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US Passport Photo Requirements: Online Renewal (MyTravelGov) & Paper Applications

Check if your photo meets the exact rules instantly using our AI verification dashboard below. Whether for a new application or a passport photo renewal, get guaranteed compliance.

State Dept. Compliant

Meets all official U.S. State Department photo standards

Prevents 221(g) Delays

Avoids common administrative processing photo failures

CEAC-Ready Format

Guaranteed to pass the DS-160 online upload tool

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Visual Compliance Standards

1Background Standard

Incorrect US visa photo example: Off-white, textured, or busy backgrounds are rejected.
Rejected
Off-white, textured, or busy backgrounds are rejected.
Correct US visa photo example following official 2x2 rules
Official Pass
Compliant Biometrics

2Shadow Detection

Incorrect US visa photo example: Shadows on the face or behind the head will cause rejection.
Rejected
Shadows on the face or behind the head will cause rejection.
Correct US visa photo example following official 2x2 rules
Official Pass
Compliant Biometrics

3Head Alignment

Incorrect US visa photo example: Ensure your head is perfectly level and facing forward.
Rejected
Ensure your head is perfectly level and facing forward.
Correct US visa photo example following official 2x2 rules
Official Pass
Compliant Biometrics

4No Eyeglasses

Incorrect US visa photo example: Even clear prescription glasses are strictly prohibited.
Rejected
Even clear prescription glasses are strictly prohibited.
Correct US visa photo example following official 2x2 rules
Official Pass
Compliant Biometrics

Official 2026 Guidelines

The US Department of State updates guidelines iteratively, particularly regarding digital submissions via the DS-160 and passport renewal portals. The core requirements include:

  • Dimensions: The image must be exactly 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm). Digital equivalents must fall between 600x600 pixels and 1200x1200 pixels.
  • Background: Must be plain white or off-white with absolutely no shadows, textures, or secondary subjects.
  • Head Sizing: The distance from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head must be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches.
  • Expression: A neutral facial expression with both eyes open. Subtle smiles are acceptable, but closing the eyes or tilting the mouth excessively will result in rejection.
  • Accessories: Glasses are strictly prohibited. Hats and head coverings are only allowed if accompanied by a signed religious exemption form.

Testing Your Photo Digitally

Why search for a "us passport photo near me" at places like Walgreens or Costco when you can do it digitally? Use our VisaCompliance Studio AI checker at the top of this page to automate the manual measuring logic. We analyze 3D structural landmarks on your face to ensure compliance with the 1 - 1 3/8 inch rule, making it easy to print your us passport photo at home.

Digital photo for MyTravelGov online renewal

The MyTravelGov portal is the State Department's new system for online passport renewal. If you're renewing a passport that was issued within the last 15 years, you may be eligible to renew entirely online — including uploading your photo digitally. MyTravelGov expects exact specs: JPEG format, 600–1200px square, sRGB color space, and a file size between 54KB–10MB.

⚠️ iPhone photos use Display P3 color profile by default — MyTravelGov rejects them silently. Our tool converts automatically.
RequirementOnline Renewal (MyTravelGov)Paper Submission (DS-11 / DS-82)
FormatDigital Upload (JPEG)Printed Physical Photo
Dimensions600×600 to 1200×1200 pixelsExactly 2 × 2 inches (51×51 mm)
Color SpacesRGB (Display P3 blocked)n/a (Printed in color)
File / Paper54KB – 10MBMatte or glossy photo-quality paper
BackgroundPlain white / off-whitePlain white / off-white

💡 Our VisaCompliance Studio prepares your image for both simultaneously — giving you the perfect digital JPEG and a 4x6 print template.

DS-11: First-Time Passport

The DS-11 form is for first-time US passport applicants — including minors, those whose previous passport expired more than 5 years ago (15 years for adults), or anyone who has never had a US passport. DS-11 must be submitted in person at an acceptance facility.

  • • Two identical 2×2 inch color photos required
  • • Photos must be taken within the last 6 months
  • • Cannot be submitted online — must be printed on photo-quality paper
  • • Same compositional rules as all US passport photos

DS-82: Passport Renewal by Mail

The DS-82 form is for passport renewals by mail. If your most recent passport was issued within the last 15 years and you were 16 or older when it was issued, you can renew by mail without appearing in person.

  • • One 2×2 inch photo required (stapled, not glued)
  • • Do NOT bend or paperclip the photo
  • • Write your full name and date of birth lightly in pencil on the back
  • • Alternatively, renew online via MyTravelGov with a digital upload

US Passport Card Photo Requirements

The US passport card is a wallet-sized travel document valid for land and sea travel between the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It uses the exact same 2×2 inch photo as the standard passport book — same dimensions, same background, same compositional rules. You can apply for a passport card alongside your passport book on the same application form (DS-11 or DS-82), using the same photo. Our tool prepares your photo for both simultaneously.

US Passport Photo Glasses Rule

Since November 1, 2016, the US Department of State has banned all eyeglasses in passport and visa photos. This includes clear prescription lenses, reading glasses, photochromic (transition) lenses, and tinted lenses. The ban was introduced because glasses cause glare and reflections that interfere with facial recognition technology used at ports of entry. The only exception requires a signed medical statement from a doctor confirming you cannot remove your glasses. If your photo shows any type of glasses, it will be automatically rejected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear glasses in my US passport photo?
No. Since November 2016, the US Department of State has banned all eyeglasses in passport photos — including clear prescription lenses, reading glasses, and transition lenses. Even if you wear glasses every day, you must remove them for your photo. The only exception is if you have a signed medical statement from your doctor confirming you cannot remove your glasses due to a medical condition. Sunglasses are never allowed under any circumstance.
What are the MyTravelGov online passport renewal photo requirements?
MyTravelGov (the new online passport renewal portal) requires a digital photo in sRGB color space, JPEG format, between 54KB and 10MB, with minimum dimensions of 600×600 pixels. The photo must have a white background, no glasses, and be taken within the last 6 months. Unlike the DS-160, MyTravelGov accepts larger files up to 10MB, but the sRGB color requirement catches many iPhone users whose photos are in Display P3 color space.
What is the difference between DS-11 and DS-82 passport photos?
Both DS-11 (first-time passport) and DS-82 (passport renewal by mail) require the same 2×2 inch photo. The difference is in submission: DS-11 must be submitted in person at a passport acceptance facility with two printed photos, while DS-82 can be mailed with one photo stapled (not glued) to the application. Both accept the same digital photo if applying via MyTravelGov online.
Does a US passport card use the same photo as a passport book?
Yes, the US passport card uses the exact same 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) passport photo as the passport book. The technical specifications, background requirements, and compositional rules are identical. The only difference is the submission method — passport cards can be applied for alongside a passport book using the same application and photo.