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How to take the perfect U.S. passport photo: Size, background & tips
Photo of Ra'eesah Manack Ra'eesah Manack
6 min read
Updated on Feb 11, 2025
Summary
  • Size: 2×2 inches (ca. 5 cm)
  • Background: Solid white or off-white, no patterns or shadows
  • Recency: Taken within the last six months
  • Quantity: Two identical photos required

To avoid delays and frustration, your US passport photo must meet strict U.S. State Department requirements. Every year, over 200,000 passport applications are rejected due to incorrect photos.

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but a bad one could cost you a visa. Don’t worry; we have the tips to ensure your photo is picture-perfect.

✈️ Is your passport expiring soon?

What are the U.S. passport photo requirements?

At iVisa, we’ve helped thousands of travelers get their passport and visa photos right the first time. Think of us as your shortcut to a hassle-free visa photo; no confusing rules, no bureaucratic nightmares, just quick and easy (and fully compliant).

The U.S. government has an official video explaining all the nitty-gritty details, but who has time to watch it when you could be planning your trip instead?

We’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s a quick summary of the key requirements for a U.S. passport or visa photo:

Requirement Details
Size 2×2 inches (ca. 5 cm)
Background Solid white or off-white, no patterns or shadows
Expression Neutral, slight smile allowed
Glasses Not allowed unless medically necessary with a signed note
Headgear Only for religious or medical reasons, must not obscure face
Recency Taken within the last six months
Quantity Two identical photos required

Need to hear it straight from the rule-makers? Here’s the official video (spoiler alert, we already summarized it for you in the table):

US application rejections over photos: The mistakes you don’t want to make

Did you know a simple photo mistake could send you back to square one? The U.S. State Department denies nearly 4 million visa applications annually, and at least 5 - 10% of all rejections are due to incorrect passport photos. Let’s make sure yours isn’t one of them:

1. Incorrect size

Per international standards, your photo must be exactly 2×2 inches. Sam W, a Consular Officer from Los Angeles, tells our travel journalist that the trick to always getting the perfect sized image is to use a photo printing template to ensure correct sizing before printing.

2. Poor lighting and color

Your images must be printed in full color; black-and-white photos are not accepted. Our professional photographers advise using natural lighting to maintain accurate skin tones without filters.

3. Wrong head position

Your head must be 1 to 1 3/8 inches from chin to top of head and centered. Keep your shoulders straight, and avoid tilting your head.

4. Using an old photo

Your photo must have been taken within the last six months. Tom K., a Passport Specialist from Dallas, suggests using a timestamped digital photo to track recency.

5. Background issues

Use a plain white or off-white background, free from patterns or shadows; this can be a plain wall, poster board, or professional setup to ensure compliance.

"I didn’t want to spend extra on a professional setup, so I taped a plain bedsheet to the wall. It worked perfectly as a background for my passport photo," reveals frequent flyer Lisa J.

6. Expression mistakes

A neutral expression is preferred, but a slight smile is acceptable. Avoid frowning or exaggerated facial expressions.

7. Wearing glasses

Glasses are not allowed unless medically necessary with a signed note. Oliver N. from Boston shares:

"I had to redo my photo after forgetting to remove my glasses. It was frustrating, so now I always double-check before submitting."

8. Incorrect headwear

These are allowed only for religious or medical reasons and must not cast shadows on the face or obscure facial features, including the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Solid colors that contrast with the background are recommended. Amina Y. from Detroit shares:

"The last thing I wanted was my hijab messing up my photo. I used a simple undercap and ensured everything was snug—no shadows or surprises. I went with a navy blue scarf against the white background."

9. Clothing that blends in or doesn’t conform to the dress code

No uniforms; stick to regular clothing that contrasts well with the background. Avoid white or light-colored shirts that can blend in, and go for medium or darker shades like blue, gray, or navy.

Solid colors work best, while busy patterns and logos should be avoided. A collared or structured shirt can add a polished look, and keeping shoulders covered ensures a clean, professional image.

"For my passport photo, I chose a plain black shirt to create contrast against the white background. This helped ensure my face was super clear, and nothing pulled focus away from it,” explains Jamie F. from Houston.

10. Facial hair concerns and makeup

Beards and mustaches are acceptable but should reflect everyday appearance. If you frequently change your facial hair style, ensure the photo represents how you look most of the time.

Avoid heavy applications or excessive contouring that alters your natural features for makeup. Shiny or reflective makeup may cause glare in photos, so opt for a matte finish if needed. If you wear false eyelashes or bold eye makeup daily, keep it subtle to ensure your face is discernible and accurately represented.

"I thought I looked amazing in my passport photo because I followed the viral 'passport makeup' trend, but when I landed after a 9-hour flight at 2 AM, I looked nothing like it! The officers kept re-checking my picture, which massively delayed me," complains Emily R., Chicago.

11. Submitting only one photo

One of the most common reasons for passport application delays is forgetting to include the required second photo. The U.S. State Department requires two identical passport photos that meet all official guidelines. If the second photo is missing, damaged, or slightly different from the first, your application may be rejected.

To ensure compliance, digital images should be 600×600 to 1200×1200 pixels. Before taking your photo, check your camera settings to avoid resizing issues later.

“I used my iPhone and uploaded the pic to the CVS website. They printed both pictures for under $5, and I picked it up the same day,” advises Alex M. from New York.

Before submitting your application, double-check both photos:
✔ Ensure they are printed on high-quality photo paper
✔ Verify that they are identical in size, brightness, and clarity
✔ Inspect for any smudges, bends, or damage

Pro tip: If you're getting your photos printed at a store, ask the staff to confirm that both images are identical before leaving.

Besides incorrect photos, an expired passport is one of the top reasons for visa or permit denials. Our experts recommend checking your passport's expiration date once your photos meet the requirements; most destinations require at least 3 to 6 months of validity before departure.

What does a perfect passport photo look like?

Fill me in

✈️ Is your passport expiring soon? Start your passport renewal today.

Taking passport photos for your child or baby

Trying to get a baby to pose for a passport photo? We feel your pain. But don’t worry, here’s how to get it done without a meltdown (theirs or yours):

  • Expression: Babies are not required to have a neutral expression. It’s okay if they’re not looking directly at the camera.
  • Eyes: Should be open, but this rule is relaxed for newborns.
  • Supporting hands: If holding an infant, make sure your hands are not visible. Background:** Lay your baby on a plain white or off-white sheet and take the photo from above.

Mark D. from San Diego said, “We could not get my daughter to sit in front of a white background, so I used an app to remove the background and make it white. It worked fine for me, but some apps overly edit the image, so be careful.”

  • Recent photo: Must be taken within the last six months.
  • No digital alterations: Avoid excessive retouching or AI enhancements that change your face, hair, or features or overly smooth them out.

What’s next: Renew your passport the easy way

Getting your passport photo right is just the first step. If your passport expires soon, now’s the time to renew; before it causes travel delays. Fill me in

Need more information?

Still have questions? We’ve got answers. Our team is here to help; no long wait times, no robotic responses, just real people who know their stuff. Message us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.

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