Wear everyday clothes in a dark, solid color, like navy, black, or gray. Take off your glasses and any hat, and skip uniforms, camouflage, and headphones. Those are the State Department’s passport photo rules for clothing, and the right outfit helps your photo pass the first time.
The photo you send in is a key part of your passport application. If it doesn’t follow the rules, it can be rejected, and your travel plans can slip by weeks. Here’s what to wear, what to avoid, and how to get the photo right.
Dressing for success: what to wear for your passport photo
Picking the right outfit can make a big difference. A few pointers:
Choose dark, solid colors
Darker shades like navy, black, or gray contrast nicely against the white or off-white background. Your face stands out, which is exactly what you want.
Skip white or very light colors
The background will be white or off-white. White clothing isn’t banned, but it can blend into the background and make the photo look washed out. We suggest a darker top.
Keep it simple and neat
There’s no need for a fancy outfit. Casual, everyday clothing is right. For a polished look, make sure it’s clean and free of wrinkles.
What you should avoid wearing
Some items are against the rules, and others just make a rejection more likely:
- Glasses. Take them off, prescription glasses and sunglasses included. If you truly can’t remove them for medical reasons, send a signed note from your doctor with your application.
- Hats and headgear. Remove them, unless you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons. In that case, include a signed statement, and your full face must still be visible.
- Uniforms and camouflage. The State Department doesn’t accept a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage.
- Headphones and earbuds. No headphones or wireless hands-free devices.
- Big logos, text, or busy patterns. They’re not banned, but they pull attention from your face.
- Heavy makeup or large accessories. Jewelry and piercings are fine if they don’t hide your face. Makeup is fine too, as long as you still look like yourself.
How to take a great passport photo
There’s more to a good photo than your outfit.
Make sure your face is fully visible
If you have long hair, pull it back so it doesn’t cover your eyes or cast shadows.
Go for a neutral expression or a natural smile
The State Department accepts a neutral expression or a natural smile, with your mouth closed and both eyes open. Skip the toothy grin and any exaggerated expression. When in doubt, keep it relaxed and neutral.
Use a plain background
Passport photos need a plain white or off-white background. If you take the photo at home, use a plain wall with nothing behind you.
Check the lighting
Light your face evenly, so there are no shadows from your hair, your clothing, or the room.
For the full list of size, background, and print rules, see our guide to passport photo requirements.
What to wear to your passport appointment
If you’re applying in person, the photo is often taken at the same visit, so dress for the photo. Wear the dark, solid top you’d pick for the picture, and bring your glasses case so you can take them off. There’s no other dress code for the appointment itself.
Common mistakes that can delay your passport application
Photo problems are one of the most common reasons we see applications delayed. These are easy to avoid:
- Wearing glasses or a hat. Many people forget to take their glasses off.
- Blending into the background. A white or very light top against a white background can wash out the photo.
- Editing the photo. Filters, beauty modes, and retouching aren’t allowed.
Already had a photo sent back? Our guide to a rejected passport photo explains what to do next.
Get your photo and your passport with us
The most common mistake we correct is the photo. We take passport photos at our offices for $10, and we know the rules well. Call us to set it up at the office nearest you.
In a rush? We’re a registered courier service, and with our Emergency service we can get your passport in as fast as 2 to 3 business days. You still pay the government fees, and our service fee is on top of that. We can only take on an application we submit from the start, so call us before you mail anything. See our pricing.