United States Photo Requirements

Understanding US Passport Photo Requirements

The United States Department of State has some of the most strictly enforced passport photo requirements in the world. Every year, millions of passport applications are delayed or rejected due to non-compliant photographs. Understanding these requirements thoroughly can save you weeks of processing time and the frustration of resubmission.

US passport photos must be exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51mm), taken within the last 6 months, and printed on photo-quality paper. The photo must show a full front view of your face with a neutral expression on a plain white or off-white background. Since November 2016, the State Department no longer accepts photos where the applicant is wearing eyeglasses - this applies to both prescription glasses and sunglasses, with no exceptions.

Where to Apply for a US Passport

For first-time applicants, you must apply in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility. There are over 7,600 acceptance facilities across the United States, including post offices, county clerk offices, and libraries. Major cities have dedicated passport agencies for expedited processing:

• New York Passport Agency - 376 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
• Los Angeles Passport Agency - Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024
• Chicago Passport Agency - Ralph Metcalfe Federal Building, 77 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604
• Miami Passport Agency - Claude Pepper Federal Building, 51 SW 1st Avenue, Miami, FL 33130
• Houston Passport Agency - Mickey Leland Federal Building, 1919 Smith Street, Houston, TX 77002
• Washington Passport Agency - 600 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006

For renewals, eligible applicants can mail their application using Form DS-82. You can renew by mail if your most recent passport is undamaged, was issued when you were 16 or older, was issued within the last 15 years, and is in your current legal name (or you can document a name change).

Common Reasons US Passport Photos Get Rejected

According to the State Department, the most frequent reasons for photo rejection include:

1. Wearing eyeglasses - The single most common rejection reason since the 2016 rule change. Even clear prescription lenses cause glare that interferes with facial recognition systems.
2. Incorrect dimensions or cropping - The head must measure between 1 inch and 1 inches (25-35mm) from chin to crown. Many home-taken photos fail this requirement.
3. Shadows on face or background - Uneven lighting creates shadows that make the photo non-compliant. The background must be uniformly white.
4. Photo too old - Your photo must accurately represent your current appearance and be taken within 6 months of your application date.
5. Incorrect expression - While a natural smile is acceptable, open-mouthed expressions, squinting, or other exaggerated facial expressions will be rejected.
6. Head coverings - Only religious or medical head coverings are permitted, and even then, your full face must be visible from hairline to chin.

Digital Photo Requirements

If submitting a digital photo for online passport renewal or DS-160 visa applications, the image must be between 600 x 600 and 1200 x 1200 pixels, in JPEG format, and smaller than 240KB. The State Department uses facial recognition software to verify compliance, so digital alterations or filters will cause automatic rejection.

Processing Times & Fees (2026)

As of 2026, standard passport processing takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited service costs an additional $60 and reduces the wait to 2-3 weeks. A new adult passport book costs $130 (application fee) plus a $35 execution fee for first-time applicants. Passport card applications cost $30 plus the execution fee.

Official Sources

• U.S. Department of State - Passport Photos
• U.S. Department of State - Processing Times
• U.S. Department of State - Visa Photo Requirements