Passport photo requirements
The State Department rejects a lot of passport photos, and almost always for the same handful of reasons. Here's what the rules actually are. We take them in store and cut them to size, so you don't have to think about most of this.
The basic rules
- 2 x 2 inches, square
- Your head measures between 1 and 1 3/8 inches from chin to the top of your head
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Plain white or off-white background, no shadows, no pattern
- Color, not black and white
No glasses
Glasses have to come off. All of them, prescription and sunglasses and tinted. The only exception is a documented medical reason, and that needs a signed note from your doctor.
This rule catches people out constantly. If you wear glasses every day, take them off a few minutes before the photo so the marks on your nose have time to fade.
Your face and expression
Face the camera straight on. Head not tilted. Neutral expression, mouth closed. A slight smile is usually fine but a big one isn't. Both eyes open and clearly visible, nothing covering them.
What to wear
Normal everyday clothes. What you can't wear:
- Uniforms, or anything that looks like a uniform
- Camouflage
- Headphones or earbuds
- Hats or head coverings, unless worn daily for religious reasons, and then you'll need a signed statement, and your full face still has to be visible
Jewelry and facial piercings are fine as long as they don't cover your face. Avoid a white shirt, because it blends into a white background and washes you out.
Why photos get rejected
The usual reasons:
- Blurry, grainy, or low resolution
- Too dark or too bright
- Shadows on the face or behind the head
- Red eye
- Background isn't plain white
- Head too large or too small in the frame
- Any filter, retouching, or digital editing
- Creases, smudges, or damage to the print
Photos for children and babies
Same rules, with some allowance for infants. The child must be alone in the photo, with no hands holding them, no car seat visible, nothing else in frame. Eyes open if possible, though for newborns that's not required. Bring them in and we'll work with you.
Other countries and other documents
The 2x2 US size isn't universal. Other countries use different dimensions and different rules about background color and expression. Tell us which country when you come in and we'll set it up correctly.
We also do visa photos, green card photos, and ID photos.
How long it takes
A few minutes. No appointment. We take it, check it against the requirements, cut it to size, and hand it to you before you leave.
Come in any time we are open. 2103 Devon Dr in Freehold, Monday to Friday 9 to 6 and Saturday 10 to 2.
Call 732-730-5230 if you'd rather ask first.
Tell us what you need and we'll sort it out
No appointment for this one. Walk in, sit down, and take the prints with you.