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Last update: January 15, 2026

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U.S. Passport Photo Examples: Acceptable and Unacceptable Photos

Written by Olia Potiagaeva, Managing Editor

Reviewed by the PhotoGov Editorial TeamPublished: January 15, 20264.8/5.0

Table of contents:

Key Specifications of a U.S. Passport Photo
Compliant Digital and Print Passport Photo Example
Common Issues in U.S. Passport Photos
Passport Photo Examples For Different Applicant Groups
Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Photos: Side-by-Side Comparison
Is Your Passport Photo Right? The Ultimate Checklist
How to Avoid Mistakes in Passport Photos
Take Your Compliant Passport Photo
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Government Sources
Related Pages

Having a passport photo sample before you take one is essential to getting it right. This guide features a comprehensive passport picture example list, covering good and bad samples in different categories — for online, in-person, and mail-in application routes.

Key Specifications of a U.S. Passport Photo

Whether you are submitting a paper application or renewing online, every U.S. passport photo follows the same framing rules: it is a square, full-color portrait taken within the last six months, with the head centered and measuring 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (taking up 50–69% of the total frame height), and the full face clearly visible. The background must be plain white or off-white, evenly lit, and free of shadows, textures, or objects. To take a photo, face the camera directly with a neutral expression or a natural, closed-mouth smile, and keep both eyes open.

U.S. Passport Photo Requirements by Application Channel

Paper Application (Form DS-11 or DS-82)

Mail-in renewals and in-person applications require one printed 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) color photo on matte or glossy photo-quality paper, free of holes, creases, smudges, or visible printer dots.

Online Passport Renewal

For online passport renewals, the photo is uploaded as a square digital color file in JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF format between 54 KB and 10 MB. The U.S. Department of State does not specify fixed pixel dimensions for online renewal — the portal includes a built-in photo tool that can crop the head and upper torso during upload, provided the original shot leaves enough space around them (Source: U.S. Department of State — Uploading a Digital Photo, verified October 21, 2026).

Compliant Digital and Print Passport Photo Example

compliant digital and print passport photo example

The sample passport photo above meets all official U.S. Department of State requirements for both printed and digital submissions:

Correct dimensions and head size: The photo passport sample above is formatted as a square frame — measuring 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) in print — with the head centered and measuring 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (50–69% of the total frame height).
Format for print or online upload: Ready as a 2 × 2 inch print on photo-quality paper for Form DS-11 or DS-82, or saved as a high-resolution JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF file between 54 KB and 10 MB for online passport renewal.
Even lighting: Soft, balanced front lighting illuminates the face evenly, reproducing natural skin tones without shadows on the face or background.
Plain white/off-white background: A clean white or off-white background free of patterns, textures, or objects.
Natural expression: The applicant faces the camera directly with a neutral expression (or a natural, closed-mouth smile) and both eyes open.
Proper framing: Enough space is left around the head and upper shoulders so the image can be cropped accurately without cutting off the hair or chin.

Common Issues in U.S. Passport Photos

Below are examples of bad passport photos showing the most common mistakes that lead to U.S. passport photo rejections—whether you are submitting a 2 × 2 inch print or uploading a digital file. For a full list of passport photo rejection reasons and step-by-step fixes, see our 2026 troubleshooting guide.

Incorrect Passport Photo Dimensions

Acceptable U.S. passport photo size example 2x2 inches with the head 1 to 1 3/8 inches — Acceptable example: Photo is exactly 2 x 2 inches for paper or mail-in applications and between 54 KB and 10 MB for an online passport renewal, with the correct head proportions.

Unacceptable U.S. passport photo size example, the photo is rectangular, not a square with a 1:1 aspect ratio — Unacceptable example: The photo is rectangular (4:3 aspect ratio) instead of a 1:1 square, or the head is cropped too tightly, cutting off the crown of the head.

Printed photos for paper applications must measure 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm), with the head sized 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. For online renewal, the digital file must be between 54 KB and 10 MB and leave enough space around your head and shoulders so the portal's built-in tool can crop the image. If you're taking one yourself, see our step-by-step guide to capturing a correct passport photo with an iPhone.

Background Issues in Passport Photos

Acceptable U.S. passport photo with a plain white background — Acceptable example: Photo has a plain white or off-white background that is free of objects, textures, patterns, or shadows

Unacceptable U.S. passport photo example with objects, patterns, or textures on the background — Unacceptable example: Photo has a patterned or textured background, or there are objects or shadows visible in the background

The background must be plain white or off-white, with no patterns, textures, lines, or visible objects behind you. Standing too close to the wall can also cast a background shadow, which is one of the most common reasons passport photos are rejected.

Lighting and Shadow Mistakes

Acceptable U.S. passport photo with even lighting across the face and the background — Acceptable example: The applicant and the background in the photo are evenly illuminated with even, natural lighting. No shadows are visible on the face or the background

Unacceptable U.S. passport photo example with shadows across the face or background — Unacceptable example: Shadows and uneven lighting are visible across the applicant’s face or the background

Overhead fixtures and side lamps often cast harsh shadows under the eyes, nose, and chin, while direct flash can cause glare or washed-out skin tones. Face a window for soft, even natural light, and never apply filters, portrait-mode blur, or digital retouching to your photo.

Biometric Alignment and Cropping Issues

Acceptable U.S. passport photo with applicant’s face and body correctly aligned in the shot — Acceptable example: The applicant is positioned in the center of the shot with his head and shoulders square to the camera

Unacceptable U.S. passport photo example with applicant not positioned square to the camera — Unacceptable example: The applicant’s head is tilted or rotated, and the shoulders are not square to the camera

Face the camera directly with your head centered and level, both eyes open, and your shoulders square to the lens. Tilted heads, angled poses, or close-up selfies taken at arm's length distort facial proportions and will not pass review.

Glasses: Forbidden in U.S. Passport Photos

Acceptable U.S. passport photo example of an applicant without glasses and full face visible — Acceptable example: Glasses are removed, and the entire face, from chin to crown, is visible in the photo

Unacceptable U.S. passport photo example showing an applicant wearing glasses — Unacceptable example: An applicant wears prescription glasses

Under the official glasses and head covering rules, prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, and glasses with tinted lenses are not allowed in U.S. passport photos. See our passport picture example above to see what a compliant photo should look like. If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, you must include a signed statement from your doctor with the application.

Headwear: What is Allowed and What is Not

Acceptable passport photo, an applicant without headwear — Acceptable example: No headwear, full face, neck and shoulders are fully visible

Unacceptable passport photo sample an applicant wears a cap; white top blends with background — Unacceptable example: Headwear in the photo, covers the head and casts shadows over an applicant's face; white top blends with the background

Acceptable US passport photo an applicant wears religious head covering full face visible — Acceptable example: A solid-colored religious head covering; the entire face visible from chin to forehead

unacceptable us passport photo applicant's face is covered by religious headwear — Unacceptable example: A religious head covering pulled over the bottom part of the face, making it invisible for identification

Hats, caps, scarves, and other non-religious headwear are not permitted in passport photos. Head coverings worn daily for religious or documented medical purposes are permitted with a signed statement, provided the covering is a solid color without patterns, your full face is visible from chin to forehead, and there are no shadows on your face or the background. Headphones and hands-free devices aren’t permitted.

Hair: How Should It Appear in a Compliant Image

Acceptable U.S. passport photo example of an applicant with her hair back, full face visible — Acceptable example: An applicant has tucked her hair behind her ears and shoulders. The full face is open, and features are unobstructed for identification

Unacceptable U.S. passport photo example showing an applicant with bangs partially obstructing face — Unacceptable example: An applicant has bangs that partially cover her face, obstructing an eyebrow and a part of an eye, making a photo noncompliant for identification

Hair: Rejected passport photos very often show an applicant with facial features obstructed by hair. Long bangs covering one eye or the browline, or hair on the face — all these issues must be avoided in compliant photos.

Clothing: What to Wear in Passport Photos

Acceptable U.S. passport photo example of an applicant wearing an everyday dark top — Acceptable example: An applicant wears an everyday top in a dark color that doesn’t blend with the background

Unacceptable U.S. passport photo example showing an applicant wearing military clothes or camouflage — Unacceptable example: An applicant wears prohibited camouflage or military-looking attire

Wear everyday clothing in colors that contrast with the background — black, dark blue, dark green, etc. Avoid tops with large lettering or logos. Do not wear white clothing: it will blend with a plain white background. Uniforms, military, camouflage attire — or any clothing resembling them are prohibited.

Passport Photo Examples For Different Applicant Groups

All U.S. passport photos follow the same framing and background standards, with a few specific rules for different applicants.

Hair, Makeup, and Jewelry in Women's Photos: Acceptable and Unacceptable Examples

Acceptable U.S. passport photo example of a woman with long hair tucked back full face visible; modest accessories and makeup — Acceptable example: The full face and eyebrows are clearly visible, with hair tucked neatly away from the face; moderate accessories and makeup

Unacceptable U.S. passport photo example of a woman with bangs covering eyebrows and eyes; excessive accessories and makeup — Unacceptable example: Loose hair falls across the forehead and covers eyebrows; large shiny accessories; reflective makeup

In a compliant female passport photo example, everyday makeup and subtle jewelry (such as small stud earrings) are fine as long as they do not obscure your facial features or cause reflections. If you have long hair or bangs, tuck your hair behind your shoulders and sweep bangs away from your eyes so your eyebrows and the full outline of your face are clearly visible — hair covering the eyes or face is a frequent reason for rejection.

Facial Hair in Men's Passport Photos: Acceptable and Unacceptable Examples

Acceptable U.S. passport photo example of a man with a beard wearing grey sweater — Acceptable example: The applicant wears a grey sweater that contrasts with the white wall, and a neatly kept beard

Unacceptable U.S. passport photo example of a man with bangs covering one eye — Unacceptable example: The applicant's bangs cover one eye, altering identification

Beards and mustaches do not need to be shaved if they are part of your everyday appearance. But hair cannot obstruct facial features — all of them must be visible in the photo. While there is no formal passport photo dress code, wear normal casual or business clothing in a color that contrasts with the white background; uniforms, uniform-like clothing, and camouflage attire are not permitted.

Babies and Children Passport Photos: Acceptable and Unacceptable Examples

Acceptable baby passport photo example showing an infant lying alone on a plain white sheet — Acceptable example: An infant lies alone on a plain white sheet facing the camera, with no hands, toys, or pacifier in the frame (an infant's eyes do not need to be completely open

Unacceptable infant passport photo example showing a baby with parent's hands visible in the frame — Unacceptable example: Parent's hands are visible in the frame supporting the child

Under the official rules for baby and child passport photos, an acceptable baby passport photo must show the child alone — a parent's supporting hands, pacifiers, toys, or uncovered car seat straps are common causes of a rejected infant passport photo. Infants can be photographed lying flat on a plain white sheet from directly above, or seated in a car seat covered with a plain white sheet. For newborns and infants, it is acceptable if their eyes are not completely open.

Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Photos: Side-by-Side Comparison

Element	Acceptable Example	Unacceptable Example
Expression	Neutral facial expression or a natural, closed-mouth smile, with both eyes open	Open-mouth smile showing teeth, exaggerated expression, squinting, or closed eyes
Background and lighting	Plain white or off-white background with uniform lighting and accurate skin tones	Colored or textured wall, visible objects, shadows on the face or background, or flash glare
Head size and position	Head centered and taking up 50–69% of the frame height (1 to 1 3/8 inches, or 25–35 mm, on a 2 × 2 inch print)	Head too small (camera too far away), cropped too tightly, or tilted to one side
Clothing	Everyday civilian clothing that contrasts clearly with the white background	Military or work uniforms, camouflage attire, or white shirts that blend into the background
Glasses and headwear	Glasses removed; solid-colored religious head covering leaves the full face visible	Prescription glasses or sunglasses worn without a doctor's statement, hats, caps, or headphones
File and print format	Online renewal: unedited JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF (54 KB–10 MB); Paper form: 2 × 2 inch print on photo paper	Scanned copy of a printed photo, file outside size limits, AI-edited image, or file compressed via SMS/messaging apps

Is Your Passport Photo Right? The Ultimate Checklist

Before submitting your application, compare your photo side by side against the examples of good passport photos on this page. For a full list of rejection causes and fixes, see our 2026 rejected photo fix checklist.

Head size and margins: Your head is centered and takes up 50–69% of the square frame (1 to 1 3/8 inches, or 25–35 mm, from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head on a 2 × 2 inch print), with clear space above your hair and your upper shoulders visible.
Clear eyes and eyebrows: Both eyes are open and clearly visible, with no hair, bangs, or shadows crossing your eyebrows or eyes.
Clothing contrast: You are wearing everyday clothing in a solid color that stands out against the white background — no uniforms, camouflage, or white tops.
Infant and child framing: For babies and toddlers, no supporting hands, pacifiers, toys, or uncovered car seat straps appear in the frame.
Glasses and headwear: Prescription glasses and sunglasses are removed, and any religious or medical head covering leaves your full face visible from chin to forehead.
Even lighting without shadows: Both sides of your face are evenly lit with natural window light, with no shadows under your nose or chin, and no shadows on the wall behind you.
Proper camera distance: The photo was taken from 4 to 5 feet away at eye level rather than at arm's length, avoiding close-up selfie distortion.
Original file or print quality: For online renewal, you are uploading an original camera file (54 KB to 10 MB in JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF format) without filters, AI retouching, screenshots, or messaging-app compression; for a paper form, you have a crisp 2 × 2 inch print on photo paper.
Automated pre-submission check: Upload your photo to the tool on this page to crop, format, and check your image in 30 seconds.

How to Avoid Mistakes in Passport Photos

PhotoGov crops your photo to the required U.S. passport dimensions, sets the right format for online upload or 2 × 2-inch printing, and checks it against the official specifications above. Before uploading your image, make sure you have even lighting, proper framing, a plain background, and no glasses or accessories.

Take Your Compliant Passport Photo

Not sure if your passport photo meets all the requirements? PhotoGov checks your photo against official U.S. Department of State standards and automatically adjusts the format, crops, centers your photo, and sets a plain white background — giving you a digital file for online renewal or a printable 2 × 2 inch sheet for paper applications. The renewal portal also runs its own checks during upload — see our step-by-step guide to uploading a passport renewal photo. PhotoGov is rated 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot and 4.8 out of 5 on Google — browse verified customer feedback on our Reviews page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does a U.S. Passport Photo Look Like?

A U.S. passport photo (or passport picture) is a square, full-color portrait on a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last six months. Your head must be centered and take up 50–69% of the frame height — measuring 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 mm) from chin to crown on a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) print — with a neutral expression or natural closed-mouth smile and both eyes open.

What Makes a U.S. Passport Photo Acceptable?

Acceptable passport photos are original, unretouched color images with uniform lighting, accurate skin tones, and a plain white or off-white background free of shadows. Paper applications (Form DS-11 or DS-82) require a 2 × 2 inch print on photo-quality paper, while online passport renewal requires a square digital file in JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, or HEIF format between 54 KB and 10 MB, with no filters, AI enhancements, or eyeglasses.

How Do I Compare My Photo To the Examples on This Page?

Place the photo side by side with the acceptable example for the relevant applicant group and check three key elements: head size within the square frame, even lighting across both sides of the face and background, and clear contrast between the clothing and the white backdrop. If the image matches any of the unacceptable examples — such as hair crossing the eyebrow, background shadows, or tight cropping — retake the photo before applying.

Do Baby and Child Passport Photos Differ From Adult Photos?

Baby and child passport photos follow the same 2 × 2 inch size and plain white background rules as adult photos, and no other person, hand, pacifier, or toy may appear in the frame. However, the U.S. Department of State relaxes expression and eye rules for newborns and infants under one year old, whose eyes do not need to be completely open.

How Do I Check My Photo Before Submitting a Passport Application?

First, review the image against the checklist on this page to rule out lighting, expression, and framing errors. Then upload the photo to PhotoGov, which crops the portrait to official U.S. Department of State dimensions, replaces uneven backgrounds with plain white, and checks all technical file parameters (with optional Human Verification by a compliance specialist).

Official Government Sources

Passport Photo Requirements: The US Department of State

Online Passport Renewal, Photo Requirements: The US Department of State

On this page:

Key Specifications of a U.S. Passport Photo
Compliant Digital and Print Passport Photo Example
Common Issues in U.S. Passport Photos
Passport Photo Examples For Different Applicant Groups
Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Photos: Side-by-Side Comparison
Is Your Passport Photo Right? The Ultimate Checklist
How to Avoid Mistakes in Passport Photos
Take Your Compliant Passport Photo
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Government Sources
Related Pages

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