US Passport Photo Requirements - Your Ultimate Guide

Getting a US passport photo can be tricky, but we make it easy! Skip the confusing jargon and countless rules. This page explains the official requirements, and our simple tool helps you get your photo right—guaranteed.

**While policies are still catching up with new emerging technologies such as AI generated and digital altered images, passport photos need to accurately reflect your current appearance. Fun filters and AI edits are great for social media, but stick to a real, recent photo for your application.

US Passport Photo Requirements:

• Recent Photo: One color photo taken within the last 6 months.
• Clear Facial Image: Use a clear, high-quality image of your face.
• Plain Background: Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines.
• No Selfies: Have someone else take your photo or use the provided autocapture feature.
• Unobstructed Face: No objects (like hats or head coverings) should obstruct your face. Remove eyeglasses.
• Print Size and Quality: Submit a glossy print that is 2x2 inches (51 x 51 mm) and has a resolution of 300 DPI or higher.
• Digital Images: Do NOT use online site that alter your image. It's against this US Passport Photo's rules: "Digital manipulation and/or retouching of the facial image on photographs is not acceptable. The use of beauty filters or other photo filter tools from social media websites and mobile applications (also known as "apps") are also not acceptable."

8FAM - Biometric Photo and Passport Photo Requirements (official State Department Guidance)

Tips for Taking the Perfect Passport Photo

Follow these tips to capture a photo that meets all the requirements:

• Lighting: Find a location with bright, even lighting. Natural light is ideal. Avoid harsh shadows on your face.
• Background: Choose a plain white or off-white background. If you don't have a plain wall, hang a white sheet or use a large piece of white paper.
• Pose and Expression: Look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Keep your head centered and your shoulders square. Your eyes must be open and visible.
• Clothing: Wear business-casual attire. Avoid wearing white clothing as it may blend into the background.
• Taking Photos using our Tool: Use your smartphone's highest resolution setting. Ensure the image is sharp and in focus. Use the grid (show mid-lines) feature in our tool to help with alignment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions:

• What is a digital passport photo vs passport photo? Since the sucessful lanch of Online Passport Renewal (OPR), a digital passport photo has gained its popularity due to a need for the online application. On the other hand, a passport photo is a 2x2in printout on glossy photo premium paper for mail-in application.
• Can I take passport photo on my own? Yes, you can absolutely take your own passport photo! That's what our website is all about - making it easy and convenient to take a perfect photo right from home.
• How do I know whether I only need digital or printout photo? You will only need digital photo when submitting online, you will only need one photo to submit with the paper application (when using either DS-11 or DS-82 form via mail).
• Do I need a new photo if my appearance has changed? Yes, if your appearance has significantly changed (e.g., significant weight loss/gain, major hairstyle change), you need a new photo.
• Can I smile in my passport photo? A neutral expression with your mouth closed is required. A slight smile is also universally accepted.
• How long does it take to get my photos? Immediately for digital download, and print delivery is expected within 5 business days.

Service-Specific Questions:

• Can I use the free service with my own photo? Our passport qualities check API are free service, and yes if upload photo passes as-is then you can submit the original image online. If the photo went through using a fix action, you have to buy that digital photo. We just ask that you use our printout service for a very low price including the deliver to door.
• What is your refund policy? We stand behind our 100% customer satisfaction goal. Refunds are available within 10 days of purchase if your photo is rejected by an offical authority.
• How do I know my photo meets all the requirements? We'll guarantee by applying the state-of-the-art photo quality API check to ensure your photo meets all the requirements. And then, our staff review the photo before print and mail-out. If issue found, you will be contacted for a retake. This will ensure that all requirements are met.
• Can I get live help from an expert for my passport picture? Our main mission is to help people getting a perfect passport photo. You may call the toll-free number during the operating hours to reach our staff.
• What payment methods do you accept? Simple credit card payment; we use PayPal for safe and easy payment processing.
• How do you protect my privacy and data? We prioritize your privacy. All photo processing happens directly on your device, and we don't store your photos on our servers. We only transmit photos to our server when you order physical prints. Your credit card information is processed securely by PayPal, and we never have access to it. Our print fulfillment team is trained in data privacy best practices.

Technical Questions:

• What file format will I receive my photos in? File output is in JPG format.
• Can I print my digital photos at home? Yes!!! When purchasing a digital photo, we will also provide a 2-photos template so that you can print out at home for a 4x6in glossy photo sheet. The 2x2 in size and photo glossy paper quality.
• How do I use your AI editing tools? AI features are not for editing your image. The AI features are implemented in the way that it is there to ensure your pose and image qualities in accordance to standards and meet the official requirements.

Additional Resources:

• ICAO Photo Quality Requirements: ICAO Potrait Quality and Technical Report 8th Edition
• Video Tips: Picture Perfect Passport and Passport Photo Tips