Your passport is your ticket to the world, and you need to get your photo right. Thankfully, it’s easier than you may think. At Remitly, we’ve put together this handy guide to passport photo requirements to help you navigate the rules with ease. With clear steps and helpful tips, you’ll have a photo that meets official standards and peace of mind to enjoy your travels.
Understanding basic passport photo standards
Passports are one of the strongest and most widely accepted forms of identification (ID) in the world. A clear and recognizable photo allows officials to quickly and accurately verify your identity.
While exact passport standards vary from country to country, there are a few that have become standard:
- Color image, not black and white
- Front-facing
- Well-focused
- Open eyes
- Visible ears, not covered by hair
- Teeth not visible
- Neutral facial expression
- Recent
Why do these standards exist?
Global passport standards mostly come from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations agency. They set basic standards for all international travel documents, covering things from photo size to facial positioning.
While countries can choose which rules to enforce, the ultimate goal is for it to be the same all over the world.
Why? This allows countries to use biometric recognition, easily detect fraud and identity tampering, and allow smoother cross-border processing with technology like passport e-gates.
US passport photo requirements
Here are the current requirements for US passport photos:
- 2 x 2 inches, or 51 x 51 mm
- Head size between 1-1⅜ inches (25-35mm) from chin to crown
- Plain white or off-white background
- In color
- Printed on matte or glossy photo-quality paper
- Facing the camera, neutral expression, both eyes open
- Taken within the last six months
- No uniforms, glasses, hats or head coverings, headphones or similar devices (more information on exceptions below)
- If submitted online, in JPEG format, 600 x 600 to 1200 x 1200 pixels, up to 54 KB
International passport photo requirements
While there are globally accepted passport photo standards, many variations between countries still exist. The most common include photo dimensions, background shade, and clothing guidelines.
When applying for a visa for a country, double-check its exact passport photo standards to avoid any delays.
Canada has some significant differences from other countries:
- You can wear removable glasses, as long as there’s no glare
- You must get your photo taken in a professional studio
- The photo has to include the photographer’s information and date it was taken
Here’s a chart for easy requirement comparisons of some popular destinations:
| Country | Size | Head size | Background |
| US | 2×2 in (51x51mm) | 1-1⅜ inches (25-35mm) | White/off white |
| UK | 45x35mm | 29-34mm | Light gray/cream |
| Canada | 50x70mm | 31-36mm | White/light |
| Australia | 35–40×45–50mm | 32-36mm | White/light gray |
| EU | 35x45mm | 70-80% of the photo | White/light |
Common passport photo mistakes to avoid
Mistakes in your passport photo can cause application delays or rejections. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Head misalignment: Because of biometric requirements, your head needs to be centered, square to the camera, and sized correctly relative to the image size. Check your country’s exact size requirements, and ensure your whole body directly faces the camera.
Poor lighting: Inappropriate lighting can make your picture too dark, too light, or cause visible shadows. Your face needs to be evenly lit, ideally from a front-facing light source. Overhead lights can cast shadows under your eyes or chin.
Glasses: While some countries allow glasses in your photo, it may be best to remove them unless you have a medical reason making that impossible. Glare, reflections, or shadows caused by glasses can make your photos unusable.
Clothing and accessories: Bright or patterned clothing can blend into light backgrounds. Dark, plain clothing stands out better. Avoid wearing sunglasses, hats, or large pieces of jewelry.
Facial expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression, as anything else could cause problems with biometric recognition.
Incorrect background: Ensure your background is the correct light color and is completely plain.
Poor print quality: Many photos get rejected because of low resolution. Print your photos on high-quality color photo paper and keep them free of creases and tears.
Photo size: Double-check that your photos are the correct size for your country.
Filters and retouching: While it may be tempting to retouch your photo or fix any issues using an editing program, if the person assessing your application can tell you’ve altered it, they can reject your photo.
How to take perfect passport photos
Now that you know the essential passport photo requirements, here’s a step-by-step guide to taking a great passport photo:
- Prepare the background: Find a plain light colored wall and remove anything that could appear in the photo.
- Set up your camera: Put your phone or camera on a stable surface at eye level. A tripod (available for both phones and cameras) can help ensure balance. Stand about 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8m) away from it. Either set up the timer function or have a friend or family member take the photo.
- Check your lighting: Position yourself so you’re directly facing your light source—natural is often ideal. Make sure there aren’t any shadows on your face and background, and turn the flash off as it can cause glare or reflections.
- Pose and expression: Keep your head straight and centered in the photo, close your mouth and open your eyes. To look better in your photo, tilt your neck forward, take a deep breath, lift the corners of your mouth slightly, and lightly squint your bottom eyelids. Avoid forcing your eyes open wide.
- Edit and size properly: Use an app to edit and crop the photo to the size you need. Some countries, like the US Department of State, have tools that can crop your photo.
- Print the right way (if needed): Use high-quality glossy or matte photo paper to print your photo at 300 dpi. Double-check that your photo prints to the correct dimensions.
Professional vs. DIY passport photos
While many countries allow you to take a passport photo at home, some countries, such as Canada and Germany, require professional ones. Double check any requirements before choosing to take your photo at home.
If you’re allowed to use either DIY or professional options, here’s a quick comparison of the two methods:
| Professional Photos | DIY Photos | |
| Cost | Typically $10–$30 | Little to no cost |
| Convenience | Quick turnaround, usually within minutes | Flexible, but may require retaking and editing to meet standards |
| Quality | High-quality images, reduced risk of rejection | Varies, can be challenging to meet specifications |
Professional passport photos are often worth the extra cost if your application is time-sensitive, you’re uncertain whether photos you take will meet requirements, or you need multiple copies for various applications.
A photographer that specializes in passport photos significantly reduces your rejection risk and can help you submit your application with confidence.
In the US, you can get passport photos professionally taken at:
- Most pharmacies
- Some post offices
- Professional photography studios
- Shipping centers like FedEx and UPS stores
Depending on where you live, you may also have self-service photo booths that offer passport photo options. These combine the comfort of DIY with the look of a professional photo. They also offer biometric scanners to ensure photos are compliant.
Special circumstances and exceptions
While passport photo requirements can be strict, there are exceptions for certain cases. Here are the most common exceptions and US guidelines:
Religious exemptions
If you wear a head covering for religious reasons, like a hijab, turban, or yarmulke, you can wear one in your passport photo. However, you need a signed statement verifying that your head covering is part of recognized religious clothing that you must wear continuously in public.
When taking your photo, ensure that any fabric from your head covering doesn’t cover your cheeks or forehead.
Medical exceptions
If a medical condition means you need to wear a certain item, like hats, head coverings, or glasses, you can keep it on in your photo. You’ll need a signed statement from a physician verifying that your item is required for medical purposes, and include that statement in your application.
If you wear a hearing aid or a cochlear implant, you can wear it in your passport photo without a signed physician’s statement.
Infants and young children
Both infants and young children can present unique challenges if you need to get their passport photos taken. However, certain exceptions for them make the process smoother.
For infants, you can:
- Place the child in a car seat draped with a light-colored blanket or on their back on a light-colored blanket.
- Allow them to keep their eyes closed, but check their face is still completely visible (for example, no pacifiers). They also don’t need a completely neutral facial expression.
- Support them to maintain proper posture, but you can’t appear in the photo. You can, however, drape yourself in a light-colored sheet and hold them.
Older children need to stand and face the camera, and do their best to maintain a neutral facial expression.
People with disabilities
If you have a disability, the US Department of State offers accommodations that can allow you to apply for your passport more easily. Most exemptions require a signed physician’s note, submitted along with your passport application.
- If you can’t hold your head up without support, your photo will be accepted even if your head is tilted, with a physician’s note.
- Medical equipment and support can usually be visible, but you may need a note.
- If you can’t maintain a neutral facial expression or keep one or both of your eyes open, you can submit a medical note to get your photo accepted.
- If you have a wheelchair, drape a white towel or sheet over the back to maintain a light colored background.
In addition, some professional photographers offer at-home passport photography to people with mobility issues. Check to see if this is available near you.
With the right tips and a little preparation, taking your passport photos can be quick and stress-free. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll have a compliant photo that keeps your application on track.
FAQ
What should I do if my passport photo is rejected?
If your passport photo isn’t accepted, your application will typically be delayed until you can provide a valid photo. You can usually submit your new photo both by mail or online. If you’ve already been rejected, getting a professional passport photo may be a good idea to avoid any further delays.
Can I use the same photo for my passport and driver’s license/ID?
In the US, typically, no. While the pictures may look similar, passport photos and driver’s license photos may have different requirements. In most US states, your driver’s license photo gets taken at the issuing office.
Can I wear makeup in my passport photo?
Yes, you can. However, if you’re going to wear makeup, make sure it’s light and natural-seeming. Heavy makeup could make you look too different from your photo in reality, and things like glitter can cause shadows or reflections in your photo.
What happens if my appearance changes after getting my passport?
Minor changes like haircuts, hair color or facial hair changes, or aging, are usually fine. More extreme changes, like plastic surgery, significant weight loss or gain, and severe facial injuries may create issues at the border. In those cases, you’ll need to renew your passport and submit a new photo that better reflects your current appearance.