U.S. FEDERAL REQUIREMENT
U.S. Passport Photo Requirements for Paper Applications
When a paper U.S. passport application needs a printed photo, photo size and quality rules, and when an acceptance facility may take it.
Bring one printed photo.
Sources reviewed: October 11, 2026
What to prepare
Bring one printed photo.
A paper passport application or paper renewal requires one printed photo. Some acceptance facilities offer photo services; confirm with the location before your appointment.
- One color photo taken within the last six months.
- Print size: 2 × 2 inches; head height: 1 to 1⅜ inches.
- Plain white or off-white background; full-face, forward-facing view.
- Use matte or glossy photo-quality paper. Do not submit a photocopy or scanned print.
- Do not use filters, retouching, appearance changes, or AI edits.
Official laws, regulations, and agency instructions
Check your application
Instructions can depend on the exact application path. Confirm the agency’s current requirements before preparing a photo.
Open the photo checker