Passport photo rules: glasses, hats, and what to wear

For a US passport photo: no glasses (removed from acceptable photos in November 2016; the only exception is a medical reason with a signed doctor's note), no hats or head coverings (except religious attire worn continuously in public or a medical covering, each with a signed statement, and your full face, hairline included, must stay visible with no shadows), and normal daytime clothing, meaning what you wear on a typical day. Uniforms are not permitted, and neither are headphones or wireless hands-free devices. Expression: neutral or a natural smile, both eyes open.

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Glasses: no, since 2016

The State Department stopped accepting photos with eyeglasses in November 2016 because glare and frames caused a large share of rejections. Take them off for the photo. The single exception is medical: if you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons, you must include a signed note from your doctor with your application, and even then your eyes must be fully visible with no glare. Sunglasses and tinted lenses are never accepted.

Hats and head coverings: two narrow exceptions

The default rule is no hat or head covering of any kind. A religious head covering is allowed if it is part of recognized, traditional religious attire customarily worn continuously in public, with a signed statement verifying that. A medical head covering is allowed with a signed doctor's statement verifying it is used daily for medical purposes.

In both cases your full face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead, and the covering cannot obscure your hairline or cast shadows on your face. A fashion hat, cap, or headband does not qualify under either exception.

What to wear (and what not to)

The official requirement is normal daytime attire: clothing you would wear on an ordinary day. Uniforms, and clothing that looks like a uniform, are not permitted; camouflage is a common trip-up. Headphones and wireless hands-free devices must come off. Jewelry and piercings are fine as long as they do not hide the face, and there is no rule against makeup or a beard you normally wear.

A practical tip: wear a color that contrasts with the required plain white background, since a white shirt can blend into it. Once dressed, the photo still has to pass on framing, head size, background, and lighting, which cause far more rejections than clothing does. Upload your photo here for a free check against the official spec; $9 only if it passes, money back if it is rejected.

Frequently asked questions

Can a passport photo have glasses?

No. The US has not accepted passport photos with glasses since November 2016, except for a documented medical reason with a signed doctor's note, and even then there must be no glare and your eyes must be fully visible.

Can you wear a hat in a passport photo?

No, unless it is religious attire worn continuously in public or a daily medical covering, each documented with a signed statement. Your full face and hairline must remain visible.

What can you wear for a passport photo?

Normal daytime clothing, whatever you wear on a typical day. Uniforms and uniform-like clothing are not permitted, and headphones or wireless earpieces must come off.

Can I wear a white shirt in a passport photo?

It is allowed, but risky in practice: a white shirt can blend into the required white background. A contrasting color photographs more reliably.

Do the same clothing rules apply in other countries?

Broadly yes (plain everyday clothing, no uniforms), but expression rules differ: the UK, Schengen countries, and India require a fully neutral expression, while the US also accepts a natural smile.

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