Passport photo rules: glasses, smile, hair and clothes
In a US passport photo you cannot wear glasses (unless medically necessary, with a doctor’s statement), hats or head coverings (unless for religious or medical reasons, with a signed statement), headphones or uniforms. A natural closed-mouth smile is allowed, jewelry and piercings are fine if they don’t hide your face, and your hair must not cover your eyes.
Glasses
Take them off. Glasses, sunglasses and tinted lenses have not been allowed in US passport photos since 2016.
The only exception is a medical reason. In that case, include a signed statement from your doctor with your application, and make sure there is no glare and the frames don’t cover your eyes.
Smiling and expression
Look straight at the camera with both eyes open. A neutral face is safest. A natural smile is allowed, but keep your mouth closed: no teeth.
Babies are the exception for eyes: their eyes may be partly or fully closed.
Hair and makeup
- Hair can be worn any way, as long as it does not cover your eyes or other facial features.
- Hair may go past the edges of the photo, as long as the whole head is shown.
- Everyday makeup is fine. The photo itself must not be retouched, filtered or edited.
Hats, head coverings and religious dress
No hats or head coverings, unless you wear one every day for religious or medical reasons. In that case, include a signed statement, make sure your full face is visible, and that the covering doesn’t cast shadows on your face.
Clothes, jewelry and accessories
- Clothes: everyday clothes are fine. No uniforms, and no camouflage.
- Jewelry and piercings: allowed if they don’t hide your face.
- Headphones and earbuds: not allowed, nor any wireless device on your ears.
- Face masks: not allowed.
- Colour tip: avoid a white top against a white wall, so your shoulders stand out from the background.
Photo quality rules
- In colour, sharp, not blurry, grainy or pixelated
- Even light, no shadows on your face or the background
- No filters, retouching, red-eye removal or AI edits
- Printed on matte or glossy photo paper, not a photocopy or a scan
- Taken in the last 6 months
Questions
Can I wear glasses in my passport photo if I always wear them?
No. Only for medical reasons, with a signed doctor’s statement.
Can I wear earrings in a passport photo?
Yes, if they don’t hide your face.
Can I wear a white shirt?
It is not forbidden, but against a white wall it can blend in. A darker or coloured top is safer.
Can I smile in my passport photo?
A natural closed-mouth smile is allowed. A neutral face is the safest choice.
Sources: Passport photos - travel.state.gov . Checked Oct 4, 2026. How we keep rules accurate