Tips for Capturing a Great Passport Photo

It seems straightforward: Submit a two-inch by two-inch color photo taken within the last six months to the U.S. State Department when applying for or renewing your passport. However, there are countless ways to get it wrong. “Poor passport photos are the leading cause of delays in applications,” a spokesperson from the State Department told Dinogo. “We strongly encourage applicants to thoroughly review photo requirements at travel.state.gov/photos.”

To assist you, the official government site provides detailed instructions, specifications, tips, and examples of both good and poor photos. There’s even a photo tool that allows you to upload and crop an image, providing instant feedback on whether your photo meets acceptance criteria (including reasons for rejection). But before travelers take a passport photo (or look for ways to accelerate their application processing time), it’s essential to understand the dress code for the photo. Review the guidelines below before you invest time in preparation.

What attire is suitable for a passport photo?

The official State website recommends “clothing typically worn on a daily basis.” You can opt for formal attire (like a jacket and tie) or go casual (such as a T-shirt or polo), but there are some important considerations.

Attire You Must Avoid

Eyewear or sunglasses are prohibited in photos—even if you wear prescription glasses daily, you must remove them. (If you’re unable to take off the glasses for medical reasons, you’ll need to submit a signed doctor’s note with your application.)

Other banned items include: tank tops, uniforms, camouflage, masks, earbuds or headphones, and hats or head coverings unless you have a signed document indicating that it’s for religious or medical reasons.

The rationale behind these rules is to ensure that all facial features are clearly visible (including moles). However, permanent facial tattoos are permitted, and jewelry—even facial piercings—can stay as long as they don’t obstruct your face.

What color should you choose for a passport photo?

Dark solid colors work best; they stand out nicely against a white background. Light colors are acceptable too, as long as the patterns aren’t distracting. If you opt for white, be cautious, as you might blend into the background and be asked to take the photo again.

How to pose and frame your photo

Applicants are advised to “use a white or off-white background that is free of shadows, textures, or patterns.” Most importantly, you should sit or stand with your shoulders squared and your head centered in the frame. Face the camera directly “with a neutral expression” and open eyes to ensure your eyes are clearly visible in the photo.

Common Errors That Lead to Passport Photo Rejections

Here are the nine most frequent mistakes, as noted by U.S. Passport Service Guide, a company with over 20 years of experience in expediting passport services.

1. Face positioned incorrectly
2. Inappropriate facial expression
3. Presence of shadows
4. Wearing eyeglasses
5. Donning prohibited clothing
6. Poor color balance
7. Unsuitable background
8. Submitting a modified or retouched image
9. Incorrect photo dimensions
   

Am I allowed to wear makeup and display my tattoos and piercings in my passport photo?

Yes, as long as none of these elements obstruct your face or create shadows. According to the photo-booth app Passport-Photo.Online, it's best to avoid lip liner, lip gloss, and bright red or black lipstick, as they may not accurately reflect your natural skin tone.

What about small earbuds?

Remove the headphones; they are not permitted. This also applies to any other wireless hands-free devices.

Can I have a beard or mustache? And is it acceptable if I didn’t have these in my previous passports?

Yes, you can have facial hair, and it’s fine if it differs from your previous photos. Just keep in mind that this passport photo will identify you for the next 10 years.

Is smiling allowed in a passport photo?

Smile? Kind of. You can position your face that way, but you must ensure “both your eyes are open and your mouth is closed in your photo,” as stated on the government’s website.

What should be the size of the passport photo?

The guidelines are clear and available on the State Department’s webpage regarding digital photo submissions: “If you are applying in person or by mail, your photo should be 2”x 2” (51 x 51 mm) with your head centered and sized between 1” and 1.4” (25 and 35 mm). If renewing online, ensure there is enough space around your head for automatic cropping by our photo tool. Your digital image must be in .JPEG format, at least 600 by 600 pixels, and at least 54 kilobytes in size.” Files larger than 10 MB will not be accepted, nor will any images showing visible pixels or printer dots. Photos can be printed on either glossy or matte paper.

Is it possible to use an iPhone or smartphone for taking photos?

Yes, if your phone can produce an image that meets the required specifications. However, do not submit a selfie and avoid using any retouching filters from your phone or social media applications—including red-eye removal. If your photo has red-eye, you’ll need to take a new one.

Is it permissible to scan an existing photo?

“Do not scan a printed photo or take a picture of an already printed image,” states the site. Additionally, you cannot submit a photo that is damaged with holes, creases, or smudges.

Where can I have passport photos taken?

You can have your passport photo taken at thousands of post offices, as well as FedEx and UPS locations. Many pharmacies and retail stores, including Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, also provide passport photo services. Furthermore, you can search the State Department’s database of “acceptance facilities” in your area; these include government offices and libraries that accept passport applications, some of which may offer photo-taking services as well.

What’s the process for taking a passport photo of a baby?

Only one child should appear in each photo, and no, you can’t hold the baby while taking the shot. The passport department suggests placing the child on their back or in a car seat with a white or off-white blanket underneath. Pacifiers should be removed for the picture. Don’t worry if an infant’s eyes are not fully open; however, all other children must keep their eyes open.

Verify your image using the U.S. State Department’s photo tool

The key takeaway for attire in a passport photo is to maintain simplicity and clarity: your face must be clearly visible for identification purposes. The best way to ensure compliance is to adhere to the guidelines on the U.S. State Department’s FAQ and utilize the provided photo tool to review examples of common mistakes (lighting, clothing, background, pose, etc.), so you can avoid making the same errors.