What to Wear for Passport Photo 2026: Official Guide
Getting your passport photo right isn't just about looking good—it's about meeting strict official requirements that could make or break your application. With passport rejection rates for photo issues reaching 20% of all applications, knowing what to wear for passport photo sessions in 2026 can save you time, money, and frustration. This comprehensive guide covers everything from official dress code requirements to expert styling tips that will help you create a photo you'll be proud to show for the next decade.
Official Passport Photo Clothing Requirements
Understanding what you can and cannot wear in your passport photo starts with knowing the official rules. According to U.S. State Department passport photo requirements, your clothing choices directly impact whether your photo will be accepted. Since this photo will represent you for up to 10 years, it's essential to get it right the first time.
What You Absolutely Cannot Wear
The State Department has strict prohibitions on certain clothing items:
- Uniforms of any kind – including military, work, or airline uniforms
- Camouflage patterns – whether military or hunting-style clothing
- Hats or head coverings – unless worn daily for religious purposes with a signed statement
- Headphones or wireless devices – no earbuds or Bluetooth headphones visible
- Eyeglasses – must be removed (medical exceptions require doctor's note)
- Face coverings or medical masks – your full face must be visible
Best Colors to Wear for Passport Photos
Color choice is critical for passport photos. Since the official background is white or off-white, your clothing needs to create proper contrast to avoid rejection.
Recommended Colors
According to fashion and photography experts at Vogue, the passport makeup trend—which has garnered over 385 million views on TikTok—emphasizes strategic color choices. Makeup artist Mata Mariélle recommends wearing colors that "elevate your natural features without fighting against the flat lighting of passport photo booths."
Best color choices:
- Navy blue – classic, professional, and photographs beautifully
- Black – creates maximum contrast with white background
- Dark gray – sophisticated and timeless
- Burgundy or wine – adds warmth while maintaining contrast
- Forest green – rich tone that complements most skin tones
- Deep purple or plum – elegant and flattering
Colors to Avoid
Never wear white or very light colors. These shades blend into the background, creating a "floating head" effect that will result in automatic rejection.
Also avoid:
- Neon or fluorescent colors that create harsh glare
- Yellow or tan tones that cast unflattering shadows on your face
- Very light pastels with insufficient contrast
- Busy patterns or loud prints that distract from your face
Best Outfit Styles for Passport Photos
Your passport photo typically shows from shoulders up, making your neckline the most important styling decision. Choose timeless, classic styles that won't look dated in 10 years.
Recommended Tops and Necklines
- Crew neck tops in solid, dark colors
- Modest V-necks (2-3 inches deep, not plunging)
- Button-down collared shirts in navy, dark gray, or black
- Tailored blouses without busy patterns
- Professional sweaters in solid colors
- Boat neck styles that create a flattering frame
Necklines to Avoid
- Turtlenecks – can make your neck appear thick or shorten your face
- Deep V-necks or low-cut tops – unprofessional for official documentation
- Strapless or off-shoulder styles – may give the appearance of being undressed
- Tank tops with thin straps – too casual for passport photos
Jewelry and Accessories Guidelines
While jewelry and facial piercings are permitted as long as they don't hide your face, less is definitely more for passport photos.
Safe Jewelry Choices
- Small stud earrings in gold or silver
- Thin, delicate necklaces if visible in frame
- Wedding or engagement rings (though hands typically aren't in frame)
What to Skip
- Large, dangly earrings that create distracting movement
- Statement necklaces that draw attention away from your face
- Multiple facial piercings (consider if you want them permanently in your 10-year photo)
- Reflective or shiny jewelry that creates glare
Expert Styling Tips for Perfect Passport Photos
Beyond clothing, several styling elements contribute to a passport photo you'll be proud to show for years to come.
Hair and Makeup Recommendations
Hair placement: Pull your hair away from your face so both ears are visible and facial features aren't obscured. You don't need to put your hair completely up, but ensure it's not covering your eyes, eyebrows, or creating shadows.
Makeup tips: The viral passport photo makeup trend emphasizes soft glam with symmetry—a polished look that photographs well but still looks natural. Use matte products to avoid shine, add subtle contouring for dimension, groom brows naturally, and apply neutral lip colors close to your natural shade.
Facial Expression Requirements
You must maintain a neutral facial expression with:
- Both eyes open and looking directly at the camera
- Mouth closed (no smiling, smirking, or frowning)
- Natural, relaxed face with no raised eyebrows
Common Passport Photo Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding the most frequent rejection reasons helps you avoid costly mistakes.
Technical Errors Leading to Rejection
- Background issues – shadows, patterns, or incorrect color
- Lighting problems – overexposed or underexposed photos
- Head positioning – tilted or not centered in frame
- Clothing violations – uniforms, camouflage, or white/light colored clothing
- Accessories – glasses, headphones, hats, or items covering the face
Style Mistakes
- Wearing trendy styles that quickly look dated
- Choosing busy patterns that distract from your face
- Visible logos or text on clothing
- Overly casual attire like athletic wear or tank tops
- Wrinkled or stained clothing that looks unprofessional
Special Considerations and Exceptions
Certain situations require special attention to passport photo requirements.
Religious Head Coverings
If you wear religious head coverings daily, you can include them in your passport photo. However, you must submit a signed statement confirming they're religious attire worn in public. Your full face must remain visible with no shadows cast on your face.
Medical Head Coverings
For medical head coverings, a signed doctor's statement is required. The covering must be solid-colored without patterns or small holes that might create shadows or distortions.
Children's Passport Photos
When taking passport photos for babies or toddlers, lay them on a plain white or off-white sheet. Ensure no shadows fall on their face. While it's acceptable if a baby's eyes aren't entirely open, all other children must have eyes fully open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear makeup in a passport photo?
Yes, you can wear makeup in your passport photo. The trending "passport makeup" look recommends soft glam with light foundation, subtle contouring, groomed brows, and neutral lips. The key is enhancing your natural features without looking overly made up or unrecognizable, as you need to be identifiable from your photo for the next decade.
What happens if you wear white in a passport photo?
Wearing white or very light colors creates insufficient contrast with the required white background, which typically results in photo rejection. Your application will be delayed, and you'll need to submit a new photo, wasting both time and money. Always choose dark, solid colors like navy blue, black, or dark gray for optimal contrast.
Can you smile in a passport photo?
No, you cannot smile in your passport photo. The U.S. State Department requires a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and mouth closed. This standardization helps with facial recognition technology and ensures your photo meets international passport standards accepted worldwide.
Do you need to remove jewelry for passport photos?
No, you can wear jewelry and keep facial piercings as long as they don't hide or obscure your face. However, opt for minimal jewelry—small stud earrings and thin necklaces are acceptable. Avoid large, distracting statement pieces that draw attention away from your facial features.
How long is a passport photo valid?
Passport photos in your U.S. passport are valid for 10 years for adults (age 16 and over) and 5 years for children under 16. This long validity period is why choosing timeless, classic clothing and styling is essential—you'll be using this photo for international identification for a full decade.
What colors photograph best for passport photos?
Dark, solid colors photograph best for passport photos. Navy blue, black, dark gray, burgundy, and forest green all create excellent contrast against the white background. These colors are flattering on most skin tones and won't look dated years from now. Always avoid white, cream, pale yellow, or very light pastels.
Final Checklist for Perfect Passport Photos
Before heading to take your passport photo, review this essential checklist:
- ✓ Wear solid, dark colors (navy, black, dark gray)
- ✓ Choose a classic, modest neckline
- ✓ Remove glasses and avoid hats
- ✓ Keep jewelry minimal
- ✓ Style hair away from your face
- ✓ Apply subtle, natural makeup
- ✓ Maintain a neutral facial expression
- ✓ Ensure proper white background and lighting
By following these official requirements and expert style tips, you'll create a passport photo that not only meets all technical standards but also presents you professionally for the next decade of international travel.
Find Your Perfect Passport Photo Outfit
Looking for the ideal outfit for your passport photo? At LOOQS, we specialize in timeless, professional clothing that photographs beautifully. Our collection features solid-colored tops in navy, black, and dark tones with classic necklines that meet all official passport photo requirements while ensuring you look polished and confident.
From tailored button-downs to elegant crew necks and sophisticated blouses, our selection is designed to help you create a lasting impression that stands the test of time. Browse our passport photo-approved collection and find pieces that work not just for your ID photo, but for your entire professional wardrobe.