The document outlines essential photo requirements for U.S. passport applications, including specific guidelines for pose, size, quality, and appearance. Passport photos must be 2x2 inches, in color, with a neutral expression against a white background, and should not include selfies or digital alterations. Special instructions for photographing children are also provided, emphasizing the need for the child's face to be unobstructed and their expression neutral.

1. U.S. Passport Services
Photo Requirements

2. 1
• Pose and expression
2
• Size
3
• Quality
4
• Appearance
5
• Photographing children
Applying for a U.S. passport in the UK?
Keep reading to make sure your photograph
meets the Department of State’s requirements

3. Pose and expression

4. Pose and expression
1
• Directly facing the camera
with your head centered in the photo
2
• Your eyes open and
your mouth closed in a neutral expression
3
• A good likeness of your current appearance,
taken within the last six months

5. Size

6. Size
1
• 2 inches by 2 inches square (51mm x 51mm)
2
• Your head should be between 1inch and 1 3/8 inches
(22mm and 35mm) or between 50% and 69%
of the total height of the image
3 • A U.S. passport photo is not the same size
as a UK passport photo!

7. You can use the Department of State’s
handy online tool to crop your
photo to the right size
1
• Upload your photograph to your computer
2
• Visit bit.ly/photographtool
3
• Click ‘Choose Photo’ at the bottom of the webpage
to get started!

8. Quality

9. Quality
1
• Must be in color and
taken against a white or off-white background
2
• Must accurately reflect skin tones and
not be underexposed, overexposed or in shadow
3
• Must be in focus, not grainy, blurry, pixelated or damaged
– do not scan the photo from your driving license!

10. Appearance

11. Appearance
1 • No selfies, holidays snaps or social media pictures!
2
• A head covering can be worn
if your wear it daily for religious reasons
and it does not obscure your face in the photograph
3 • Don’t wear a hat, helmet or uniform
4 • Make sure your hair does not cover your face
5 • Don’t digitally alter your photo (except red-eye removal)
6 • If you wear glasses, take them off for the photograph

12. Photographing children

13. Photographing children
1 • Your child’s eyes should be open and their
mouth closed in a neutral expression, if at all possible
2
• You can lay your baby on a white sheet
or in a car seat covered with a white sheet
3 • No-one else should be visible in the photograph
4 • Nothing should cover your child’s face

14. Remember
1
• Your must face the camera looking straight ahead with your
eyes open and your mouth closed in a neutral expression
2
• Don’t wear glasses in the photo
3
• The photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches
– that’s not the same as a UK passport photo!
4
• Your photo must be in color and
taken against a white or off-white background
5
• You can crop your photograph using bit.ly/photographtool
6
• No selfies, holiday snaps, social media pictures
or digitally altered photos!

15. Once your photo is ready, please return to
our website at bit.ly/uspptinuk
Select the service you wish to
apply for to obtain a
list of documents required
and information about
how to submit your application

16. Click on the logos below for information and
updates from U.S. Embassy London!
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