When applying for a U.S. passport, you need to send two identical photographs that are 2 x 2 inches in size. The distance between the bottom of your chin to the top of your head must be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches. Most European Union countries, the United Kingdom and Australia require "standard" 3.5 x 4.5 cm passport photos.
For a U.S. passport, your two identical passport pictures must be in color, show current appearance, show your full face in a front view and must be shot on a white or off-white background. These rules are also applicable to passport photographs for other countries.
You must not wear any hat or head gear that might obscure your face, hair or hairline with the exception of a religious uniform that you wear everyday. If you wear prescription glasses, a hearing device or a wig normally, then wear them while having the passport photo taken. However, dark sunglasses or non-prescription, tinted glasses that are not medically required should not be worn in the passport picture. Ensure that your entire face is visible clearly with no shadow or glare affecting on it. Your eyes and ears should be visible. Pull your hair back if needed. You must have a neutral expression with mouth closed. The passport photos should be clear, sharp and correctly exposed. Blurred, out of focus images are unacceptable. You must face forward, looking straight into the camera with no head tilt.
All passport pictures must be recent, having been taken in the last 6 months and must show the current appearance.
The purpose of a passport picture is primarily for identification, especially during international travel and also anywhere else you use your passport as an identification document.
