What are the passport photo requirements?

You must provide one photo with your passport application. For detailed information visit the U.S. Department of State's website.

Photo Basics

  • Submit a color photo, taken in the last 6 months
  • Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
  • Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
  • Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
  • Use a plain white or off-white background

Resolution, Print Size, & Quality

  • Submit a high-resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixelated.
  • The correct size of a passport photo is:
  • 2 inches by 2 inches (51 millimeters by 51 millimeters)
  • The Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 millimeters by 35 millimeters) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
  • Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper
  • Do not digitally change the photo
  • You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.

Pose & Expression

  • Have a neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
  • Face the camera directly with full face in view.
  • Note to parents of young children: we have sample photos in the Photo Examples section below with tips for submitting a baby's passport photo. We realize that an infant's pose and expression are challenging to maintain for a photo.

Attire

  • You cannot wear glasses.
  • If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with your application.
  • Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.
  • You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire.
  • You cannot wear a hat or head covering including headbands and bow ties.
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire worn continuously in public.
  • If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.
  • Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face.
  • You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
  • You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well.

Show All Answers

1. What's the difference between the passport book and the passport card?
2. When is the best time to get a passport?
3. What application form should I use?
4. What documents do I need to get a passport?
5. Can I renew my expired passport here?
6. When is the best time to renew my passport?
7. What do I need to change my name on my passport?
8. How long is the passport good for?
9. Can I use my passport book or passport card instead of the REAL ID or the Enhanced ID when flying within the U.S.?
10. What is the Next Generation Passport?
11. My Passport is expired, but my Visa is not. Is my Visa still valid?
12. Do you take passport photos? Printed or digital?
13. What are the passport photo requirements?
14. Can I bring my own photo?
15. How much does a passport cost?
16. What forms of payment do you accept?
17. How long will it take to get my passport?
18. Can I get my passport faster?
19. I already applied for my passport. Where is it?
20. What color pen can I use?
21. Do you offer notary services?
22. Does the applicant have to be present even if they are a minor?
23. How can I reach the state if I have additional questions or concerns?
24. Can I come here for your passport services even if I am from outside the City of New Brighton, Ramsey county, or even from outside the state of Minnesota?