Passport Photo Requirements 2026: Size, Background & Rules

Every year, hundreds of thousands of US passport applications get delayed because the photo doesn't meet specifications. The State Department is strict — and the requirements haven't gotten simpler. This is the complete, up-to-date guide to passport photo requirements for 2026, including exactly how to take a compliant photo at home.

Need the quick version? Your photo must be 2x2 inches, on a plain white background, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression and no glasses. Use the Background Remover to fix your background and the Image Resizer to get exact dimensions.

Official Size Requirements

Background Requirements

The background must be plain white or off-white. No patterns, no gradients, no colored walls visible. This is the single most common reason for rejection.

If you're taking the photo at home, you have two options:

• Stand against a white wall — Make sure there are no shadows, outlets, or texture visible. Lighting must be even.
• Remove the background digitally — Take the photo anywhere, then use the Tools Oasis Background Remover to replace whatever background you have with clean white. This produces more consistent results than trying to find a perfect white wall.

Expression & Appearance Rules

• Neutral expression — Both eyes open, mouth closed. A natural, relaxed expression is fine. Slight smiles are acceptable as long as the mouth is closed.
• No glasses — Since November 2016, glasses are not permitted in passport photos. The only exception is with a signed doctor's statement for medical reasons.
• Face the camera directly — No tilting or turning. Your full face must be visible.
• No headwear — Except for religious purposes, and even then, your full face from hairline to chin must be visible.
• No uniforms — Except religious attire worn daily.
• No headphones or wireless earbuds — A surprisingly common oversight.

Lighting & Quality Standards

Photo quality matters more than most applicants realize:

• Even lighting — No shadows on your face, neck, or the background. Face a window or use two light sources positioned on either side.
• Sharp focus — The image must be in clear focus. No motion blur or soft focus.
• Correct exposure — Not too dark, not too bright. Natural skin tones should be accurate.
• No filters or retouching — Beauty filters, smoothing, or color grading will get your photo rejected.
• No red-eye — If flash causes red-eye, retake the photo rather than digitally correcting it.

How to Take a Passport Photo at Home (2026)

1. Find good lighting — Stand facing a large window during daylight hours. Overcast days produce the most even lighting.
2. Set up your background — Use a white wall or sheet. Or skip this step and remove the background digitally afterward.
3. Position the camera — Have someone hold the camera at eye level, about 4 feet away. Avoid selfies as they cause lens distortion.
4. Take multiple shots — Shoot 10-15 photos with slight adjustments to expression and head position.
5. Select the best photo — Choose one with even lighting, sharp focus, and correct head position.
6. Edit to specifications — Use the Background Remover for a clean white background, then the Image Resizer to set exact 600x600 pixel dimensions.

What's Changed for 2026

The State Department periodically updates its photo requirements. For 2026, the core specifications remain the same as recent years, but enforcement has become stricter with automated scanning systems. Photos are now checked by AI systems before human review, meaning even minor deviations in head size, positioning, or background color are flagged automatically. Taking extra care with your photo saves weeks of processing time.

International Passport Photo Sizes

Traveling internationally? Different countries have different requirements:

Use the Image Resizer to adjust dimensions for any country's requirements.