American Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – US State Department Rules

The following specifications apply to all US passport applications and renewals, including first-time applicants, child passports, and adult renewals.

• Size: 2×2 inches (51×51mm). The face must measure 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35mm) from chin to crown.
• Background: Plain white or off-white. Dark backgrounds are not permitted. No patterns, shadows, or colour gradients on the background.
• Expression: Neutral or a natural, relaxed smile. Mouth should be closed or very slightly open. Eyes must be fully open and looking directly at the camera.
• Glasses: Not permitted. The State Department banned glasses in passport photos in January 2016. This includes prescription, reading, and tinted glasses.
• Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
• Colour: Full colour only. Black-and-white photos are not accepted.
• Head coverings: Permitted only for religious or medical reasons, provided the full face from chin to hairline is fully visible.
• Uniforms: Not permitted, except US military uniforms worn on duty.
• Retouching: No digital filters, beauty retouching, or alterations to your natural appearance.
• Format (digital submission): JPEG, minimum 600×600 pixels, maximum file size 240 KB (for online submission tools).

The United States uses a square photo format while the rest of the world largely follows the rectangular ICAO Doc 9303 standard:

• US format: 2×2 in (51×51mm) square. Face: 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35mm) from chin to crown.
• ICAO/EU/DE/CH format: 35mm wide × 45mm tall rectangle. Face: 29–34mm from chin to crown.
• A 35×45mm European passport photo is too narrow for a US passport application.
• A 2×2 inch US photo is too wide for most European passport applications.

If you hold dual citizenship in the US and a European country, you will need two separately formatted photos.

The United States began issuing biometric ePassports in 2007. The document contains a contactless chip compliant with ICAO Doc 9303, storing the holder's facial biometric data. Despite using the square photo format, the biometric data stored on the chip follows the same international facial recognition standards, enabling automated e-gate processing at airports worldwide.

Adult passport validity: 10 years from date of issue.
Child passport validity (under 16): 5 years from date of issue.

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries (including most EU, UK, Australian, and New Zealand citizens) may need to provide a passport photo as part of their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application. The ESTA photo requirements match the US passport photo standard:

• 2×2 inches (51×51mm) square format.
• White or off-white background.
• No glasses, neutral expression.
• Uploaded as a digital JPEG to the ESTA portal (esta.cbp.dhs.gov).

The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application form used by travellers applying for a US visa at an American embassy or consulate abroad (including tourist B-1/B-2, student F-1, work H-1B, and other categories). The DS-160 requires the same photo format:

• 2×2 inches (51×51mm) square digital photo.
• White or off-white background, no shadows.
• No glasses, neutral expression, eyes fully open.
• Taken within 6 months of the application date.
• File requirements: JPEG, minimum 600×600 pixels, maximum 1200×1200 pixels, file size between 50 KB and 240 KB.

Note: Some US consulates also require physical photo prints at the visa interview appointment. Confirm requirements with the specific embassy or consulate where you are applying.