Passport Photo FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before You Get Your Picture Taken

Getting passport or ID photos shouldn’t be confusing — but most people have questions about the rules, sizes, backgrounds, expressions, and what’s accepted. At Passport Photos NJ, we take thousands of passport, visa, and ID photos every year, so we put together this helpful FAQ to make the process simple and stress-free.

Below are the most common questions people ask before getting their passport photo — and our expert answers.

1. What Are the Official Passport Photo Requirements?

Here’s what all U.S. passport photos must include:

• Size: 2x2 inches

• Head size: 1"–1 ⅜" from chin to top of head

• Background: Plain white or off-white

• Expression: Neutral, eyes open, facing forward

• No filters, retouching, or enhancements

• No shadows on the face or background

• No hats, sunglasses, uniforms, or headphones

• Taken in the last 6 months

Our in-studio setup meets all official guidelines and ensures your photo is accepted the first time.

2. Can I Wear Glasses in My Passport Photo?

No.
As of 2016, the U.S. Department of State does not allow glasses in passport photos.

If you cannot remove glasses for medical reasons, you must bring a signed doctor’s note.

3. What Should I Wear for My Passport Photo?

You can wear most regular clothing, but choose:

• Solid colors

• No camouflage

• No sleeveless tops (because white backgrounds can make your shoulders disappear)

• No uniforms or anything resembling official attire

Pro tip: Avoid white or very light clothing — it can blend into the background.

4. Can I Smile in My Passport Photo?

A small, natural smile is allowed, but the safest choice is a neutral expression.

We’ll guide you through the correct pose so your photo meets strict ID standards.

5. Do You Take International Passport Pictures?

Yes — we take photos for:

• Canada

• UK

• India

• China

• Italy

• Mexico

• All visa and immigration photos

Each country has different sizing rules — some require larger photos, different head sizes, or unique background colors.

We handle all of those details for you.

6. Do Babies and Newborns Need Passport Photos?

Yes!
Even newborns need their own passport photo.

At Passport Photos NJ, we:

• Provide baby-safe backdrops

• Assist parents in positioning the child

• Take as many shots as needed

• Guarantee acceptance

No need to stress — we do baby passport photos every week.

7. Can I Use a Digital Photo for Online Passport Renewal?

Yes — if you’re renewing online, you must upload a digital photo that meets all requirements.

We provide:

• High-resolution digital copies

• Correct file size and format

• Proper cropping

• A ready-to-upload file

Just upload and go.

8. Can I Take a Passport Photo at Home?

Technically yes — but most home-taken photos are rejected for:

• Shadows

• Wrong background

• Incorrect crop/size

• Poor lighting

• Blurry or pixelated images

We fix all of these professionally in-studio so you don’t lose time with a rejection.

9. How Long Does It Take to Get My Photo?

Just 5 minutes.

You’ll receive:

• Two printed copies

• Optional digital copy

• Guaranteed compliance

Walk-ins are welcome!

10. What If My Passport Picture Gets Rejected?

If your photo was taken at our studio and rejected for any reason, our goal is to make passport photos stress-free. If something doesn’t look quite right, we’re happy to assist until your photos meet official requirements..

Rejections are rare — our controlled lighting and passport-compliant equipment keep your photo within the exact U.S. government specifications.

11. Do You Offer Visa, Work Permit, School ID, and Other Photos?

Yes — we handle:

• Visa photos (all countries)

• Green card / citizenship photos

• Work ID photos

• School photos

• Gun permit photos

• DMV / Real ID replacement photos

If it requires a photo, we’ve done it.

12. What’s the Best Time to Come In?

Walk-ins are welcome anytime during business hours.
If you prefer no wait, you can book an appointment online.

13. How Much Do Passport Photos Cost?

Our pricing is simple:

• 2 printed photos – $15

• Digital file available on request

• International/visa sizes included

No surprises, no upsells.

Final Thoughts

Getting passport pictures shouldn’t be frustrating. With the right lighting, correct background, and professional equipment, your photo is guaranteed to meet official standards.

If you’re in Morris County or the Rockaway area, stop by or book an appointment — we’ll make the process easy and fast.