Planning Student Travel? Do the Passport Photo Early
If your student may travel abroad this year, getting the passport photo right early can prevent one of the most common application delays. This is especially useful if you may need to apply on a shorter timeline or want to avoid last-minute document problems before departure.
Browse upcoming student travel programs so your family can plan passport timing, application steps, and travel dates together.
What Are the Photo Requirements for a U.S. Passport?
When applying for a U.S. passport, your photo must meet the following criteria:
Be careful; photos are the most common reason a passport application is delayed. As long as you follow the photo guidelines, there is no need to get a photo professionally or pay for any tools. Taking your own photo at home can be as easy as pressing a button.
Passport Photo Ready Checklist
Before you print or upload your image, run through this quick final check:
✓ My background is plain white or off-white with no objects or texture
✓ My face is centered and facing the camera directly
✓ My expression is neutral, with both eyes open and mouth closed
✓ I am not wearing glasses, a hat, or a uniform
✓ The photo is sharp, evenly lit, and free of shadows
✓ The printed version is 2 x 2 inches, or the digital file meets online upload specs
✓ I reviewed the image for blur, glare, and awkward cropping before submitting it
If any box is a no, retake the photo before you move on with your application.
Questions about the whole application process? Read our easy step-by-step guide for applying for a U.S. Passport.
How to Take a Passport Photo at Home: Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Gear
- Camera: Grab your smartphone or a decent camera.
- Tripod (optional): Keeps things steady, but a stack of books works too!
- Plain white or off-white background: Your clean wall is perfect (not textured!)
- Good lighting: Natural daylight is your best friend.
Step 2: Set Up Your Background
- Choose a plain wall: Make sure it’s white or off-white, and free of any posters or textures.
- Even lighting: Avoid shadows on your face or background. No spooky lighting, please!
Step 3: Find Your Perfect Spot
- Distance: Stand about 3-4 feet from the camera.
- Center yourself: Make sure you’re smack dab in the middle of the frame, facing the camera.
Step 4: Strike a Pose (a Neutral One!)
- Neutral expression: Think of something calming. Eyes open, mouth closed.
- Head position: Your head should be between 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from chin to top of head. (You can crop the photo later!)
- No tilting: Keep your head straight and level.
Step 5: Dress the Part
- No glasses: Take off those specs. If you must wear them, include a doctor’s note.
- No hats or head coverings: Unless it’s for religious or medical reasons, with the right paperwork.
- Avoid uniforms: No work uniforms or camo outfits, keep it casual but neat.
Step 6: Snap That Pic
- Use a timer: Set your camera timer or ask a friend for a helping hand (no selfies!).
- Review the photo: Save a few versions so you can compare and choose the clearest image before cropping.
Step 7: Size and Quality Check
- Size: Make sure it’s 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm).
- Resolution: 300 pixels per inch for crystal clear quality.
- Crop: Use the travel.state.gov Photo Tool to get the perfect crop.
- Print quality: Use matte or glossy photo paper, no coffee stains or dog-eared corners.
- No editing or photocopies: Keep it natural, no filters or Photoshop magic.
Step 8: Print & Send it Off!
- High-quality paper: Use matte or glossy photo paper.
- No defects: Ensure the print is spotless—no creases, holes, or smudges.
- Attach properly: Make sure the photo is securely attached to your application.
That’s it, your photo is ready to be submitted! Make sure the rest of your documents are completed and then apply for your passport by mail, acceptance facility, or passport agency.
How to Take a Photo for Online Passport Renewal
The photo requirements for online passport renewals are the same as for printed photos, except for a few extra guidelines when uploading them online. Here are the detailed photo requirements for online passport renewals:
- Dimensions: Allow for lots of space around your head and shoulders and make the photo at least 600 x 600 pixels. It can be rectangular because the online tool will crop it for you.
- Color: Must be a color photo, no black and white photos will be acceptable.
- Format: Only JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg) files are accepted.
- File Size: The file needs to be between 54kb and 10mb.
- Compression: Avoid compressing your photo and use the highest resolution possible.
- Pose: Face the camera directly with a neutral facial expression, open eyes & closed mouth.
- Shadows and Lighting: Check for even lighting and no shadows.
- Background: Plain or off-white background with no textures or other objects.
- Attire, Hats, and Glasses: No uniforms, hats, glasses, or head coverings unless for religious purposes.
When uploading your photo digitally, the system will crop it and screen for common issues. If there is a problem, you may be asked to submit a new image.
Before submitting, the online tool can catch a few errors. Here are the main errors and how to fix them:
Learn more about the new online passport renewal process.
What to Do If Your Passport Photo Is Rejected
A photo issue does not mean your passport application is over. In most cases, you just need to correct the image and resubmit it.
- Check the rejection reason in the email or upload tool message.
- Match the problem to the fix in the table above.
- Retake the photo with one issue in mind, such as lighting, background, or head position.
- Review the new image before submitting so you do not repeat the same mistake.
- Resubmit promptly so the rest of your passport timeline stays on track.
If you are running short on time, it may be worth using a local photo service instead of retaking multiple photos at home.
8 Top Tips for Taking a Good Passport Photo at Home
1
Use a recent photo – less than 6 months old is best!
2
Use the travel.state.gov Photo tool to automatically crop your photo.
3
Stand about 3-4 feet away from the background to avoid shadows.
4
Use natural light by facing a window during the day for the best lighting.
5
Use a tripod or a stack of books to keep your camera steady.
6
Don’t forget to remove your glasses (and hats, too).
7
Say Cheese Nothing! Keep your mouth closed.
8
Use a white sheet if you don’t have a white, texture-free wall.
Where to Get Passport Photos Taken
When you are not quite confident in taking your own passport photo at home, there are many other options for a small, or sometimes large, fee. The main places to get a passport photo taken in-person include:
- Passport acceptance facilities
- Professional photo studios
- Photo Booths
- Pharmacies
- Walmart
- Other private companies with photo services
The price for a set of passport photos from any of these locations ranges from ~$8 – $20 (excluding professional studios). Quality and availability vary so make sure to read reviews of any of the locations in your area.
