US Passport Photo Requirements: The Complete 2026 Guide

Photo Size & Dimensions

This is the spec that trips people up most. Get it wrong and your application stalls.

The 2×2 passport photo size is non-negotiable for printed applications. Your head must fill most of the frame — but not all of it. If your head is too small (under 1 inch) or too large (over 1⅜ inches), the photo will be rejected.

For online passport renewal, the State Department requires a square digital image between 600 and 1,200 pixels on each side. The same head-size rules apply.

Background Requirements

Plain white or off-white only. That's the entire rule — but it's one of the most common rejection triggers.

• No grey, cream, beige, or light blue backgrounds
• No patterns, textures, or gradients
• No objects, furniture, or people visible behind you
• No shadows cast on the background — this is the part most DIY photos fail

The passport photo background must be a single, uniform, bright white or very slightly off-white tone. Even a faint shadow behind your head can get the photo flagged.

Lighting & Print Quality

Good lighting is what separates an approved photo from a rejected one.

For lighting:

• Light your face evenly from the front — no harsh side light
• Avoid overhead lighting that casts shadows under your eyes or chin
• Natural window light (diffused, not direct sun) works well
• No red-eye — use a camera that avoids it, or reposition your light source

For print quality:

• Passport photos are in color — always. Black-and-white photos are not accepted
• Both glossy and matte finishes are acceptable
• The print must be sharp, not blurry, pixelated, or grainy
• No ink smudges, creases, or damage to the photo surface
• No digital filters, retouching, or AI-generated enhancements — submit the original image

Face & Expression Rules

Look straight at the camera. Keep both eyes open. Keep your mouth closed. Those three rules cover most of what the State Department cares about.

What to Wear for Your Passport Photo

There's no official dress code — but a few rules and smart choices make a real difference.

What to avoid:

• Uniforms of any kind (military, police, work uniforms)
• Camouflage clothing
• White or very light clothing that blends into the background
• Busy patterns that distract from your face

Best colors to wear for a passport photo:

• Dark, solid colors work best — navy, dark grey, burgundy, forest green
• Medium tones photograph cleanly against the white background
• Avoid pure white, off-white, or very pale pastels — they disappear into the background

There's no rule against jewelry, patterns, or casual clothing — just keep it sensible and make sure nothing covers your face or neck.

Hair, Beard & Accessories

Infant & Baby Passport Photo Requirements

Babies need passports too — and the rules are slightly different for the very young.

Same as adults:

• 2×2 inches, color, plain white or off-white background
• Full face visible, facing the camera

Infant-specific exceptions:

• Eyes don't need to be fully open — babies can have partially closed eyes
• The baby can be placed on a white blanket or sheet for the photo
• A car seat is acceptable as a prop, as long as it doesn't appear in the final image
• No parent's hands, arms, or face may appear in the photo — not even a fingertip

Lay your baby on a white sheet on a flat surface, get directly above them, and shoot from above. Natural light from a nearby window (not direct sun) keeps the lighting even. Take several shots — you'll need the options.

Taking Your Passport Photo at Home

Yes, you can take your own passport photo at home. The State Department explicitly allows it, and millions of people do it successfully every year.

What you need:

• A smartphone with a decent camera (any recent iPhone or Android works)
• A plain white wall or a white sheet taped flat to a wall
• Good, even lighting — a window or two lamps facing you

Step-by-step:

1. Find a white or off-white wall with no shadows or objects behind you
2. Set up your light source in front of you — not behind you
3. Have someone else take the photo, or use a timer and a phone stand
4. Stand or sit about 3–4 feet from the wall to avoid casting a shadow on it
5. Look straight at the camera, keep your expression neutral or gently relaxed
6. Take multiple shots and choose the sharpest, best-lit one

At-home passport photo requirements are identical to studio requirements — the State Department doesn't care where the photo was taken, only that it meets the specs. The trickiest part of DIY photos is getting the background perfectly white and shadow-free. We check your photo automatically and flag any issues before you print or submit — saving you the cost and delay of a rejection.

Common Reasons Passport Photos Get Rejected

Photo problems are one of the most common reasons passport applications get put on hold. Here's what to watch for:

1. Wrong background — not white enough, shadows visible, or objects in the frame
2. Head too small or too large — outside the 1 to 1⅜ inch range
3. Glasses in the photo — still one of the most frequent rejection triggers, even after the 2016 ban
4. Shadows on the face or background — caused by poor lighting or standing too close to the wall
5. Blurry, grainy, or pixelated image — especially common with older phones or poor lighting
6. Digital editing or filters applied — any retouching, including AI enhancement, is grounds for rejection
7. Photo too old — must be taken within the last 6 months; older photos are not accepted
8. Wrong expression — open mouth, eyes closed, or exaggerated smile

Frequently Asked Questions