Glasses, hats and head coverings
Glasses have to come off. If you truly can't remove them for medical reasons, send a signed note from your doctor with your application.
Hats and head coverings also come off, unless you wear one every day for religious or medical reasons. Then include a signed statement: that it's religious attire you wear daily in public, or a doctor's note for a medical one. Your full face has to show, with no shadows on it, and the covering should be one solid color with no pattern.
Jewelry and facial piercings are fine as long as they don't hide your face.
Babies and toddlers
Lay your baby on a plain white or off-white sheet, or cover a car seat with one. Nobody else can be in the photo, there should be no shadows on the face, and no pacifier, hands or toys covering the face. A baby's eyes can be partly closed; older children need their eyes open.
Taking it at home
Stand a few feet in front of a plain white or off-white wall (a white sheet works), face a window or soft light so your face is evenly lit, and have someone take the photo at eye level from several feet away. Set the camera to its highest quality. Then print it at the right size: a 4 x 6 print with two 2 x 2 photos is an easy, low-cost option at most photo counters, like CVS, Walgreens or Walmart. Choose full-size printing with no cropping, then measure before you cut.
PortraitPass checks your head size, eye height, background, lighting and focus before you print, and makes the 4 x 6 sheet for you. Checking is free.
Common reasons photos get rejected
- Head too small or too big in the frame.
- Shadows on the face or behind the head.
- Glasses on, or a filter or beauty mode left on in the camera.
- Background that isn't plain white or off-white.
- Blurry, grainy or too dark.
- Photo older than 6 months, or you look different now.
When you need a new photo
Small changes like a beard, new hair color or normal aging don't need a new passport. Big changes do, such as major facial surgery or injury, adding or removing many large facial piercings or tattoos, or a big change in weight.
Based on the U.S. Department of State's passport photo guidance (last updated there March 24, 2026); this guide was reviewed October 20, 2026. This page is a summary to help you prepare. The U.S. Department of State sets the rules and decides on every photo; check travel.state.gov for the official, current requirements. Batishev Enterprises and PortraitPass are not affiliated with any government agency.