Quick Summary
Official US Passport Photo Clothing Rules
The US State Department has clear rules about what you can and can't wear in a passport photo. According to official guidelines:
- No glasses — all eyeglasses have been banned from US passport photos since November 2016, even prescription glasses
- No uniforms or camouflage — unless you wear them daily for religious reasons
- No hats or head coverings — unless for religious or medical reasons (a signed statement may be required)
- No headphones or wireless earbuds
Beyond these explicit rules, the State Department also requires a plain white background. This means your clothing choice directly affects whether your photo looks right — a white shirt on a white background will cause problems.
Best Colors to Wear for a Passport Photo
The right color creates clear contrast against the white background and makes your photo look professional. Here are the best choices:
The #1 recommended color. Provides excellent contrast, looks professional, and works for everyone.
Great contrast and flattering on most skin tones. A popular alternative to navy.
Provides strong contrast and adds warmth. Works well against the white background.
A safe, professional choice. Provides clean contrast without being too bold.
Pro tip: A plain, solid color is always safest. If you must wear a pattern, choose something subtle like fine pinstripes rather than large prints or logos.
Colors to Avoid
White / Off-White
Will blend into the white background completely. Your shoulders will disappear and the photo will almost certainly be rejected.
Very Light Colors (Pastel Yellow, Light Pink, Cream)
Can wash out against the background and create insufficient contrast. The camera may struggle to define where your clothing ends and the background begins.
Bright Neon Colors
Can cause color cast on your skin, making your skin tone appear unnatural. Bright orange or fluorescent yellow are particularly problematic.
Busy Patterns, Logos, or Text
Large patterns, graphics, or text on clothing can be distracting and may affect photo processing. Stick to plain, solid colors.
Uniforms or Camouflage
The State Department explicitly prohibits wearing uniforms or camouflage in passport photos, unless you wear them daily for religious reasons.
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Glasses Rules for Passport Photos
Glasses are BANNED in US passport photos. Since November 2016, the State Department no longer allows any eyeglasses in passport or visa photos — including prescription glasses.
The only exception is if you have a signed medical statement from your doctor confirming that you cannot remove your glasses. In this case, the statement must be submitted with your passport application.
This rule also covers:
- Prescription glasses
- Reading glasses
- Sunglasses
- Tinted lenses
- Transition lenses
Why were glasses banned? The State Department found that glare and reflections from glasses interfered with facial recognition technology used at border control. Removing glasses improved match accuracy significantly.
Jewelry & Accessories
There are no specific rules banning jewelry from passport photos, but there are practical considerations:
✓ Generally Fine
- • Small stud earrings
- • Simple necklaces (below neckline)
- • Wedding rings (not visible)
- • Small nose studs
✗ Best to Remove
- • Large dangling earrings
- • Facial piercings that cast shadows
- • Chunky necklaces near the face
- • Headbands or hair accessories
- • Headphones or earbuds
The key rule: nothing should obscure any part of your face or cast shadows on it. If in doubt, remove it — you can always put it back on after taking the photo.
Hair Rules for Passport Photos
The State Department requires your full face to be visible, which affects how you wear your hair:
- Your full face must be visible — hair should not cover your eyebrows, eyes, or cheeks
- Both ears don't need to be visible — it's fine if your hair covers your ears, as long as your face is clear
- Fringes/bangs are fine — as long as they don't cover your eyebrows or eyes
- Natural hair volume is fine — afros and voluminous hairstyles are perfectly acceptable
Tip: If your hair tends to fall across your face, pin it back or tuck it behind your ears before taking your photo. You can style it normally afterward.
Makeup Tips for Passport Photos
Yes, you can wear makeup for a passport photo. The key principle is that your photo must look like you in your everyday appearance. Here's what works and what doesn't:
Natural, Everyday Makeup
Foundation, concealer, light blush, mascara, and subtle lip color are all fine. The goal is to look like yourself.
Matte Foundation Over Glossy
Matte foundation prevents shine and reflections, which can cause issues with photo processing. Set with translucent powder if needed.
Heavy Contouring or Highlighting
Heavy contouring can alter the appearance of your facial structure. Strong highlighter can create unwanted reflections.
Dramatic Eye Makeup or False Lashes
Bold smoky eyes or theatrical false lashes can alter your eye shape enough to cause recognition issues. Keep eye makeup subtle.
Colored Contact Lenses
Colored or patterned contact lenses that change your eye color are not allowed. Clear prescription contacts are fine.
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Religious & Medical Headwear
The US State Department allows head coverings in passport photos only for religious or medical reasons. You may need to submit a signed statement explaining why you wear the head covering.
- Hijabs, headscarves, and other religious head coverings
- Turbans and patkas
- Kippot / yarmulkes
- Medical head coverings (e.g., for chemotherapy or alopecia)
Requirements:
- Your full face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead
- The head covering must not cast shadows on your face
- You may need to include a signed statement with your application
What Should Children & Babies Wear?
The same clothing rules apply to children as adults, but there are a few additional considerations:
- Avoid bibs — remove bibs before taking the photo
- No hats or headbands — even cute ones need to come off
- No dummies/pacifiers — remove before taking the photo
- Simple, solid colors — avoid clothing with characters or large graphics
- Dark colors work best — same as for adults, darker clothing provides better contrast
For babies, it can help to dress them in a plain, dark bodysuit or vest. Don't worry too much about the outfit — the main thing is that their face is clearly visible with no obstructions.
See our complete guide to baby passport photos for more tips on getting a great photo of your little one.
Complete Do's & Don'ts Checklist
✓ DO
- Wear dark, solid colors (navy, dark green, burgundy)
- Wear a crew neck, V-neck, or collared shirt
- Keep makeup natural and subtle
- Pin hair back if it tends to fall forward
- Remove all glasses (required since 2016)
- Remove large jewelry and accessories
✗ DON'T
- Wear white or very light colors
- Wear busy patterns, logos, or graphics
- Wear hats or non-religious head coverings
- Wear headphones or earbuds
- Use heavy contouring or dramatic makeup
- Wear strapless tops (your shoulders should be clothed)
- Wear uniforms or camouflage