A perfect passport photo is one that gets you approved the first time you submit your passport application. It’s not the photo that shows off your best side or a quick selfie. Submitting a passport photo that does not meet the requirements can delay your application for months, particularly when applying by mail.
There are many private companies and services that provide passport photos for a sometimes steep fee, but they are far from necessary. Taking a photo at home can be the most convenient and cheapest way, as long as you follow the guidelines. Let’s take a look at the current passport photo guidelines and how to take the perfect passport photo in the comfort of your home.
In This Guide
What Are the Photo Requirements for U.S. Passport?
When applying for a U.S. passport, your photo must meet the following criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Size and Resolution (2″x 2″, 300pi) | The photo must be 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) with a head size between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. The resolution should be 300 pixels per inch. |
| Background (plain white or off-white) | The background should be plain white or off-white, without any shadows, textures, or objects. |
| Pose and Expression (neutral, facing camera) | You must have a neutral facial expression, with both eyes open and mouth closed, facing the camera directly. |
| Attire (No hats, glasses, or uniforms) | No uniforms, hats, head coverings or glasses, unless for religious or medical reasons with proper documentation. |
| Print Quality (matte or glossy photo paper) | The photo should be printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper without any defects such as creases or smudges. |
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, quite literally.
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: Make sure it’s clear, well-lit, and passport-perfect.
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
Renewing a passport online is finally available as of June 2024. When you are lucky enough to grab one of the daily application slots, it’s time to take your digital passport photo. The photo requirements for online passport renewals are the same as for printing ones, 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 JPEGs 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: Directly face the camera with a neutral facial expression, open eyes & closed mouth.
- Shadows and Lightning: 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, it will be automatically cropped the perfect size so you don’t have to worry. Every photo is reviewed by a human staff during processing. When there is an issue you will receive an email requesting a new photo.
Before submitting, the online tool can catch a few errors. Here are the main errors and how to fix them:
| Error Message | How to fix |
|---|---|
| “Background may not meet our requirements” | Check that your background is plain white or off-white and that there are no textures, objects, or lines. Make sure that there is ample space above and below your head so that the tool is able to crop your photo. |
| “Image compressed” | Re-upload your photo at a higher resolution, the file size is currently too small. Check your camera settings and avoid using an edited or texted photo as they can compress automatically. |
| “Expression may be unnatural” | Check that your eyes are open and your mouth closed. |
| “Head size or position may be incorrect” | The photo was taken from too far or too close, upload a new photo from closer or farther away. |
| “Image quality may be poor” | Re-upload a photo that is a larger file size, not blurry, and not out of focus. |
| “Lighting or exposure may be incorrect” | Your photo might be under or overexposed. Take a new photo with natural, clear light. |
| “Internal server error” | Log out and reload the application after clearing your cookies and/or waiting several hours. You have 30 days to complete your application after starting. |
8 Top Tips for Taking A Good Passport Photo at Home
Use a recent photo – less than 6 months old is best!
Use the travel.state.gov Photo tool to automatically crop your photo.
Stand about 3-4 feet away from the background to avoid shadows.
Use natural light by facing a window during the day for the best lighting.
Use a tripod or a stack of books to keep your camera steady.
Don’t forget to remove your glasses (and hats, too).
Say Cheese Nothing! Keep your mouth closed.
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.
Tip: Use the Passport Acceptance Facility Search Page and check “Photo On-site” to find facilities with photo services near you.
» MORE:
Renew Your U.S. Passport While Living Overseas
Lost Passport While Traveling: Steps to Follow
Real ID vs. Passport: What Are the Key Differences?
Travel Visa-Free with a U.S. Passport: Top Destinations
What to Know About U.S. Passport Validity and the 6-Month Rule