Passport Photo Requirements 2026
A US passport photo must be 2×2 inches, in color, on a white background, taken within the last 6 months — with no glasses and your head sized 1–1⅜ inches from chin to crown. Here is the complete checklist, plus how other countries differ.
US Passport Photo Requirements at a Glance
Check your photo against every rule — free
Auto-sized to 2×2 in · White background · 600×600 px
The Complete US Passport Photo Checklist
Every rule the State Department checks, in the order photos actually fail them.
The photo itself
You in the photo
Tip
Why Passport Photos Get Rejected
Roughly one in five self-taken photos fails. These six problems cause almost all rejections.
Warning
How Requirements Differ by Country
The US 2×2 inch photo is not a global standard — most of the world uses 35×45mm. Sizes are not interchangeable.
| Country | Size |
|---|---|
| United States | 2×2 in (51×51mm) |
| United Kingdom | 35×45mm |
| Schengen / EU visas | 35×45mm |
| Canada | 50×70mm |
| India (passport) | 2×2 in (51×51mm) |
| Japan (visa) | 45×45mm |
Note
Create a Compliant Passport Photo — Free
2×2 in · White background · 600×600 px · Meets US passport, visa, and USCIS requirements
Free preview • $9.99 one-time HD download
Browse Requirements by Country & Document
Different countries and document types have different photo requirements. Use this hub to find the exact specifications for your application. Each requirement page includes detailed size, background, and quality rules, plus a tool to create your compliant photo.
Passports
US Passport Photo Requirements
PopularUnited States • passport
Canada Passport Photo Requirements
Canada • passport
India Passport Photo Requirements
India • passport
UK Passport Photo Requirements
United Kingdom • passport
Schengen Passport Photo Requirements
Schengen • passport
Visas
General Requirements
General Passport Photo Requirements
General • general
Green Card Photo Requirements
United States • general
Student ID Photo Requirements
United States • general
Driver License Photo Requirements
United States • general
USCIS Photo Requirements
United States • general
Quick Start Guide
- Find your country or document type above (use search if needed)
- Review the specific requirements (size, background, etc.)
- Use our tool to create your compliant photo
- Download and print according to the guidelines
All our tools automatically ensure compliance with the requirements for your selected document type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for a passport photo?
A US passport photo must be 2×2 inches (51×51mm), in color, on a plain white or off-white background, taken within the last 6 months. Your head must measure 1–1⅜ inches from chin to crown, with a neutral expression or natural smile, eyes open, and no glasses. Head coverings are only allowed for religious or medical reasons with your full face visible.
Can you wear glasses in a passport photo?
No. The US State Department banned glasses in passport photos in November 2016. Remove your glasses even if you wear them every day. The only exception is a medical need documented with a signed doctor's statement submitted with your application.
Can you smile in a passport photo?
Yes, a natural smile with your mouth closed is acceptable for US passport photos. A neutral expression is the safest choice. Exaggerated smiles showing teeth, raised eyebrows, or squinted eyes can cause rejection because they interfere with facial recognition.
How recent does a passport photo need to be?
Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. If you've significantly changed your hairstyle, grown or shaved a beard, or had facial surgery since your last photo, take a new one even if the old photo is less than 6 months old.
What should I wear for a passport photo?
Wear normal daily clothing in a color that contrasts with the white background — avoid white and cream tops. Uniforms and camouflage are not allowed. Jewelry and piercings are fine as long as they don't obscure your face. No hats, headphones, or sunglasses.
Can I wear a hijab or head covering in my passport photo?
Yes, religious head coverings like a hijab are allowed in US passport photos. Your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead, with no shadows cast on your face. The covering cannot obscure your hairline entirely or any part of your facial features.
Can I take my own passport photo at home?
Yes. Stand facing a window in natural light, about a foot in front of a plain white wall, and have someone photograph you from 4–6 feet away (or use a tripod — arm's-length selfies distort your face). Upload it to our free tool to get a correctly sized, compliant 2×2 photo with the background cleaned up automatically.
Are passport photo requirements the same for babies and children?
The size and background rules are identical, but the pose rules are relaxed: infants may have eyes partially open and don't need a perfectly neutral expression. No other person or hands may be visible — lay the baby on a white sheet or photograph them in a car seat covered with a white blanket.
Are visa photo requirements the same as passport photo requirements?
For the US, yes — US visa photos use the same 2×2 inch white-background spec as US passport photos. Other countries differ: the UK and Schengen countries use 35×45mm, Canada uses 50×70mm, and Japan visas use 45×45mm. Always check the specific country's requirements before submitting.
Why do passport photos get rejected?
The most common rejection reasons are shadows on the face or background, incorrect head size (must be 1–1⅜ inches chin to crown), a background that isn't plain white, wearing glasses, photos older than 6 months, and low-resolution or filtered images. Roughly one in five DIY photos is rejected for one of these fixable issues.
Requirements sourced from travel.state.gov photo guidelines. Always verify with the official instructions for your specific application. Updated August 2026.