United States government guidelines dictate that a passport picture must measure 2 inches by 2 inches. Passports will not be issued with photos that do not conform to the requested size. The face must be in the center of the picture and be between 1 and 1 3/8 inches in size. It must be a picture taken not more than six months prior to application.
Passport photos must be in color. The subject should be facing forward with a neutral expression and the photo taken against a light background providing a good contrast. This makes a face easier to identify.
Passport photos must not be damaged, creased or otherwise worn, or they will not be accepted. Blurred or overexposed pictures, and images of the subject with red-eye, won't pass muster either. Pictures must be submitted on white photo paper with a white border around the image. The face must be completely visible and not obscured in any way.
Religious garments such as a hijab or turban can be worn, but the subject's face must not be covered up. A person who wears glasses all the time should have them on in the photo. Dark glasses, however, are not permitted. Photos of infants or small children need to be free of toys, comforters and pacifiers.
