You must submit two identical photographs of yourself when applying for either the passport book or the passport card (which can be used in land crossings along the United States' shared borders).
Although the passport card will contain your scanned photograph in black and white, you must submit color photographs when applying for either the passport card or the passport book.
Passport pictures must be 2 inches by 2 inches, or approximately 5.1 cm by 5.1 cm. The distance from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head must measure at least 1 inch (2.5 cm), but not exceed 1 3/8 inch (appx. 3.6 cm).
Both the paper on which the pictures are printed, and the picture itself, must pass the standards issued by the State Department. The pictures should be printed on thin, photo-quality paper. The pictures you submit for your passport book or card must be clear and correctly exposed. Avoid pictures that are overexposed, as overexposure may cause light patches on your face. Also avoid pictures that have shadows on your face or are too dark. Pictures must be of good quality resolution, with no visible dots. Photos should be clearly focused, and you must be looking directly into the camera, head facing forward.
The photographs must have been taken within the last six months and show your current appearance. Your full face must be shown, and be sure to have a white, or off-white background so that your face can be clearly seen. You must wear normal street attire. No uniforms are allowed, except religious attire worn daily. Hats or headwear that obscure your hair or hairline are not permitted. Any items you normally wear, such as a hearing device, wig or prescription glasses should be worn in the picture. However, do not wear dark or tinted glasses, unless they are medically required, and then be prepared to present a medical certificate.
If you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time, you will fill out the DS-11 form (available online on the State Department website) and submit it in person. When submitting the DS-11, your photos should not be attached to the form, as you will present them to a State Department official. If you are eligible for a renewal by mail, you will fill out the DS-82. In this case, in the space provided for your picture, staple your picture to the form with four vertical staples, one in each corner. The second photo should be enclosed with the application but left unattached.
