Getting your US passport photo rejected means restarting your entire application — adding weeks of delay to an already lengthy process. The State Department enforces strict photo standards, and 2026 brought a major new rule that catches many applicants off guard.
This guide covers every requirement your photo must meet, including the new AI editing ban, baby and infant rules, and digital specifications for online renewal.
US Passport Photo Size and Dimensions
Your printed passport photo must be exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). This is non-negotiable — even a few millimeters off will get your application returned.
Within that 2x2 frame, your head must measure between 1 inch and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head. This ensures consistent sizing across all passport photos for biometric verification.
Quick reference:
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) |
| Head height (chin to crown) | 1 – 1⅜ inches (25 – 35 mm) |
| Eye position | Between 1⅛ and 1⅜ inches from bottom |
| Photo paper | Matte or glossy, high resolution |
Background Requirements
The background must be plain white or off-white. No patterns, no gradients, no colored walls. Shadows behind you will also cause rejection — stand about 4 feet in front of the background and ensure even lighting.
A plain white wall or a white bed sheet hung flat works well for home photos. Avoid cream, beige, or light gray — the State Department specifically requires white.
Expression, Pose, and Eyes
- Face the camera directly with a neutral expression or a natural, slight smile
- Both eyes must be open and clearly visible
- Mouth must be closed (no teeth showing)
- Look directly at the camera lens — not above, below, or to the side
- Head must not be tilted or turned
The Glasses Ban
Since 2016, the State Department has banned eyeglasses in passport photos. This applies to all glasses — prescription, reading, sunglasses, and tinted lenses.
The only exception is if you have a medical condition that prevents you from removing glasses. In that case, you need a signed statement from your doctor explaining why. Even then, there can be no glare or reflections on the lenses.
The 2026 AI Editing Ban
Starting January 1, 2026, the State Department will reject any passport photo that has been digitally altered using AI tools. This includes:
- Beauty filters or skin smoothing
- AI-generated backgrounds
- Face reshaping or feature enhancement
- Color correction that changes skin tone
- Any filter that alters your natural appearance
This rule exists because passport photos are biometric identity documents. AI alterations can make it harder for border agents and automated systems to verify your identity.
Important distinction: Snap2Pass validates your photo against State Department requirements without altering your appearance. The app checks compliance — it doesn't change how you look.
Headwear and Accessories
- No hats, caps, or head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons
- Religious head coverings are allowed but your full face (hairline to chin, ear to ear) must remain visible
- No headphones or wireless earbuds
- Hair accessories are fine as long as they don't cover your face
What to Wear
- Wear everyday clothing — no uniforms, camouflage, or costumes
- Avoid white tops, which can blend into the background
- No scarves that cover your chin or neck significantly
Baby and Infant Passport Photos
Babies and children under 16 need their own passport for international travel. The photo requirements are the same 2x2 size, but with practical adjustments:
- Only the baby's face should be in the photo — no hands, toys, or pacifiers
- The baby's eyes must be open (this is the hardest part)
- A parent's hands should not be visible — lay the baby on a white sheet
- For newborns, a slight head tilt is acceptable
- No car seats, strollers, or bouncer chairs in the frame
Tips for baby passport photos:
- Take the photo after a nap when the baby is alert
- Use natural daylight near a window
- Hold a toy above the camera to get the baby's attention
- Take many shots — you only need one good one
- Snap2Pass's baby passport photo tool can help validate compliance
Digital Photo Specs for Online Renewal
If you're renewing your passport online, you'll upload a digital photo instead of printing one. The digital file must meet these specifications:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) |
| File size | 54 KB – 10 MB |
| Dimensions | 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels |
| Aspect ratio | Square (1:1) |
| Color space | sRGB, 24-bit color |
The photo content requirements (size, background, expression) are identical to printed photos.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
These are the most frequent reasons the State Department rejects passport photos:
- Shadows on the face or behind the head — use front-facing, diffused light
- Red eye from camera flash — use natural light or indirect flash
- Glasses left on — remove them entirely
- Head too large or small in the frame — should be 50–69% of the photo height
- Selfie angle — hold the camera at eye level, arm fully extended, or have someone take it
- Wrong background — must be white, not cream or gray
- Old photo — must be taken within the last 6 months
- AI filters — even subtle beauty mode triggers rejection in 2026
- Overexposed or underexposed — your face must be evenly lit
Where to Get Your Passport Photo
You have several options for getting a compliant passport photo:
| Option | Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Snap2Pass app | Free (with $4.99 AI validation) | Instant |
| CVS or Walgreens (full service) | $16.99 | 10 minutes |
| Snap2Pass + CVS/Walgreens print | $0.38–$0.39 | 1 hour |
| Post office (USPS) | $15 | 10 minutes |
| AAA (members only) | Free–$15 | 10 minutes |
Using Snap2Pass at home and printing at CVS or Walgreens for $0.39 is the most affordable option.
How to Check if Your Photo Meets Requirements
Before submitting your application, verify your photo against this checklist:
- Exactly 2x2 inches when printed
- White or off-white background with no shadows
- Full face visible from hairline to chin
- Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed
- No glasses of any kind
- No head covering (unless religious/medical)
- Taken within the last 6 months
- No AI filters or digital alterations
- High resolution, no pixelation or blur
- Even lighting across your face
Snap2Pass runs all these checks automatically using AI validation — catch issues before the State Department does.
Frequently Asked Questions
How recent does my passport photo need to be?
Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months. The State Department compares your photo to your current appearance, so significant changes in weight, hairstyle, or facial features may require a new photo even if it's recent.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
A natural, slight smile is acceptable. However, an exaggerated grin or open-mouth smile will be rejected. The safest approach is a neutral expression. See our full guide on smiling in passport photos.
Do my ears need to show?
No. Your ears do not need to be visible. Hair can cover your ears as long as your full face from forehead to chin is clearly shown.
Can I wear makeup in my passport photo?
Yes, everyday makeup is fine. Avoid heavy contouring, dramatic false eyelashes, or theatrical makeup that significantly alters your appearance.
What if my passport photo gets rejected?
If your photo is rejected, your entire application is returned to you. You'll need to take a new compliant photo and resubmit. This typically adds 2–4 weeks to your processing time. With Snap2Pass, rejected photos can be resubmitted within 14 days at no extra cost.
How many passport photos do I need?
You need one photo for a mail-in application (stapled to the form) and one digital photo for online renewal. It's smart to print extras in case one gets damaged.
