US passport photo requirements

A US passport photo is 2×2 inches (51×51 mm) with the head measuring 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of hair and the eyes between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 inches (28–35 mm) from the bottom edge. The background must be plain white or off-white and glasses are not allowed. Paper applications need one printed photo; online renewal accepts a digital JPEG.

Make and check a US passport photo Free checker; files from A$6.99.

Can I take it myself? Yes

Yes. The State Department allows photos taken at home, provided someone else takes them, the background is plain white or off-white and the photo is not edited. Selfies are specifically called out as unacceptable. For a paper application print the photo on photo paper at 2×2 inches; for online renewal upload the JPEG this tool makes.

How to take the photo

1. Stand in front of a white or off-white wall with no texture, about half a metre away so your shadow does not fall on it.
2. Face a window for soft, even light. Avoid overhead lights, which put shadows under the eyes and nose, and turn the flash off to prevent red-eye.
3. Ask someone to take the photo from about 1.2 to 1.5 metres away with the camera at eye level. Fill the frame with head and shoulders and leave space above the hair.
4. Take off glasses. Since 2016 the State Department rejects photos with glasses unless you have a signed doctor's statement.
5. Neutral expression or a natural smile, mouth closed, both eyes open and looking at the camera. Hats and head coverings are only accepted for religious or medical reasons with a statement.
6. Wear everyday clothes; uniforms and camouflage are not accepted, and avoid white tops that merge with the background.

Why US passport photos get rejected

1. Glasses in the photo. Remove them. This is now the most common reason the State Department rejects photos.
2. Head too small or too large. Keep chin-to-crown between 25 and 35 mm and the eye line between 28 and 35 mm from the bottom. The checker shows both.
3. Shadows on the face or background. Face the light and step away from the wall. Even lighting on both sides of the face.
4. Background not white. Use a plain white or off-white wall or sheet. Do not replace the background digitally; edited photos are rejected.
5. Selfie distortion. Have someone else take the photo from over a metre away. Arm's-length photos enlarge the nose.
6. Low resolution or screenshot. Use the original file from the camera. Screenshots and message attachments are compressed and fail the 600 px minimum.
7. Photo older than six months or appearance changed. Take a fresh photo.

Infants and children

Babies and newborns may have their eyes closed and their mouth open, and they do not have to look at the camera. Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from above, or drape a white sheet over a car seat. No hands, dummies, toys or other people may be visible. Every child needs their own passport and photo.

Step by step: MyTravelGov online renewal

1. Create or sign in to a MyTravelGov account and confirm you are eligible for online renewal (adult, previous passport valid for ten years, issued 9 to 15 years ago).
2. Upload the square JPEG from this tool when prompted for a photo. The portal runs its own automated check for face position, background and size.
3. If the portal rejects the file, the usual reasons are a non-white background, a shadow behind the head or glasses. Fix the photo rather than resubmitting the same one.
4. Pay the fee and submit. You do not mail anything; keep your old passport until the new one arrives.

Open MyTravelGov online renewal

What it costs

Walgreens, CVS and Walmart charge roughly US$15–17 for two prints. A single 4×6 print at a kiosk costs around 35–50 cents and holds six 2×2 photos from our sheet. Our Single licence is US$4.99 and covers the digital file for online renewal and every print-sheet format for 30 days.

Retailer pages: Walgreens , CVS , Walmart .