U.S. passport photo requirements: size, rules and how to attach it

Photo size

The printed photo is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), with the head between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25–35 mm) from chin to top of head.¹

Check the size on the printed photo, with a ruler, not on a screen. A photo that looks right on a phone can print too small or with the head cut off.

The rules your photo must meet

A few practical tips that help you meet these rules:

• Stand a step away from the wall, so your head does not throw a shadow on the background.
• Use soft, even light from the front, such as a window or a lamp behind the camera.
• Ask someone else to take the photo, so the camera is straight in front of your face.

When a new look means a new passport

You only need a new passport if your appearance changed significantly, such as major facial surgery or trauma, adding or removing many large facial piercings or tattoos, or significant weight change; a beard, new hair color or normal aging do not count.³

If your look changed that much, the form you use depends on your situation. Start with Renew your passport by mail to see if you can renew; if not, read First adult passport.

How to attach the photo

How you hand in the photo depends on the form.

Renewing by mail with Form DS-82, you staple the photo to the form yourself:

Print Form DS-82 single-sided, sign and date it, staple one photo with four staples in the corners, include your most recent passport and the fee, and mail it with the U.S. Postal Service. No $35 acceptance fee applies to DS-82.⁴

Applying in person with Form DS-11, you do not staple or glue anything. You bring the photo loose and the acceptance agent checks it and attaches it. It is part of what you bring to the appointment:

Step by step

Checklist

Before you use the photo

Print checklist

• Printed at the official size, checked with a ruler
• Recent, in color and taken within the time the rules allow
• Original photo, with no filters, retouching or beauty apps
• Plain white or off-white background, no shadows or objects
• Face centered and fully visible, neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed
• No glasses, and no hat or head covering unless you have the signed statement
• Stapled to Form DS-82, or kept loose for Form DS-11

Do and don't

Do

• Ask for an extra print, so you have a spare if something goes wrong.
• Check the photo on paper, in good light, before you mail it or go to your appointment.
• Keep hair away from your face, so your head and face are fully visible.

Don't

• Don't reuse the photo from your old passport or from another document.
• Don't use filters, beauty apps or any tool that changes the image.
• Don't wear glasses in the photo, even if you wear them every day, unless a doctor's signed note explains why.
• Don't staple or glue the photo to Form DS-11.

Where to get a passport photo

Many pharmacies, photo shops and shipping stores take passport photos. Some acceptance facilities take them too; you can find facilities near you at iafdb.travel.state.gov⁶ and ask when you book.

You can also take the photo at home, as long as it meets every rule above and you print it at the right size. Whoever takes it, you are the one who checks it before you send it.

Frequently asked questions