Make US Passport Photo

The most critical rule for US passport photos is that eyeglasses are not allowed. You must remove them before taking the photo, even if you wear them every day. If you cannot remove them for medical reasons, you must submit a signed statement from your doctor with your application.

Wear your normal daily clothing. Do not wear uniforms, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire. You should also avoid wearing white clothing, as it may blend into the white background and cause your head to look like it is floating.

Hats and head coverings are generally prohibited. However, if you wear a head covering for religious or medical purposes, you may keep it on provided you submit a signed statement. Even then, your full face must be visible, and the covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

You must face the camera directly with your head centered in the frame. Do not tilt your head to the side, up, or down. The goal is to capture a full-frontal view of your face, ensuring your facial features are clearly visible for identity verification.

Maintain a neutral facial expression or a natural smile with both eyes open. It is generally safer to keep your mouth closed to avoid showing teeth, although a natural smile is technically permitted. Exaggerated expressions can distort biometric data and lead to rejection.

Your eyes must be fully visible. Ensure that hair does not cover your eyes or eyebrows. If you have long bangs, sweep them to the side so your entire eye area is unobstructed.

The background must be plain white or off-white. There should be no patterns, objects, textures, or lines visible behind you. A white sheet or a plain white wall works best. Ensure the background is free of shadows.

Lighting is crucial for a successful photo. Position yourself so that the light is even across your face. Avoid side lighting or strong overhead lights that create shadows under your eyes, nose, or chin. Shadows on the background are also a common cause for rejection.

Do not digitally alter your photo. The use of social media filters, AI generation tools, or retouching apps to smooth skin or change features is strictly prohibited. The photo must be an accurate representation of how you look right now.

The photo must be in color, sharp, and correctly exposed. Blurry, grainy, or pixelated images will be rejected. If you are printing the photo, it must be on matte or glossy photo-quality paper without any holes, creases, or smudges.