Passport Photo Dress Code: Clothing, Glasses & Earrings Rules
Wearing the wrong shirt color or leaving your glasses on can delay your passport for weeks. Follow this official 2026 guide to ensure your photo passes biometric inspection on your first attempt.
- • Dark, rich colors (navy, black, dark red, forest green)
- • Neutral facial expression with mouth closed
- • Hair tucked behind ears and off your eyebrows
- • Natural, matte makeup with soft lighting
- • White, beige, or pale pastel shirts
- • Eyeglasses, tinted lenses, or sunglasses
- • Uniforms, camouflage patterns, or athletic hoodies
- • Wide smiling, showing teeth, or head tilting
1. What Color Shirt Should You Wear for a Passport Photo?
The US State Department requires a plain white or off-white background. If you wear a white shirt, your body blends into the wall, creating a "floating head" effect that automated biometric scanners reject immediately.
| Clothing Category | Recommended Colors | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Solids | Navy blue, charcoal, black, dark brown | Best Choice |
| Rich Jewels | Burgundy, emerald green, royal blue | Excellent |
| White / Cream | Pure white, off-white, light beige | Strictly Prohibited |
| Uniforms | Military, pilot, police, medical scrubs | Prohibited |
2. Eyeglasses Policy: Can You Wear Glasses in a Passport Photo?
No. Eyeglasses are 100% prohibited in US passport photos. This rule has been in effect since 2016.
Medical Exemption Only
You may only keep glasses on if you have a signed medical statement from a licensed physician explaining that eye surgery prevents you from removing them. Even with an exemption, frames cannot obscure your eyes.
3. Hair, Makeup, and Earrings Guidelines
Biometric cameras measure the distance between your eyes, nose, chin, and ears. Follow these specific styling tips:
Hair & Bangs
Hair must not cover your eyes or eyebrows. Tuck long hair behind your ears or pin long bangs to the side.
Makeup
Keep makeup natural and matte. Avoid glossy highlighters or heavy bronzer that can cause shiny hot spots in flash photography.
Earrings & Piercings
Small studs and nose rings are allowed. Avoid large hoops, chunky necklaces, or anything that casts shadows.
4. Glossy vs. Matte Paper: Which Is Better?
Both glossy and matte photo papers are fully accepted by the US Department of State and major visa authorities. The most critical factor is print quality: the paper must be genuine photo-quality paper printed at 300 DPI or higher without visible pixelation or ink smudges.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should you wear for a passport photo, and what is the best shirt color?
Wear comfortable everyday clothing in dark or vibrant colors (such as navy blue, black, dark green, or charcoal). Avoid white or cream tops because they blend into the white background and cause rejection.
Can you smile in a passport photo?
No. Biometric standards require a neutral facial expression with your mouth completely closed and both eyes looking straight into the camera. Smiling or showing teeth alters facial measurements.
Can you wear eyeglasses in a passport photo?
No. The US State Department strictly bans eyeglasses in passport photos to prevent flash glare and shadow over the eyes. Medical exemptions require a signed doctor's statement.
Can you wear earrings or jewelry in a passport photo?
Yes, small studs and subtle jewelry are permitted. Avoid large hoops, long dangling earrings, or reflective necklaces that obscure facial edges or cast shadows.
Can you wear makeup in a passport photo?
Yes, natural everyday makeup is allowed. Avoid heavy contouring, excessive glitter, or shiny highlighters that change your natural facial geometry or cause camera reflections.
Can you have bangs or dyed hair in a passport photo?
Yes, dyed hair and bangs are allowed. However, bangs must not cover your eyes or eyebrows. Pin long bangs back so your entire brow line is clearly visible.
Should passport photos be printed on glossy or matte paper?
Both glossy and matte photo-quality papers are accepted by the US Department of State and foreign consulates. Ensure the photo is crisp, non-textured, and free of smudges.
What is the most common reason passport photos get rejected?
The top rejection reasons are white shirts blending into the backdrop, wearing glasses, smiling with teeth visible, shadows under the chin, and hair covering the eyes or eyebrows.