Photograph Instructions for U.S. Passports and Visas
(Updated Nov. 18, 2003)

The U.S. Department of State requires the following type of photo for U.S. passports and visas:

• An unmounted full face photo, taken within the past six months. A "full face" photo is one in which the applicant is facing the camera directly with eyes open.
• The photo should measure 2 inches square (roughly 50 mm square) with the head centered in the frame.
• Photos may be either in color or black and white and must be taken against a white or off-white background.
• Photos should be printed without borders.
• The head should cover roughly 50% of the area of the photo.
• The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm to 35 mm) with the eye level between 1 1/8 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo.
• Do not look down or to either side.
• Do not wear earrings, a head covering, or dark glasses.
• It is preferable that the ears be exposed.