U.S. Passport Photo Requirements
Short answer: A U.S. passport photo must be 2x2 inches, taken within the last 6 months, in color, on a plain white or off-white background, with a neutral expression, both eyes open, and no glasses. The head must measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to crown. No filters, no head coverings except for religious or medical reasons with a signed statement, and no uniforms.
Updated August 2026. Government processing times and fees per the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
A rejected photo is the single most common reason an otherwise perfect application comes back. The rules are specific and they are enforced by a machine before a human ever looks. Here is the full standard, plus the failures we see most often when reviewing customer photos.
Key facts
| Size | 2 x 2 inches |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1 3/8 inches |
| Age of photo | Last 6 months |
| Background | Plain white or off-white |
The specification
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), printed in color on matte or glossy photo paper
- Head from chin to crown measures between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm)
- Taken within the last 6 months and reflecting your current appearance
- Plain white or off-white background, evenly lit, no shadows on the face or behind the head
- Full face, front view, eyes open and clearly visible
- Neutral expression or a natural smile — teeth showing usually fails
- Normal street clothes; no uniforms, camouflage, or clothing resembling a uniform
- No eyeglasses, and no headphones or wireless earbuds
- Head coverings only for religious or medical reasons, with a signed statement, and the full face must be visible
The rejections we see most
- A shadow behind the head from standing too close to a wall
- A background that's cream, grey, or textured instead of plain white
- Phone selfies — the lens distortion at arm's length changes facial proportions
- Hair falling across the eyes or eyebrows
- Filters, beauty modes, or any digital retouching
- Photos cropped from a group picture or an event photo
- For babies: another person's hand or arm visible supporting the child
How to take a compliant photo at home
Stand about 18 inches in front of a plain white wall, with light coming from in front of you rather than above or behind. Have someone else hold the camera roughly 4 feet away at eye level. Face the camera squarely, keep both ears roughly visible, and don't tilt your head.
ExpediteGov customers can capture the photo directly in our app on a phone: we frame it with an oval guide and run an automated compliance check against the government standard before you print it — so you find out about a shadow or a crop problem in seconds, not in six weeks.
Where to get one printed
Most pharmacy and shipping counters print passport-size photos while you wait — CVS, Walgreens, UPS, FedEx, and Walmart all offer them. Our app can show you the nearest locations that do. Bring your compliant image on your phone or let them shoot it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I smile in a passport photo?
A natural, closed-mouth smile is acceptable. A broad smile that shows teeth or squints your eyes will usually be rejected — a neutral expression is the safest choice.
Can I wear glasses?
No. Eyeglasses have not been permitted in U.S. passport photos since 2016, except in rare documented medical cases with a signed doctor's statement.
Can I take a passport photo with my phone?
Yes, if someone else takes it from about 4 feet away against a plain white wall with even lighting. Arm's-length selfies distort your features and are commonly rejected.
How recent must the photo be?
Within the last six months, and it must reflect your current appearance — including significant changes like new facial hair or a very different hairstyle.