The U.S. Department of State specifies that all photographs meet the following specifications:

✓ 5cm x 5cm (2inch x 2inch) in size on a white or off-white background,

without shadow of the head;

✓ A full front view of the applicant’s face, with the head size (from bottom

of chin to top of head, including hair) between 2½cm and 3cm, with 1cm

space above the head and below the chin;

✓ In normal street attire. If applicant is required to wear any headcovering, a signed statement

must be submitted indicating that the headcovering is worn daily for religious/medical reasons;

✓ Without dark glasses unless a doctor’s statement is submitted supporting the wearing of dark

glasses for medical reasons.

Snapshots, most vending machine prints, magazine or full-length photographs are not acceptable.

Photographs retouched so that the applicant’s appearance is changed, or printed by color photocopy

machines are also not acceptable.

Digitized photographs must be clear and provide proper contrast and white background. Some printers

will produce a photograph in which the dots are seen. Visible dots distort the image by making it look

grainy. Acceptable photos have a continuous tone image that looks very photo-like.

Resolution, Print Size, and Quality

• Submit a high-resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.

• The correct size of a passport photo is:

  • 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) 

  • Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head

• Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.

• Do not change your photo using computer software, phone apps or filters, or artificial intelligence. 

• Do not submit photocopies or digitally-scanned photos.

• Do not submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

Pose and Expression

• Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. 

• Face the camera directly with full face in view. 

Lighting and Shadows

• Have uniform lighting on your face.

  • Overhead lighting or lights too far off to the side can cast shadows on your face, obscuring your facial features.  

• Lighting that is too bright may cause your image to be overexposed, while lighting that is too dim may make it underexposed.

Attire, Hats, and Glasses

• Take off any eyeglasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses.

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

• You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage clothing. 

• Take off your hat or head covering.

  • If you wear one for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that says it is religious attire worn daily in public.

  • If you wear one for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement that says you wear it for medical purposes.

  • If you must wear a hat or head covering:

    • Your full face must be visible 

    • There should be no shadows or parts of your face blocked

    • It should be one color    

    • The material should not have patterns or small holes  

• You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.

• You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. 

• Take off any face covering or medical mask so your full face is visible and the face covering or mask do not block portions of your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smile in my passport photo?

Yes. Make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo. 

Do I need a new passport if my appearance changed?

You only need to apply for a new passport if your appearance significantly changed. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, do not apply for a new passport. 

Minor change - do not apply for a new passport

• Growing a beard

• Coloring your hair 

• Normal aging process

Major change - apply for a new passport

• Significant facial surgery or trauma

• Adding or removing many large facial piercings or tattoos

• Significant weight loss or gain

Do you have more tips to take a photo of a baby or toddler?

Yes. Some tips include:

• Lay your baby or toddler on a plain white or off-white sheet, or cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet. 

• Make sure there are no shadows on your baby or toddler's face.

• It is okay if a baby's eyes are not entirely open. All other children must have their eyes open.