Requirements
You must provide one photo with your passport application.
- Your head must face the camera directly with full face in view.
- You must have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
- Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis
- Taken in the last 6 months
- Use a plain white or off-white background
- Be sized correctly
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
- Printed in color
- You cannot wear glasses.
- If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.
- You cannot wear a hat or head covering.
- If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public.
- If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor’s statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.
- Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.
- You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I wear glasses, sunglasses, or tinted glasses in my passport photo?
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No, take them off for your passport photo.
If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, you must submit a signed statement from your doctor with your passport application.
What pose should I be in for my photo?
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Face the camera with your head centered in the frame and not tilted with a neutral expression or natural smile.
Can I wear a hat or head covering in my photo?
You may wear a hat or head covering, but you must submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering is part of recognized, traditional religious attire that is customarily or required to be worn continuously in public or a signed doctor’s statement verifying the item is used daily for medical purposes.
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Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.
Can I wear a uniform in my photo?
You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire.
Can I remove the red-eye from my photo?
Yes, you may remove red-eye. However, other digital alterations or editing is not allowed.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
Yes, but it must be a natural, unexaggerated smile.
What's the best way to take a photo of a baby or toddler?
When taking a photo of your baby or toddler, no other person should be in the photo.
Tip 1: Lay your baby on his or her back on a plain white or off-white sheet. Make certain there are no shadows on your baby’s face, especially if you take a picture from above.
Tip 2: Cover a car seat with a plain white or off-white sheet and take a picture of your child in the car seat.
Is it acceptable for my child's eyes to be closed in his or her photo?
It is acceptable if an infant’s eyes are not open or entirely open. All other children must have their eyes open.
Do I need a new photo if my appearance has changed (grown a beard, dyed my hair)?
Only if your appearance has significantly changed from what is in your current passport. Growing a beard or coloring your hair would not constitute a significant change. If you can still be identified from the photo in your current passport, you do not need to apply for a new passport.
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You may have to apply for a new passport if you have:
- Undergone significant facial surgery or trauma
- Added or removed numerous/large facial piercings or tattoos
- Undergone a significant amount of weight loss or gain
- Made a gender transition
If the appearance of your child under the age of 16 has changed due to the normal aging process, you do not need to apply for a new passport for him or her.
