What to Wear for a Passport Photo: US Rules & Tips

Your outfit is one of the easiest ways to get a US passport photo rejected, and one of the easiest things to fix once you know the rules. The State Department does not require anything formal, yet a plain white t-shirt, a team jersey, or your prescription glasses can all send your application back. This guide covers what to wear for a passport photo, the passport photo clothing that photographs well, and the mistakes that cause rejections.

If you would rather not memorize any of this, run your photo through our free passport photo checker before you print or submit it.

The one rule that drives everything: everyday clothing

The official guidance from travel.state.gov is short: wear the clothing you normally wear on a daily basis. That single rule explains almost every do and don't below.

• No uniforms of any kind. Military, nursing, police, security, airline, and school uniforms are all prohibited. If someone could identify your job from the photo, change your top.
• No camouflage. Camouflage-patterned clothing is specifically called out as not allowed, even though it is not a formal uniform.
• No costumes or items worn only for effect. That includes anything you would not wear to work or the grocery store.

Everything else is "dress like a normal day." A collared shirt, sweater, blouse, or plain crew-neck top is all fine.

Colors that work against a white background

US passport photos are taken against a plain white or off-white background. That fact should drive your color choice, because your clothing needs to contrast with the background so the camera can tell where you end and the wall begins.

• Avoid white and very light tops. A white shirt blends into the white background, and your shoulders can wash out. This is the single most common wardrobe mistake. Pale pastels, cream, and light beige cause the same problem.
• Choose medium to dark, solid colors. Navy, charcoal, forest green, burgundy, medium blue, and black all photograph cleanly and define your shoulders.
• Prefer solids over loud patterns. Small subtle patterns are usually fine, but large logos, stripes, and busy prints distract from your face and can confuse automated checks.

A plain, medium-toned everyday top is the safest choice.

Glasses: not allowed since November 2016

This one surprises people. As of November 1, 2016, eyeglasses are no longer allowed in US passport photos. Take them off before the picture is taken, even if you wear them all day.

There is a narrow medical exception: if you cannot remove your glasses for medical reasons (for example, after recent eye surgery), you must submit a signed statement from a medical professional. Absent that, remove them. No exceptions for reading glasses, sunglasses, or tinted lenses.

Jewelry, makeup, and hair

• Jewelry is allowed as long as it does not obscure your face. Small everyday earrings, a necklace, or a ring are fine. Skip anything large that casts shadows or covers part of your face.
• Permanent jewelry and facial piercings are acceptable because they are part of your normal appearance.
• Everyday makeup is fine. You do not need to remove it. Avoid heavy makeup that significantly changes how you look, since the photo must be a true representation of your appearance.
• Keep hair off your face. Both eyes and the full outline of your face must be visible. Push long bangs aside so they do not cover your eyes or eyebrows.

Head coverings: religious and medical exceptions

You generally cannot wear a hat or head covering. There are two exceptions, and both require paperwork.

• Religious head coverings worn daily are permitted. You must submit a signed statement verifying that the covering is part of the traditional religious attire you wear continuously in public.
• Medical head coverings (for example, after chemotherapy) are permitted with a signed doctor's statement.

In both cases, your full face must still be visible from the chin to the top of the forehead, both edges of the face must be clear, and the covering cannot cast shadows across your face.

What not to wear: quick rejection list

To make "what not to wear passport photo" simple, avoid all of these:

• White, cream, or very pale tops that blend into the background.
• Any uniform (work, military, school) or camouflage.
• Eyeglasses of any kind, including reading glasses and tinted lenses.
• Hats or head coverings without a religious or medical statement.
• Headphones, earbuds, or wireless devices.
• Large jewelry, sunglasses on the head, or anything shadowing the face.
• Bright, distracting patterns or big logos.

Tips by person

Men: A plain navy, gray, or dark crew-neck or collared shirt is ideal. Neaten facial hair only if you would in daily life; you do not have to shave. Remove hats and glasses.

Women: A solid medium- or dark-colored blouse, sweater, or top works well. Keep makeup close to your everyday look and pull hair back from your eyes. Small earrings are fine; skip statement necklaces that reach your face.

Kids and teens: No uniforms, including school uniforms. Dress them in a plain colored top; the same background and face-visibility rules apply.

Quick checklist

• Everyday clothing, nothing formal required
• Medium or dark solid color that contrasts with the white background
• No white, cream, or very light tops
• No uniforms and no camouflage
• Glasses off (medical exception needs a signed statement)
• Hats and head coverings off, unless religious or medical with a signed statement
• Both eyes and the full face clearly visible, hair off the face
• Small jewelry only; nothing that shadows or covers the face
• Everyday makeup fine; avoid a dramatic change from your normal look

Before you commit, confirm the fine print on size, background, and lighting. Our full guide to the US passport photo requirements walks through every technical spec, and the free passport photo checker flags clothing and background problems in seconds.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear a white shirt for a passport photo?

It is strongly discouraged. There is no rule that literally bans white clothing, but because the background is white, a white or very light top blends in and your shoulders can wash out. This is a leading cause of rejected photos. Choose a medium or dark solid color instead.

Do I have to take off my glasses?

Yes. Since November 1, 2016, glasses are not allowed in US passport photos. Remove them before the photo is taken. The only exception is a documented medical reason, which requires a signed statement from a medical professional submitted with your application.

Can I wear a hat or head covering?

Not normally. Hats and head coverings are prohibited unless you wear one daily for religious reasons or need one medically. Both cases require a signed statement, and your full face must remain visible with no shadows.

Can I wear jewelry and makeup?

Yes, within reason. Everyday jewelry and makeup are allowed as long as they do not obscure your face or dramatically change your appearance. Avoid large pieces that cast shadows and keep makeup close to how you look on a normal day, since the photo must truly represent you.

Ready to check? Upload your photo to the free passport photo checker and confirm your outfit, background, and framing all pass before you print or submit.