions. Your full face must be clearly visible from chin to forehead, and the covering must not cast shadows or hide any facial features.
US Passport Photo Rules for Babies and Children
Taking a passport photo for babies and children can be challenging, but the requirements are slightly more flexible for younger applicants.
For babies:
Make sure no other people or objects are visible in the frame, including hands supporting the baby. Use a plain white blanket or background to meet US passport photo background requirements.
For children:
Children should face the camera directly with their head centered. Avoid including toys, pacifiers, or hands in the photo, as these can cause the image to be rejected.
Photo Age and Editing Rules
US passport photo requirements also include strict rules about how recent and unedited your photo must be.
Your passport photo must be taken within the last 6 months and should accurately reflect your current appearance, including hairstyle, facial hair, or major changes in how you look.
Avoid using filters, beauty retouching, or digital enhancements, as these are not allowed. The only acceptable edits are basic cropping and resizing to meet passport photo size US standards.
Common Reasons Passport Photos Get Rejected
Many US passport applications are delayed because the photo does not meet official standards. Even small mistakes can cause your passport photo to be rejected.
Some of the most common reasons include incorrect passport photo size US measurements, such as the wrong dimensions or improper head positioning. Photos with colored, patterned, or busy backgrounds are also frequently rejected, as the background must be plain and neutral.
Other common issues include shadows on the face or wall, glare or reflections from glasses, and blurry or low-resolution images. Using heavy digital editing, filters, or retouching can also lead to rejection. Finally, tilting your head or using an incorrect facial expression may cause your photo to fail official checks.
Avoiding these mistakes will greatly improve your chances of having your passport photo accepted on the first try.
How to Take a Passport Photo at Home
You don’t need a professional studio to get a compliant passport photo. With the right setup, you can easily follow US passport photo guidelines at home.
Start by standing about 1–2 meters in front of a plain white wall to create a clean background. Use natural daylight from a window or soft, even artificial lighting to avoid shadows on your face and the wall. Position the camera at eye level so your head is straight and properly centered in the frame.
If possible, use a tripod or ask someone to take the photo to keep the image steady and sharp. After taking the photo, upload it to our online US passport photo tool to adjust the size, head position, and background to meet official requirements.
Conclusion
Meeting US passport photo requirements is easier than it sounds when you focus on the key details: correct photo size, a plain background, proper lighting, and a neutral facial expression. Taking the time to follow these passport photo guidelines can help you avoid rejections, save time, and speed up your passport application process.
Whether you take your photo at home or use a professional service, making sure it meets official standards from the start will help your application move forward without unnecessary delays.