US Passport Photo Requirements: The Complete 2026 Guide

February 15, 2026

Getting your passport photo right the first time saves you from delays, rejected applications, and extra costs. The US Department of State has specific requirements for passport photos, and they've tightened enforcement in recent years. This guide covers every requirement you need to know in 2026.

Photo Size and Dimensions

US passport photos must be exactly 2×2 inches (51×51 mm). Your head must be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. The photo must be high resolution — at least 600×600 pixels for digital submissions, though higher is better. Printed photos must be on photo-quality paper.

Background Requirements

The background must be plain white or off-white. No patterns, no gradients, no shadows. The State Department will reject photos with visible wall textures, furniture, or other people in the background. If you're taking a photo at home, a clean white wall or a white sheet works well. AI-powered tools like ID Neat can automatically remove and replace backgrounds.

Facial Expression

You must have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or squinting. This isn't about looking unfriendly — automated facial recognition systems need a neutral expression to accurately match your features.

Glasses Policy (Updated 2016)

Since November 2016, the State Department no longer accepts passport photos with glasses. This applies to all glasses — prescription, reading, sunglasses, tinted, or transitional lenses. The only exception is if you have a signed medical statement from a doctor confirming you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons.

Head Coverings and Hats

Hats and head coverings are not allowed in passport photos, with one exception: head coverings worn for religious reasons are permitted as long as your face is fully visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead. You may need to submit a signed statement confirming the covering is worn daily for religious purposes.

Lighting and Shadows

Your photo must have even lighting with no harsh shadows on your face or background. Avoid overhead lighting that creates shadows under your eyes, nose, or chin. Natural daylight from a window — facing you, not behind you — produces the most even, shadow-free lighting. Flash photography is fine as long as it doesn't create red-eye or uneven exposure.

Photo Recency

Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance. If you've significantly changed your hairstyle, gained or lost weight, or had facial surgery since your last photo, you need a new one. The State Department compares your photo to any previous passport photos on file.

Photos of Infants and Young Children

Infant passport photos follow the same 2×2 inch format, but there's more flexibility. The baby should be facing the camera with eyes open, though the State Department acknowledges this can be difficult with newborns. No other people should be visible — no hands holding the baby, no parents in the background. Laying the baby on a white sheet or blanket is the easiest approach.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

• Wrong head size — head height must be 50–69% of the total photo height.
• Shadows on the face or background, often caused by overhead lighting or standing too close to the wall.
• Wearing glasses — this is the single most common reason for rejection since the 2016 rule change.
• Low resolution or blurry images, especially from phone cameras in low light.
• Photo is too old — must be taken within 6 months of your application date.

Get It Right the First Time

A rejected passport photo means delays and potentially paying for another photo. Tools like ID Neat run automated compliance checks against official requirements in real time, catching issues before you submit. The entire process takes under a minute, it's free, and your photo is never stored.