U.S. Passport Application Checklist (Updated 2025)

Most Common Passport Photo Mistakes

Applying for a passport in 2025 means following strict photo rules; a single non-compliant photo can delay your application, so know the exact standards before you print or submit your picture

The core official photo specifications you must meet are clear: the photo must be 2 × 2 inches on a white or off-white background, show a full face that is forward-facing with a neutral expression and both eyes open, and must not include glasses, head coverings (except for religious purposes), or shadows

Mistake — wrong photo dimensions: submitting anything other than an exact 2 × 2-inch photo is a frequent cause of rejection; confirm the image you attach or include with your DS-11 or DS-82 is precisely 2 × 2 inches before mailing or presenting it

Mistake — incorrect background: a background that is not white or off-white or that contains patterns or objects can invalidate a photo; use a plain white or off-white background so the Department of State’s reviewers can clearly see your face

Mistake — not facing the camera: photos that are turned, tilted, or show a profile do not meet the “full face, forward-facing” requirement and will be rejected; make sure your face is centered and looking straight at the camera

Mistake — non-neutral expression or closed eyes: the rules require a neutral expression with both eyes open; avoid smiling broadly, squinting, or closing your eyes when the photo is taken to meet the federal standard

Mistake — wearing glasses: the guidelines explicitly state “no glasses,” so remove eyewear when having your passport photo taken unless the frame of reference at the time of this guidance changes; do not submit photos with glasses

Mistake — inappropriate head coverings: head coverings are not allowed except for religious purposes, but the photo must still show a forward-facing, full-face view with a neutral expression and both eyes open when a religious head covering is used

Mistake — shadows on face or background: shadows can obscure facial features or the plain background and lead to rejection; ensure even lighting with no shadows across the face or behind you in the photo

Mistake — using the wrong type of photo for renewals: if you are renewing with Form DS-82 you must include one recent 2 × 2-inch color photograph that meets federal specifications, so provide a color print for a renewal submission

Mistake — low-quality or non-compliant prints: the guidance emphasizes that providing a photo that meets these standards speeds review and reduces the chance of rejection, so submit a clear, well-printed photo that precisely follows each specification

Practical step-by-step checklist before submission: confirm the photo is 2 × 2 inches, verify the background is white or off-white, ensure full-face forward pose with neutral expression and both eyes open, remove glasses and non-religious head coverings, and check there are no shadows

Practical tip for DS-11 applicants: when completing Form DS-11 you will need compliant passport photos as part of your in-person submission at an acceptance facility — bring photos that meet the stated federal requirements to avoid delays

Practical tip for DS-82 renewals: include one recent 2 × 2-inch color photograph with your mail-in or online renewal packet so your renewal can be processed without photo-related setbacks

Document handling reminder tied to photos: acceptance facilities also require photocopies of identification documents on plain white 8½ × 11-inch paper (black-and-white copies of front and back); include your compliant photo plus the required document copies to prevent missing-document notices

If your application is flagged for a non-compliant photo, expect delays in processing; preventing that outcome is straightforward when you follow the exact standards—use the checklist above and reprint any photo that fails to meet the 2 × 2-inch, background, expression, eyewear, head covering, and shadow rules

Final compliance tip: before you submit or present your photo, review each federal requirement line-by-line—size, background, full face forward, neutral expression, both eyes open, no glasses, head coverings only for religious purposes, and no shadows—to minimize the chance of rejection and speed your passport issuance