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What Are the Passport Photo Requirements?

Learn the U.S. passport photo requirements, including size, background, recency, and the most common reasons photos get rejected.

Direct answer

For a paper U.S. passport application, the passport photo must be 2 by 2 inches, recent, unedited, in color, and taken against a plain white or off-white background with the required head size and face position. Online renewal uses separate digital upload rules, so do not mix paper-photo and digital-photo requirements.

correct size + recent unedited photo + plain background + correct application type = passport photo compliance

Passport photo checklist

Size

2 by 2 inches

Wrong size can delay application

Background

Plain white or off-white

Busy or colored backgrounds can fail

Recency

Recent photo

Must reflect current appearance

Editing

No filters or digital alteration

Edited photos can be rejected

Application type

Paper vs digital rules differ

Online renewal has upload-specific checks

Photo problems are a common delay source

The State Department warns that photo issues can hold up applications. Retake the photo when size, lighting, glasses, background, shadows, filters, or head position do not clearly meet the rules.

Check the photo

  1. 1Confirm whether you need a printed paper photo or a digital upload.
  2. 2Use a plain white or off-white background with even lighting.
  3. 3Make sure the printed photo is exactly 2 by 2 inches for paper applications.
  4. 4Remove glasses unless a narrow documented medical exception applies.
  5. 5Do not digitally edit, filter, stretch, or retouch the image.

FAQ

What size does a passport photo need to be?

For paper U.S. passport applications, the printed photo must be 2 by 2 inches with the head positioned within the State Department's required range.

Can I wear glasses in a passport photo?

Usually no. The State Department generally does not allow glasses in passport photos except in limited medical situations with documentation.

Are online-renewal photo rules different from paper-photo rules?

Yes. Online renewal uses digital upload requirements, while paper applications use printed photo requirements. Keep the two rule sets separate.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.