US Passport Photo Requirements in 2025 [Hair, Ears & More]

Countries with the Most Changes in 2025 Requirements

This guide focuses exclusively on passport and visa photo requirements, validation, preparation, and compliance using only the provided source material — which contains detailed US passport photo rules and PhotoAiD workflows — to help you avoid common mistakes and speed up acceptance.

Overview: key technical requirements for US passport photos include a color image, a printed size of 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), and a head size from chin to crown of 1 to 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm), with the photo taken within the last six months.

Printed photo specifics: printed images must be high-resolution, in color, and produced on matte or glossy photo paper, with the head, neck, and top of the chest visible and sufficient space between the top of the head and the photo border.

Digital image specifications: for online submissions, images must be JPEG format and between 600 × 600 px (minimum) and 1200 × 1200 px (maximum); the source also notes a minimum file size of 54 kB in one section and a MyTravelGov guidance of JPEG file sized 240 kB or less in another section — follow the submission tool’s current guidance when uploading.

Background and lighting: use a plain white or off-white background with even lighting and no visible shadows on the face or background, as shadows or uneven exposure are grounds for rejection.

Pose and facial expression: face the camera directly with your head centered; maintain a neutral expression or a slight closed-mouth smile, keep both eyes open, and avoid showing teeth if you smile.

Attire and accessories: wear everyday clothing (no uniforms or camouflage), avoid hats or head coverings unless for religious or medical reasons, remove glasses (including corrective lenses) unless a signed doctor’s statement permits them, and avoid bulky jewelry that obscures facial features.

Hair rules: ensure hair does not cover the face or eyes; bangs must not cover the eyes or eyebrows, and ears do not have to be visible as long as the oval of the face is not obscured and the face and neck remain visible.

Makeup and cosmetics: avoid reflective or excessive makeup that alters natural facial features, do not use contouring or heavy lipliner, avoid fake eyelashes and glossy or shimmery products, and prefer natural-looking makeup if you normally wear it.

Photo quality and handling: submit undamaged, uncreased, unpunctured, and smudge-free photos; blurred, pixelated, or physically damaged prints will be rejected for quality non-compliance.

Baby and infant photos: newborns and infants may have partially open or closed eyes and even an exposed tongue (not protruding), hands may appear if not covering the face and are below the shoulders, only the child may be visible in the photo, and older children able to follow directions should follow adult rules.

Submission and printing rules: submit only one color passport photo for new applications or renewals, print on high-quality matte or glossy paper, and when mailing renewals staple one 2 x 2-inch photo to Form DS-82 at the four designated points — do not use glue or tape.

Online submission process and common rejections: when uploading via MyTravelGov, the tool may crop your image, perform an initial quality check, and either accept or reject the photo with an error code; common rejection causes include wrong file format, incorrect size, poor quality, or scanning printed photos (which is discouraged).

Practical tips to avoid rejection — actionable steps: (1) set up a plain white/off-white backdrop and even lighting, (2) position the camera so your head measure is 25–35 mm in the frame, (3) remove glasses and hats unless medically/religiously required, (4) use a high-resolution color JPEG within the pixel and file-size constraints specified, and (5) avoid digital retouching that alters your natural appearance.

Checklist before you submit — final verifications: confirm the photo is recent (within 6 months), printed at 2 x 2 inches or uploaded at 600 × 600–1200 × 1200 px JPEG, free of shadows and blemishes, shows full face and top of shoulders, and is free from creases or marks; if mailing, staple at four points to Form DS-82.

How automated and expert validation can help — PhotoAiD workflow: practical step-by-step use — upload or take a photo, let the PhotoAiD AI check and correct sizing, lighting, and background, get expert verification of compliance, then download or order prints; this process aims to reduce rejections and speed approval.

Common mistakes and fixes — actionable corrections: if the background shows shadows, retake with more even lighting; if the head is off-center or sized incorrectly, adjust distance to camera and retake; if a file is the wrong format or size, convert to JPEG and resize to the allowed pixel range before uploading.

What to do if MyTravelGov rejects your image: review the error code, check file format and size, ensure you didn’t scan a printed photo, confirm composition and lighting meet requirements, and know that a passport agent will manually review images during processing if you believe your compliant image was incorrectly rejected.

Stapling and mailing tips: when mailing a renewal with a printed photo, use a stapler to attach one 2 x 2-inch photo to Form DS-82 at the four indicated corners or points — do not use tape or glue, and ensure the print is free from bends and smudges.

Avoiding digital editing pitfalls: do not perform edits that change natural facial features (no airbrushing, slimming, or altering eye shape); basic cropping to required dimensions is acceptable if it does not alter appearance, but using a compliance tool or expert verification is safer.

Final reminder and quick action plan: follow the technical specs (2×2 inches, head 25–35 mm, color, plain white/off-white background, no glasses unless medical), verify file format and pixel dimensions for online upload, or print correctly and staple for mail — use AI and expert checks where possible to prevent delays and rejections.