U.S. Passport Photo Questions and Answers
Short, direct answers to the questions people ask most about U.S. passport photos. Government rules are summarized from the U.S. Department of State.
Last reviewed
Source: U.S. Department of State — Passport Photos(opens in a new tab). Page last updated March 24, 2026; our summary reviewed September 22, 2026. PhotoPasseport is a private service and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State.
Taking the photo
Can I take my own U.S. passport photo?
Yes. The U.S. Department of State does not require a professional photographer, and lists a friend or family member as one of the places you can get a passport photo.
What matters is that the photo meets the published requirements for size, head position, background, lighting and expression.
Can I take a passport photo with my phone?
Yes, as long as the result meets the requirements: a sharp, high-resolution color photo that has not been edited.
Set the camera to its highest quality setting, and turn off filters, beauty modes and portrait effects, since the State Department does not accept photos changed with apps or filters.
Can someone else take my passport photo?
Yes. Having a friend or family member take it is often the easiest way to get the distance and angle right.
The camera should be several feet away, at eye level, facing you straight on. The other person must stay out of the frame.
Can I use a selfie for my passport photo?
An arm’s-length selfie usually does not work, because the camera needs to be several feet (about 1.2 m) away with your head straight and centered.
Up close, your face distorts and your head is too large in the frame. Ask someone to take the photo, or prop the phone up at eye level and use a timer.
How recent does my passport photo need to be?
Your passport photo must have been taken within the last 6 months.
Expression, clothing and background
Can I smile in a passport photo?
Yes. The State Department allows a natural smile, as long as your mouth is closed and both eyes are open.
Avoid exaggerated expressions. A neutral expression is always acceptable.
Can I wear glasses in a passport photo?
No. Take off eyeglasses, sunglasses and tinted glasses, and do not rest them on your head.
If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, include a signed note from your doctor with your application.
Can I wear a hat in a passport photo?
No, unless you wear it for religious or medical purposes and include a signed statement with your application.
Can I wear a religious head covering in a passport photo?
Yes, if you wear it for religious purposes. Include a signed statement that it is religious attire worn daily in public.
Your full face must be visible with no shadows, and the covering should be one color without patterns or small holes.
Does the background have to be white?
Yes. The background must be white or off-white, plain, and free of shadows, texture, objects or lines.
If your wall is not white, the State Department suggests covering it with a white sheet or blanket. Stand several feet in front of it so your shadow does not fall on it.
Size, printing and digital photos
What size is a U.S. passport photo?
A U.S. 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 head.
How do I print a 2x2 passport photo?
Print it on matte or glossy photo-quality paper at actual size, with no scaling or cropping, then trim it to exactly 2 × 2 inches.
Photocopies and scanned photos are not accepted, and the print should not show visible printer dots.
Can I print my passport photo on a 4x6 sheet?
Yes. A 4 × 6 print is a standard photo size, and it fits two 2 × 2 passport photos that you cut out.
The requirements apply to the finished photo, which must measure 2 × 2 inches on photo-quality paper. Print the sheet at 100% so the photos keep their exact size.
Can I print my passport photo at a pharmacy?
Yes. Many pharmacy and retail photo counters print standard 4 × 6 photos, which is what a prepared print sheet needs.
Ordering a regular 4 × 6 print is a different service from a store’s passport photo service, and availability and prices vary by store. Ask for no cropping or auto-correction.
Can I use a digital passport photo?
Yes, when you renew online. Online renewal asks you to upload a digital photo; applications made with a paper form need 1 printed photo.
The State Department’s “Uploading a Digital Photo” page, linked from its Passport Photos page, explains how to upload.
About PhotoPasseport
Does PhotoPasseport edit or retouch my face?
No. PhotoPasseport never modifies your face, replaces your background, beautifies the image, or uses generative AI on your photo.
It measures the frame and tells you what to change before you take the shot, then crops and scales the photo you took to the correct size.
How much does PhotoPasseport cost?
A Passport Photo Pack is $5.99. One purchase covers unlimited photos and retakes for everyone in your family for 30 days.
Can I use PhotoPasseport for my whole family?
Yes. Add each family member, take their photo, and download each one. A single $5.99 pack covers all of them for 30 days.
Is my photo uploaded anywhere?
The camera stream, the checks and the crop all run in your browser. Your passport photo is never used to train AI.
Is acceptance guaranteed?
No. No service can guarantee acceptance. The final decision always rests with the U.S. Department of State.
PhotoPasseport checks your photo against the published requirements and is clear about which checks it measures, which it estimates, and which only you can confirm.
Ready to take your photo?
PhotoPasseport guides you live against these requirements while you take the photo, then prepares a 2x2 digital file and a printable 4x6 sheet.
Take Your Passport Photo