United States Passport Photo Requirements

Hey there! Getting ready to apply for your US passport? Let's walk through everything you need to know about passport photos without all the confusing jargon. Trust me, once you know what to look for, it's pretty straightforward!

Make Your Passport Photo Now
US Passport Photo Requirements Illustration

The Basics - What You Need to Know First

Example of a correct passport photo

Correct passport photo

Getting your passport photo right is super important - it's actually one of the main reasons passport applications get delayed. But don't worry! I'll break it down into simple, easy-to-follow points.

First things first: you'll need two identical photos that were taken in the last six months. Why so recent? Well, your passport photo needs to look like you do right now, not like you did last summer!

Two identical photos
Last 6 months

Size and Specifications - Getting the Measurements Right

Here's the deal with photo sizes:

Your photo needs to be 2 inches by 2 inches (think roughly the size of a large postage stamp)
Your head in the photo should be between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches from your chin to the top of your head
Your eyes should be positioned between 1⅛ inches and 1⅜ inches from the bottom of the photo

Don't worry too much about measuring this yourself - a professional service can handle this for you!

Visual guide showing passport photo measurements

Photo size specifications

The Background and Color Requirements

Example of correct white background

✓ Correct and incorrent background

Keep it simple here:

Your photo must be in color (no artistic black and white shots!)

The background should be plain white or off-white

Make sure there aren't any patterns, objects, or shadows behind you

Think of it like taking a photo against a clean wall - that's exactly what you want!

How to Look in Your Photo

Example of correct pose and expression

Correct pose and expression

DO's

Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression (a slight, natural smile is okay)

Keep both eyes open and clearly visible

Wear everyday clothes

DON'Ts

Don't wear glasses in your photo

Skip the headphones and wireless earbuds

Don't edit or retouch the photo

Quality Matters

Example of photo quality requirements

Quality requirements example

Make sure it's printed on photo-quality paper

The photo should be clear and in focus

Avoid any glare or shadows on your face

Make sure there aren't any creases or damage to the photo

Need Help Getting the Perfect Passport Photo?

We're here to make your passport photo process quick and easy! Our professional passport photo service ensures your photos meet all US requirements perfectly.

Professional Service

Expert photographers who understand all requirements

Digital Downloads

Instant access to your passport photos

Guaranteed Compliance

Meet all US passport photo requirements

Digital Photos

  • Perfect for online applications
  • Instant digital delivery

Professional Prints

  • Ready for submission
  • High-quality photo paper
Start Your Photo Session

No appointment needed - Get your photos instantly!