How to Get a Passport Picture That Meets U.S. Rules

A passport picture must make your face easy to identify and meet the U.S. Department of State’s specifications. You can take one yourself with a phone or camera, or get it taken at a photo service. Before you start, confirm the requirements for your application: passport photos must be recent, and the rules can differ for infants or people who need an accommodation. This guide covers a standard U.S. passport photo; other countries may use different specifications.

What You’ll Need

A phone or digital camera, or a nearby photo provider that offers passport pictures.
A plain white or off-white wall or backdrop with no pattern, texture, or visible objects.
Bright, even lighting, ideally from more than one direction to limit shadows.
A helper to take the picture, if possible. A handheld selfie can distort your face or leave an arm in frame.
A way to print or submit the image in the format your application requires. For a printed U.S. passport photo, the finished image must be 2 by 2 inches.
Simple, everyday clothing that contrasts with the background. Avoid uniforms or clothing that looks like a uniform.

Step-by-Step

Check the application instructions. Read the current photo requirements on the U.S. Department of State website and your application instructions before taking the picture. Most applications require one color photo taken within the last six months. Confirm whether you need a printed photo or a digital image; do not assume a photo accepted for one application type will work for another.
Choose a simple background. Stand or sit in front of a plain white or off-white background. Keep a little space between you and the wall so your head does not cast a strong shadow on it. Remove objects, decorations, and other people from the background.
Set up soft, even light. Face a bright window or use evenly placed lights. Avoid direct sunlight, harsh overhead light, flash glare, and strong backlighting. Check for shadows behind your head and across your face; change the light or position until your features are clearly visible.
Position the camera correctly. Ask someone to take the picture, or place the camera on a stable surface at eye level. Stand or sit facing the camera straight on, with your head centered and shoulders visible. Use a normal camera view rather than a close-up selfie, which can change facial proportions. Leave space around your head so the image can be cropped to the required composition.
Prepare your appearance. Remove hats and head coverings unless worn daily for religious reasons or allowed for a medical reason. If you wear a head covering, your full face must remain visible and it must not cast a shadow. Glasses are generally not allowed in U.S. passport photos; if you cannot remove them for medical reasons, follow the State Department’s documentation and photo instructions. Keep hair away from your eyes.
Use the required expression. Look directly at the camera with both eyes open and a neutral expression, or a natural, closed-mouth smile. Keep your head upright, not tilted or turned. Make sure your face is uncovered and evenly lit.
Take several pictures and inspect them. Take a few shots without changing the basic setup. Choose one that is sharp, in focus, properly exposed, and free of red-eye, glare, shadows, or motion blur. The picture should show your head and shoulders against the plain background.
Crop and print without altering your appearance. Use the official photo tool if available for your application, or ask a photo provider to size the image. A printed U.S. passport photo must measure 2 by 2 inches, with the head measuring 1 to 1⅜ inches from chin to crown. Do not use filters, retouching, background replacement, or edits that change your facial features. Do not crop so tightly that the head or chin is cut off.
Submit the photo as instructed. Keep the image or print clean and undamaged. Attach a printed photo to the application only as directed, and avoid bending or stapling through the face. For a digital application, upload the required file type and image as instructed; a scan of a print may not meet digital submission requirements.

Common Mistakes

Using an old image: Choose a picture taken within the required recent period, not a cropped image from an older snapshot.
Taking a selfie: Close camera distance can distort the face, and an arm, phone, or mirror may appear. Use a helper or stable camera setup.
Leaving shadows or clutter: A textured wall, dark shadow, or visible household item can make the image noncompliant. Check the background and lighting before taking the photo.
Wearing glasses or a hat: These can hide facial features or create glare. Follow the official exceptions and instructions rather than assuming an accessory is acceptable.
Over-editing: Filters, beauty effects, and digitally replacing the background can make a photo unacceptable. Use a natural, unaltered image.
Guessing the crop: A correctly sized print can still fail if the head is too large, too small, or off-center. Check both the overall photo size and the head measurement.

Tips

Use a passport photo service if you do not have a suitable background, lighting, printer, or confidence in the crop. Ask whether the service follows current U.S. passport requirements and whether it provides a print or digital file suited to your application.
Take the picture when you have time to review it rather than rushing through the setup. A few careful test shots can reveal glare, shadows, or a crooked camera.
Have a second person check the final image against the official checklist. Look for a straight head position, clear eyes, plain background, correct dimensions, and no retouching.
If you need a photo for a child or infant, check the State Department’s specific instructions. Do not apply adult positioning assumptions if the child cannot sit or hold a pose.
Requirements can vary outside the United States. If the photo is for another country’s passport, follow that country’s official instructions instead of using U.S. measurements.

Troubleshooting

The photo looks too dark or has shadows: Move closer to a brighter, indirect light source and adjust the camera position. Avoid relying on a single harsh light or using a flash that creates glare.

The background is not plain: Retake the picture against a clean, light-colored wall. Do not digitally remove or replace the background unless the application’s official instructions explicitly permit that process.

The face looks distorted or too close: Move the camera farther away and use its standard lens setting; have a helper take the photo. Then crop to the required composition without stretching the image.

The photo is rejected: Read the rejection reason and compare the image with the current official requirements. Retake it if the problem is lighting, background, expression, cropping, or image quality. If the instructions are unclear or the photo is for a special circumstance, contact the passport agency or follow its listed guidance rather than guessing.

You cannot remove glasses or a head covering: Check the official exception instructions and any required supporting documentation before submitting. Do not rely on a provider’s general advice when the application agency specifies a particular process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my own U.S. passport picture?

Yes. You can take it with a phone or camera if the finished image meets the official rules. Use a helper where possible and avoid selfies, filters, and background edits.

What size is a U.S. passport photo?

A standard printed U.S. passport photo is 2 by 2 inches. The head must also fall within the required size range, so check the State Department’s sizing instructions before printing.

Can I smile in a passport photo?

A natural, closed-mouth smile may be acceptable, but a neutral expression is the safest choice. Keep your eyes open and look directly at the camera.

Can I wear glasses in my passport picture?

Generally, no. If you cannot remove them for a medical reason, follow the State Department’s current instructions for exceptions and supporting documentation.

Can I use a photo from my phone?

Yes, if it is a recent, clear, properly framed image that meets the requirements and can be submitted in the format your application accepts. A phone camera does not make an otherwise noncompliant image acceptable.

Where can I get a passport picture taken?

Photo studios and some retail or shipping locations offer passport photos. Ask whether they follow current U.S. requirements and can provide the format your application needs.

Further reading: U.S. Department of State. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.