Scars, birthmarks, and moles in a passport photo
Scars, birthmarks, moles, and other permanent features of your face are allowed in a US passport photo, and they should appear exactly as they normally do. A passport photo has to look like your true, everyday appearance, so you must not edit them out, cover them with heavy makeup, or hide them behind hair. The rest of the standard rules still apply: a plain white background, a neutral expression or natural smile, even lighting with no shadows, and the full face visible. Distinctive features actually help a border officer confirm the passport is yours.
Leave permanent features as they are
A scar, birthmark, or mole is part of how you look, and the photo is meant to match the face you present at the border. Do not brush them out or paint over them. Everyday makeup is fine, but do not use it to conceal a permanent mark, and do not let hair fall across the feature if it also covers part of your face.
Never edit the photo to remove a mark
Retouching a scar or blemish out of the photo is exactly the kind of digital alteration US authorities reject as of 2026, and it also makes the passport look less like you. Submit the unedited file. A free compliance check confirms the photo meets the spec without you having to touch a single pixel.
Frequently asked questions
Are scars and birthmarks allowed in a passport photo?
Yes. They are permanent features of your appearance and are fully allowed. The photo should show them as they normally look so it matches your real face.
Should I cover a mole or scar with makeup for the photo?
No. Light everyday makeup is fine, but you should not use it to hide a permanent feature. The passport photo needs to reflect your genuine everyday appearance.
Can I edit a blemish out of my passport photo?
No. Removing or retouching features is a digital alteration, which US authorities reject as of 2026. A temporary spot like a pimple you can simply wait out and retake, but do not edit the image.
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