Travel Prep Starts Here

Looking to get a professional passport photo? PostalAnnex can help. PostalAnnex specializes in providing you with quality photos and the most up-to-date passport requirement information. For more information, find a PostalAnnex location near you.

Criteria for In-Person Passport Applications

First-time passport application
Not in possession of expired U.S. passport
Expired passport over 15 years from the issue date
Previous passport issued when under 16 years of age
Lost or stolen current passport

U.S. Passport Photo Requirements

There are photo requirements for U.S. passports and these are:

Photo must be in color and sized to where the head is 50-69% of the image's height from chin bottom to top of the head. Roughly 1 – 1 2/8 inch.
Photo must be 6 months old or less
Photo must have a white background
Photo must show full face toward the camera with both eyes open and a neutral expression on the face.

We at PostalAnnex stay up-to-date on the requirements for passport photos and make sure that your photo is ready for all applications.

Tips for the Best Passport Photo

There are several do's and don'ts for the best passport photo. These ensure that your photo will be accepted.

Do's

Do have a neutral expression on your face, eyes open, mouth closed.
Do face the camera head on and not look to the side
Do wear clothes that are not black or white so as not to wash out on the white background of the photo backdrop.
Do wear collared shirts or more business-friendly attire. A professional photo is better for business visas and employer paperwork.
Do wear a conservative neckline shirt or dress. This is because if the photo is cropped you will still appear to be wearing clothes.

Don'ts

Do not wear your glasses, as if there is a lens glare or other problem your photo may be rejected which can cause application delays.
Do not wear earbuds or headphones.
Do not wear a uniform or camouflage as the Passport Agency will reject your photo.
Do not overdo makeup, go for a more natural look.
Do not wear sunglasses or any other item that will cover part of the face. Eyepatches for medical reasons are allowed.
Do not wear hats or headbands, but you may wear religious headgear if you have a letter of explanation.

PostalAnnex can help you get your passport, including taking the photos.

At PostalAnnex, we specialize in taking professional US passport photos, accepted by passport processing agencies. Most stores accept walk-ins, so no appointment is needed. For more information, find and contact your local PostalAnnex location.

Plan Ahead for High Demand

There is currently a high demand for new passports. It is recommended to submit your passport requests well in advance of travel or expedite your items (if necessary) when using available Passport Services.

We’ve put together a few tips to help you get ahead of the travel rush:

Take your passport photos at least 4 months in advance of your trip
If you urgently need a passport, Expedited Passport Services are highly recommended
Contact your local PostalAnnex with any questions about available Passport Services

Passport Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a passport?

Everyone who will be traveling outside the United States and wants to return needs a passport.

Passport Photos