US Passport Picture Requirements

If you are a U.S. citizen and you are traveling to another country, including Mexico, Canada and the Bahamas, it is imperative that you have a passport. Apply either online or at a U.S. Post Office to obtain your passport and don't forget your mandatory passport pictures.

Size

Passport photos must measure 2 inches long by 2 inches wide.

Background

The background of a passport photo must be white or off-white.

Subject

The subject in the passport photo must be facing the camera with her eyes open. The full face must be photographed. The height of the eyes must be between 1 1/8 inches to 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the photograph. The subject's head must be centered.

Color

The passport photograph must be in natural color. Black and white photos or enhanced colors are not permitted.

Accessories

Eyeglasses and religious headdresses may be worn in the passport photo if worn regularly by the subject. They should not cause a glare or shadows on the subject's face.

Quantity

Two passport photos must be submitted with the passport application.

Resources

• U.S. Passport Website