Passport Photos: Sizes, Requirements, What to Wear, and Where to Get Them

Your passport photo might be small, but it plays a big role in getting you to your international destination. Airport officials and border agents use the photo to confirm your identity, so it’s key to everything from a multi-country Europe trip to a quick Caribbean getaway.

Because of that, passport photo rules are very specific. The goal isn’t to get your “best” photo; it’s to get a clear, accurate image that can identify you quickly and confidently when you’re on the move.

Where travelers usually run into trouble is with the smaller details. A faint shadow behind your head, uneven lighting or slightly off framing might not stand out on your phone, but it can make your photo unusable when it’s reviewed or scanned.

The upside is that once you know what to watch for, these are typically easy to correct — and getting it right the first time becomes much simpler.

A printed U.S. passport photo needs to be exactly 2 by 2 inches.

You also need to position your head correctly in the photo:

• Your head must measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from chin to top.
• Your face should be centered, not too close and not too far away.

For digital passport photos:

• The image must be an exact square.
• The image file size must be between 54 KB and 10 MB.
• You should stand or sit a few feet away from a plain white background. Frame or crop the image so the bottom of the picture lands around your upper shoulders.

A common mistake is using a photo that “looks right” but is cropped incorrectly. That’s why many travelers choose a service that formats it for them.

Here are the key passport photo requirements you need to meet:

• Background: Plain white or off-white only
• Lighting: Even, with no shadows on your face or behind you
• Facial expression: Neutral, with both eyes open
• Glasses: Not allowed unless medically necessary
• Photo quality: Clear, in focus, no filters or edits
• Recency: Taken within the last six months

You can wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, but your full face must be visible.

The most common issues travelers face are shadows, off-white backgrounds that look too dark and photos that are slightly off-center.

What you wear can make a bigger difference than you’d expect. To keep things simple and safe:

• Wear solid colors (navy, black and gray all work well).
• Avoid white or very light tops (they can blend into the background).
• Skip busy patterns, logos or graphics.
• Remove hats and large accessories.

Think of it as dressing for clarity rather than style. You want your face to stand out, not your outfit.

It can be challenging to take the right passport photo at home, so there are several alternatives. The right choice usually comes down to cost, convenience and how quickly you need it.

Most locations follow a similar process: A staff member takes your photo against a plain background and ensures it meets size and formatting requirements.

Here’s where you can have your passport photo taken:

Pharmacies are one of the most popular choices because they’re easy to find and usually offer walk-in service.

• Cost: Typically around $10 to $20
• Convenience: High; widely available and often open evenings or weekends
• Turnaround time: Usually same day, often within 10 to 15 minutes

Shipping centers like UPS and FedEx are another reliable option and are often familiar with passport requirements.

• Cost: Typically $10 to $20
• Convenience: High, especially in urban or suburban areas
• Turnaround time: Same day, often within minutes
• Key difference: Often follows a more standarized process, which can help reduce formatting errors.

Professional photo studios offer a more controlled setup and attention to detail.

• Cost: Usually $15 to $30 or more
• Convenience: Moderate; often requires an appointment
• Turnaround time: Same day or scheduled pickup
• Key difference: More precise lighting and framing, often with multiple shots to choose from

Some passport acceptance locations (such as post offices or government offices) offer photo services when you submit your application.

• Cost: Typically $15 or less
• Convenience: Moderate; depends on appointment availability
• Turnaround time: Immediate (during your appointment)
• Key difference: Take your photo and submit your application in one visit. Not all locations offer this, so always check ahead of time.

No matter which option you choose, these locations are generally familiar with passport rules. That alone can help you avoid the most common passport photo mistakes and feel more confident submitting your application.

You can take a digital passport photo at home or in most locations that offer printed passport photos. It’s a square image file that you’ll upload during an online passport application instead of submitting a printed photo.

Digital passport photos follow the same core requirements: a plain white background, even lighting, a centered face and no filters or edits.

• Online passport renewal applications
• Any application that asks you to upload a photo instead of mailing one

• Square image (1 to 1 ratio)
• Between 600 by 600 and 1,200 by 1,200 pixels
• File size typically under 10 MB

• Where to go: Pharmacies, shipping stores and photo centers can often provide a digital copy along with prints.
• Cost: Usually $10 to $20
• Best for: Quick, reliable results with correct formatting
• Key benefit: Staff members usually ensure the photo meets passport requirements.

• Where to go: There are many websites or apps that will guide you through taking and cropping your passport photo
• Cost: Free to around $15
• Best for: Convenience if you’re comfortable taking your own photo
• Key benefit: Some tools automatically check your image against passport requirements.

• This option works well if you follow all technical and visual requirements.
• Best for: Flexibility and saving money
• Key benefit: Greater control, but also higher risk for mistakes (lighting, cropping, file size).

Taking your passport photo at home is completely doable, you just need to get a few details right.

The goal is simple: A clear, evenly lit photo with a plain background and proper framing.

• Plain white or off-white wall.
• No textures, frames or shadows.

• Face a window for natural light.
• Avoid overhead lights that create shadows.
• Make sure your face is evenly lit.

• Place your camera or phone at eye level.
• Stand a few feet from the wall.
• Leave space around your head for cropping.

Tip: If you don’t have someone who can take your photo for you, it might be helpful to use a tripod to help with positioning.

• Face the camera straight on.
• Keep your head level (no tilting).
• Your shoulders should be visible in the frame.

• Try a few shots to get the best lighting and positioning.
• Choose the clearest, most evenly lit image.

• Photographing shadows behind your head.
• Standing too close to the wall.
• Cropping too tightly or too loosely.
• Using filters or editing tools.
• Submitting a screenshot instead of the original file.

Compare your photo against:

• Size requirements (2 by 2 inches or digital specs)
• Background and lighting rules
• Face visibility and expression

A quick review here can help prevent delays later.

Baby passport photos can feel tricky, but they don’t have to be perfect. The goal is to get a clear shot of your little one.

• Babies won’t sit still or follow directions.
• Expressions can vary (and that’s okay).
• Positioning and background take a little more effort.

• Fully visible face
• Eyes open (for infants, exceptions are sometimes allowed)
• No hands, pacifiers or objects in the frame
• Plain white or light background

• Lay your baby on a white or light blanket.
• Take the photo from above.
• Use natural light near a window.

• Try taking photos when your baby is calm and awake.
• Take a bunch of photos so you have more to choose from (you only need one good one).

• Expect a few tries.
• Keep it simple instead of aiming for perfect.
• Focus on visibility, not expression.

If your photo is rejected, don’t panic. Your passport application hasn’t failed — it’s just on hold.

• After you receive a notice explaining the issue, you’ll need to submit a new photo within 90 days to keep your passport application active.
• Processing continues once your new photo is accepted.

• Incorrect size or framing
• Shadows on your face or background
• Background not white enough
• Wearing glasses
• Photo taken too long ago

• A rejection may add several days or, in some cases, weeks to your timeline, depending on how quickly you resubmit.
• Timing matters more if you already have travel booked.

• Follow the exact feedback provided.
• Retake the photo with proper lighting and framing.
• Double-check before uploading or mailing.

• Rejections are common.
• Your photo is easy to fix once you know what to adjust.
• Most travelers get approved on the second try without issues.

Printed photos must be exactly 2 by 2 inches. Your head should measure between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head, and your face should be centered with some space around it.

A digital passport photo is a square image file you upload for an online application. Your digital photo needs to:

• Be between 600 by 600 and 1,200 by 1,200 pixels.
• Be in color, clear and properly framed.
• Have a plain white background.
• Show your face clearly, with a neutral expression and no glasses.

No, you should take off your glasses before taking your photo. Even clear lenses can:

• Cause reflections that hide your eyes.
• Create shadows across your face.
• Interfere with facial recognition systems.

You can only wear glasses if you have a medical reason that requires you to wear them at all times (for example, after eye surgery or if you have a documented condition).

If that applies, you’ll need a signed statement from a medical professional explaining why you cannot remove your glasses to submit with your passport application.

Yes, but keep it subtle. A natural, relaxed expression with your mouth closed works best. Big smiles, showing teeth or exaggerated expressions can affect how your face is captured, and the government may not accept it.

Look for pharmacies, shipping stores, photo studios or passport acceptance facilities near you. Most offer walk-in service and same-day photos. If you’re in a hurry, pharmacies and shipping stores are usually the fastest and easiest options.

Your photo must be taken within the last six months. It should reflect how you look today, so if your appearance has changed (hair, facial hair, etc.), you’ll want a new photo to match your current look.