Passport Information and Help Center

Passport Photo Requirements

Applicants must submit one new passport photo. Please see examples below for the proper requirements of a passport photo.

Passport Photos Requirements

Photo Requirement Checklist

  • In color
  • 2 x 2 inches in size
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
  • Taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
  • Full face, front view, with the head centered within the frame
  • Neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed
  • Head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
  • Photo must have a plain white or off-white background with no distracting shadows on the face or background
  • Taken in normal street attire:
    • Uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily
    • Do not wear a hat or headgear that obscures the hair or hair line
    • If you normally wear a hearing device, wig or similar articles, they should be worn for your picture.
    • Do not wear glasses of any type in your photo. If you are unable to remove your glasses for medical reasons, a medical certificate may be required.
    • Articles worn for religious or medical reasons should be accompanied by a statement to that effect.

Well Composed Passport Photos

Both of these examples show well composed photos