Do you have to shave for a passport photo?

No. Beards, mustaches, stubble, and any facial hair are completely fine in a US passport photo. There is no rule requiring a clean shave. The only principle that matters is that the photo shows how you actually look now; if you grow or shave a beard after getting the passport, that is also fine and does not require a new photo.

Check your United States passport photo against the official spec → Free check, accepted-or-money-back.

The everyday-appearance principle

Passport photos should capture your normal appearance on the day they are taken. Facial hair is part of that. Officers expect faces to change modestly over a passport's ten-year life, so later changes to your beard do not invalidate the document.

What actually gets bearded photos rejected

The same things as everyone else: head size out of range, shadows, and background problems. One beard-specific note: chin position is measured to the chin itself, and the tool measures the face landmarks, not the hair, so a long beard does not break the head-height measurement.

Frequently asked questions

I shaved after my passport was issued. Do I need a new photo?

No. Normal appearance changes like facial hair, hairstyle or glasses in daily life do not require a new passport photo.

Does facial hair affect the head-size measurement?

Head height is measured from chin to the top of the head. A beard below the chin is not part of the measurement.