Passport photos

Passport Photos

IMPORTANT NOTE: EYE GLASSES WILL NO LONGER BE ALLOWED IN PASSPORT PHOTOS.

Please refer to Passport Photo Examples

You must remove your eyeglasses for U.S. passport and visa photos.

We are changing our policy to enhance the security of the application process and verify your identify faster.

We want to ensure you have fewer delays in the application process.

Last year, more than 200,000 passport customers submitted poor quality photos which we couldn’t accept. We put these passport applications on hold because we couldn’t clearly identify the customer from their photo.

The main reason we couldn’t accept passport photos last year was issues with eyeglasses. For example, your eyeglasses may cause glare on the lens. Glasses may also create shadows on your face or block a portion of your eyes.

A new passport photo without eyeglasses may also help you move faster through U.S. ports of entry especially when your U.S. passport is verified electronically.

You may wear glasses for U.S. passport and U.S. visa photos if you have a medical issue such as recent surgery requiring eyeglasses to protect your eyes.

If you must wear eyeglasses for medical reasons, you’ll need to obtain and submit a signed statement with your application from a medical professional or health practitioner (such as a surgeon or ophthalmologist) in these cases.

Your photo is a vital part of your passport application. To learn more, review the information below on how to provide a suitable photo to avoid passport processing delays. The acceptance of your photo is always at the discretion of the U.S. passport agency.We recommend you use a professional passport photo service to ensure your photo meets all the requirements. Note: Photos must be 2″x2″ in size with a background that is uniform, plain and white, and free of shadows.

If you are applying for a U.S. Passport, you must provide one (1) photo.

Your passport photo must be:

In color
Printed on photo quality paper
2X2 inches (51X51 mm) in size
Sized so that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. View the Photo Composition Template for more size requirement details.
Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open

Photos should be taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis:

Uniforms should not be worn in your photo, except religious clothing that is worn daily.
Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
Headphones, wireless hands-free devices or similar items are not acceptable in your photo.
Eye glasses are NOT Allowed In passport photos.
Dark glasses or non-prescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons (a medical certificate may be required)
Glare on glasses is not acceptable in your photo. Glare can be avoided with a slight downward tilt of the glasses or by removing the glasses or by turning off the camera flash.

Review the Photo Examples to see examples of acceptable and unacceptable photos. Photos copied or digitally scanned from driver’s licenses or other official documents are not acceptable. In addition, snapshots, magazine photos, low quality vending machine or mobile phone photos, and full-length photographs are not acceptable.

Security Information

SECURITY AT THE U.S. EMBASSY AND U.S. CONSULATES

Prohibited Items

View Restrictions

ENTERING THE U.S.

According to Section 215 of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1185), it is illegal for an American citizen to enter or leave the U.S. on anything other than an American passport.

This applies to dual citizens as well, meaning that persons holding e.g. both French and American citizenship and passports must enter and leave the U.S. on a U.S. passport. They may not enter/leave the U.S. on a foreign passport. This applies to children as well as adults.