Embassy of the United States

Example of Passport Photograph.

May not print to size.

Photographs that do not meet the requirements set out in the diagram below will be rejected.  This will severely delay the processing of your passport application.

IMPORTANT: Passport Machine/Booth Photographs are not acceptable.

Please submit:

• two identical photographs of you alone, sufficiently recent to be a good likeness of you (normally taken within the last 6 months), and 2 x 2 inches, 50mm x 50mm, in size;
  
  
• The image size measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (including hair) should not be less than 1 inch, 25mm, and not more than 1-3/8inches, 35mm; 
  
  
• Photographs must be clear, front view, full face, taken in normal street attire without hat or dark glasses, and printed on thin paper with a plain light (white or off-white) background;
  
  
• They must be in color and the image size must correspond to the dimensions on the diagram on this page and at least 1/2” space between the top of the head to the top edge of the photograph;
  
  
• They must be capable of withstanding a mounting temperature of 2250 Fahrenheit (1070 Celsius);
  
  
• Photographs retouched so that your appearance is changed are unacceptable;
  
• Snapshots, most vending machine prints, and magazine or full-length photographs are unacceptable;
  
  
• Digitized photos must meet the previously stated qualifications and will be accepted for use at the discretion of Passport Services;
  
  
• Most chemist/pharmacy photographs are acceptable for United States passports;