The complete guide to getting your passport photo right the first time — official State Department rules, common rejection reasons, baby & child tips, online renewal specs, and how to save $12+ vs retail.
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ in (25–35 mm) |
| Eye height | 1⅛ to 1⅜ in (28–35 mm) |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Paper | Matte or glossy photo paper |
| Recency | Taken within last 6 months |
| Digital (online) | JPG/HEIF, 54 KB–10 MB |
| Digital pixels | 600×600 min, 1200×1200 max |
The U.S. Department of State sets strict rules for passport photos. Bad photos are the #1 reason applications get delayed, so getting this right matters.
Printed photo must be exactly 2 × 2 inches. Head (chin to crown) must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches. Eyes must be 1⅛ to 1⅜ inches from the bottom edge.
White or off-white only. No shadows, texture, lines, or patterns. If taking at home, a plain white wall or a white sheet works.
Face camera directly, no tilt. Neutral expression with eyes open and mouth closed. Smiling is OK if mouth stays closed. Full face must be visible.
Even, uniform lighting. No shadows on face or background. Not too bright (overexposed) or too dim (underexposed). Natural window light works best.
Remove all eyeglasses. Medical exception requires a signed doctor's note explaining why you cannot remove them.
Do not use computer software, phone apps, filters, or AI to alter your photo. Basic cropping for size is fine — beauty edits are not.
Matte or glossy photo-quality paper. High-resolution, not blurry or pixelated. No photocopies or scanned reprints. No holes, creases, or smudges.
No uniforms or camouflage. No hats — except religious/medical head coverings with a signed statement. No headphones or wireless devices.
The State Department says bad photos are the #1 reason passport applications are put on hold. Here's what to avoid:
Too close or too far from camera. Head must be 1–1⅜" from chin to top of head.
Shadows on face or background. Use even lighting — face a window for best results.
Not white/off-white, or has visible texture, lines, objects, or patterns.
Blurry, grainy, pixelated, or printed on wrong paper. Must be photo-quality paper.
Remove all eyeglasses unless you have a medical exception with doctor's note.
Any beauty filters, retouching, or AI-based modifications are prohibited.
Paper applications cannot use scanned or photocopied prints — must be original photo paper.
Must be taken within the last 6 months. Processing delays can make borderline photos expire.
Photo rules are mostly the same across all ages, but the State Department has specific guidance for babies, children, and seniors.
| Age Group | Expression & Eyes | Special Tips | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby (0–1) | Neutral. Baby's eyes may be not entirely open — this is explicitly allowed. | Lay on white sheet or cover car seat with white sheet. Avoid shadows. No one else in the photo. | In person (DS-11). Both parents must appear. |
| Toddler (1–3) | Neutral. Eyes must be open (unlike babies). | Same white sheet technique. Keep child still — multiple attempts may be needed. | In person (DS-11). Both parents must appear. |
| Child (4–15) | Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed. | Standard adult rules apply. Avoid blur from movement. | In person (DS-11). Under 16 requires both parents. |
| Teen (16–17) | Same as adults. | Standard adult rules. At least one parent must be aware of the application. | First-time: in person. May renew by mail if eligible. |
| Adult (18–64) | Neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed. No filters/AI. | Standard rules. Glasses off (medical exception with doctor's note). | First-time: in person. Renewal: mail, online (if eligible), or in person. |
| Senior (65+) | Same as adults. Smiling OK if mouth closed. | Same rules. Medical accommodations available with doctor's statement. | Same renewal eligibility as adults. |
The State Department now offers online renewal for eligible adults. The digital photo specs are different from printed photos. See our complete online renewal guide
You can renew online if you meet all of these conditions:
Apply in person at an acceptance facility. Bring citizenship evidence, photo ID, photocopies, one passport photo.
Must have most recent passport, issued within 15 years when you were 16+, in your current name, not damaged/lost.
Eligible adults can renew at the official .gov renewal site. Routine service only — not traveling for 6+ weeks.
Processing: Routine 4–6 weeks, Expedited 2–3 weeks (excluding mail time).
Compare the cost of passport photos at popular locations.
| Option | Price | What You Get | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PassportPhotoFactory (digital) | $6.99 | Digital download + 4×6 print template. AI compliance check. | Instant |
| PPF + Print at Walmart | $7.15 | Digital + print 4×6 at Walmart kiosk for $0.16 | Same day |
| Walmart online: upload & print | $7.64 | Two 2×2 prints — you supply the photo | Same day |
| USPS | $15.00 | Two 2×2 printed photos | Same day (if service available) |
| Walgreens | $16.99 | Two 2×2 prints + free digital copy | Same day |
| CVS | $17.99 | Two 2×2 printed photos | Same day |
| AAA (members) | Free–$20 | Varies by regional club | Same day |
After purchasing your digital photo from us, you get a 4×6 print template with multiple 2×2 passport photos laid out on a single sheet. Print it at any store's photo kiosk:
Total cost: $6.99 + $0.16 = $7.15 vs $17.99 at CVS for the same compliant result.
AI compliance check, instant download, 4×6 print template included. Only $6.99 — print at any store for $0.16 more.
Get Started — It's Free to TryUnlimited retakes. Only pay when you're happy with your photo.