USA Passport Photos Rules

To travel out of the United States, U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport. Applying for a passport is a relatively simple and straightforward process, but applicants must provide their own two identical photos during the application process. These photos will be attached to the passports. The photos that applicants submit must meet strict guidelines that are set by the U.S. Department of State to be considered acceptable.

Recent

The photo must have been taken within the previous 6 months.

Clothes

The subject should be wearing normal casual clothes. The only acceptable uniform is religious clothing worn on a daily basis. No hats are allowed. Wear items such as non-tinted eyeglasses or wigs that are normally worn on a daily basis.

Pose and Background

The subject must be standing in front of a solid white or off-white backdrop, both looking and facing straight at the camera.

Photography

The lighting shouldn't be too bright or dim, or so harsh that it causes dark shadows on the face. The subject must be clearly in focus. Make sure the photos aren't overexposed.

Size and Crop

The final photos should be 2 inches by 2 inches square. The subject's face, from the bottom of his chin to the top of his hair, should be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches tall.

Color and Processing

The final photos must be in full color. The photos should be a high-quality print, without any printing marks, such as dots.

Resources

• U.S. Department of State's Passport Page