What to Wear for a US Passport Photo? (2026 Guide: Do’s & Don’ts)
When taking a U.S. passport photo, the safest choice is regular, everyday clothing: the kind you normally wear daily. The U.S. Department of State also has strict rules on items that can cause rejection, especially uniform-like clothing, glasses, and hats or head coverings (with limited exceptions).
Quick answer
Wear a simple, everyday top that contrasts with the required white or off-white background. Remove glasses and hats or head coverings unless you qualify for a religious or medical exception.
What to wear (Do’s)
1) Attire: simple, everyday tops
The official standard is normal daily clothing.
Good options that usually photograph well:
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Crew neck T-shirt
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Polo shirt
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Button-down shirt or blouse
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Knit top with a modest neckline
Tip: Choose necklines that won’t look “bare-shouldered” when cropped to head-and-shoulders.
2) Color: mid-tone or darker solids (recommended)
The background must be white or off-white, so darker or mid-tone colors usually create clean contrast.
Recommended:
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Navy, charcoal, black, deep green, burgundy, chocolate
3) Fabric: matte, non-reflective (recommended)
Tip: Matte fabrics (cotton/knit) reduce glare and hotspots under bright lighting.
4) Accessories: keep it minimal
You may wear jewelry and keep facial piercings as long as they do not hide your face.
Recommended:
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Small studs, simple pieces that don’t cast shadows or distract
What NOT to wear (Don’ts)
1) Uniforms, uniform-like clothing, and camouflage
You cannot wear a uniform, clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage clothing.
2) Glasses
You must remove eyeglasses,sunglasses or tinted glasses. If you cannot remove glasses for medical reasons, you must include a signed note from your doctor.
3) Hats and fashion headwear
Remove hats or head coverings. Exceptions are allowed for religious or medical purposes, with the required statement. If permitted, your full face must be visible, with no shadows, and the covering should be one color with no patterns/small holes.
4) Anything that obscures your face
Also not allowed:
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Headphones or wireless hands-free devices
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Face coverings/medical masks (must be removed so your full face is visible)
- Large accessories that cover facial features or cast shadows
Reminders: pose and size requirements
Even perfect clothing won’t help if the photo fails technical rules:
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Photo is 2×2 inches and head size meets the required measurements
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Plain white or off-white background
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Full-face view, directly facing camera; neutral expression; both eyes open
FAQ
Can I wear makeup?
Yes, but keep it natural and avoid heavy shine that can create glare.
Can I wear earrings or a necklace?
Yes, They must be small, discreet, and non-reflective, and they must not cover your face or create shadows. Avoid large, dangling, or shiny jewelry that could distract from or interfere with facial recognition.
Can I wear glasses if they’re prescription?
No, unless you qualify for a rare medical exception and provide the required signed medical statement.
Can I wear a head covering?
Only for religious or medical reasons, with the required signed statement, and your full face must remain visible without shadows.
Does it matter what clothes I wear for a passport photo?
Yes, what you wear in a passport photo does matter.
Wear plain, solid-colored everyday clothing that contrasts with the background. Avoid white tops, uniforms, camouflage, hats, large jewelry, and tinted or reflective glasses. Your full face must be visible with a neutral expression. This helps prevent photo rejection and application delays.
What is the best color to wear for a passport photo?
Dark, solid colors are best for passport photos.
Navy blue, dark gray, charcoal, deep green, and burgundy provide good contrast against the light background and clearly define your face and shoulders. Avoid white, light pastels, neon colors, busy patterns, and camouflage, as they can blend into the background or cause photo rejection.