Photo Services
Overview
The Office of Global Engagement provides photo services for all federal and state government applications which include but not limited to:
- US Passport Applications
- VISA Applications
- OPT Applications
- State Agency Applications
Photo Basics
- Submit one color photo, taken in last 6 months.
- Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
- Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
- Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
- Use a white or off-white background without shadows, texture, or lines.
Resolution, Print Size, and Quality
- Submit a high resolution photo that is not blurry, grainy, or pixilated.
- The correct size of a passport photo is:
- 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm)
- Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 - 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper.
- Do not digitally change the photo.
- You cannot submit a damaged photo with holes, creases, or smudges.
Pose and Expression
- Have a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed.
- Face the camera directly with full face in view.
Attire
- You cannot wear glasses.
- If you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, please include a signed note from your doctor with application.
- Taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis.
- You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage attire.
- You cannot wear a hat or head covering.
- If you wear a hat or head covering for religious purposes, submit a signed statement that verifies that the hat or head covering in your photo is part of traditional religious attire worn continuously in public.
- If you wear a hat or head covering for medical purposes, submit a signed doctor's statement verifying the hat or head covering in your photo is used daily for medical purposes.
- Your full face must be visible and your hat or head covering cannot cast shadows or cover up part of your face.
- You cannot wear headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
- You can wear jewelry and keep on your facial piercing's as long as they do not hide your face. Permanent tattoos are acceptable for passport purposes as well.
FAQ & Photo Examples
Click the button below to access the Department of State's Passport Photos webpage to review frequently asked questions regarding photo requirements and to view photo examples.
U.S. Passport Photo Requirements