Understanding Official Requirements for U.S. Passport Photos

Identifying the Applicant

A passport photo serves to identify the applicant of a document. Therefore, when applying for a travel document, you must submit a color passport photo that provides a good likeness of yourself.

To be approved, the passport photo must meet all the requirements, unless there are applicable exceptions.

These requirements are based on the official government regulations of United States. Our website checks whether your photo meets the requirements for you.

For example, the photo must be of the correct size, be sharp and have good contrast and colors, have an even one-colored background, and show your face clearly without any shadows, accessories or headgear that might obscure it.

The requirements for a high-quality passport photo include:

• Dimensions
• Photo Quality
• Background
• Face Display
• Posture
• Expression
• Glasses
• Lighting
• Positioning

There are exceptions for:

• Religious or Philosophical Beliefs
• Physical or Medical Reasons
• Applicants Younger Than 6 Years Old

When taking passport photos, special attention must be given to:

• Tattoos
• Headgear
• Beards
• Piercings
• Hairstyles
• Wigs