What to Wear for a Passport Photo – Dress Code Guide
There is no strict dress code for passport photos, but a few rules do matter — and the wrong clothing choice can get your photo rejected. This guide covers the official US State Department rules, the best clothing choices, what to avoid, and how religious head coverings are handled.
Official Rules on Clothing
The US State Department does not have an extensive dress code, but it does prohibit certain items. These rules apply to all US passport and visa photos:
- ✗No uniforms— military, airline, law enforcement, and similar uniforms are not allowed. Religious attire is the only exception.
- ✗No non-religious head coverings— hats, caps, beanies, and decorative headbands that cover part of your hair or forehead are prohibited.
- ✗No sunglasses or tinted glasses— clear prescription glasses are also not recommended as they often cause glare issues.
- ✗No headphones or wireless earbuds— nothing electronic or mechanical attached to your head or ears.
- ✓Face must be fully visible— from hairline to chin, and the full width of your face must be unobstructed. No shadows across the face.
What to Wear (Best Choices)
Within the official rules, certain clothing choices photograph better than others against the required white background:
- ✓Solid dark colors— navy blue, dark green, black, burgundy, and dark gray all contrast well with the white background.
- ✓Collared shirts— a collar adds structure and makes the photo look polished, though it is not required.
- ✓Crew neck or v-neck— both work well. Choose whichever fits your everyday style.
- ✓Normal everyday clothing— wear what you would normally wear. Passport photos are meant to represent your typical appearance.
- ✓Avoid white or light colors— white tops blend into the white background and can make it look like you are floating. This is the single most common clothing mistake.
What NOT to Wear
Beyond the official prohibitions, avoid these items for the best results:
- ✗White tops— they blend with the white background and make the photo look unprofessional. This is the most common rejection-adjacent mistake.
- ✗Camouflage or military-style clothing— may be mistaken for a uniform and will likely be rejected.
- ✗Hats and caps— not allowed unless for documented religious or medical reasons.
- ✗Scarves covering the neck or chin— your face must be fully visible including the chin area. A scarf worn around the neck is fine if it does not cover the chin.
- ✗Bulky statement jewelry— large necklaces or dangling earrings that distract from your face or cast shadows.
- ✗Headbands covering the forehead— wide headbands that sit on the hairline can obscure the required hairline-to-chin face area.
- ✗Uniforms of any kind— this includes sports uniforms, work uniforms, and costumes. Wear civilian clothes.
Hijab, Turban, and Religious Head Coverings
Religious head coverings are explicitly allowed for passport photos in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and most other countries. Here is what you need to know:
Face must remain fully visible
Your full face must be visible from your forehead to your chin, with no shadows cast across your face. The head covering itself must not obscure any part of your facial features.
No shadows on the face
Ensure your face is evenly lit with no shadows from the head covering. Taking the photo in natural light from a window helps avoid this problem. The white background must be clearly visible on both sides of your head.
DS-11 signed statement
For US passport applications, if you wear a religious head covering in your photo, you may be required to provide a signed statement on your DS-11 application form confirming the religious or medical nature of the head covering. Check the current DS-11 instructions at travel.state.gov before applying.
Make Your Compliant Passport Photo Right Now
Make your compliant passport photo right now:
Tips for Looking Good in Your Passport Photo
Passport photos last up to 10 years. A few small preparations make a noticeable difference in the final result:
- ✓Groom beforehand — tidy hair, trim beard or stubble, and wear clothes you feel good in.
- ✓Use matte makeup — matte foundation or powder avoids shine and glare from flash or bright light.
- ✓Good posture — sit or stand straight with your chin slightly forward. Slouching makes the neck look shorter.
- ✓Keep hair off your face — pull stray hairs back so your face is fully visible and evenly lit.
- ✓Relax your shoulders — tension shows in your face. Take a breath and relax before the shot.
Avoid: the deer-in-headlights look from staring too hard at the camera, a clenched jaw from tension, and raised eyebrows from surprise. A calm, neutral expression photographs far better than a forced one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a hoodie?
Yes, you can wear a hoodie for your passport photo as long as it is not a uniform and does not obscure your face or neck. A plain, solid-colored hoodie with the hood down is perfectly acceptable. Avoid hoodies with large graphics or logos that might make the photo look informal, though technically these are not prohibited by US State Department rules.
Can I wear earrings?
Yes, earrings are allowed in US passport photos. There is no rule against jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, or rings. However, avoid very large or dangling earrings that could cast shadows on your face or neck. Stud earrings and small hoops are ideal. The key requirement is that your face remains clearly visible and evenly lit.
What color shirt is best?
Dark, solid colors work best for passport photos. Navy blue, dark green, burgundy, dark gray, or black are all excellent choices because they contrast well with the required white background. Avoid white, off-white, cream, or very light colors since they can blend into the white background and make the photo look washed out. Patterns and stripes are allowed but can be distracting.
Can I wear makeup?
Yes, makeup is allowed and can actually help your photo look better by evening out skin tone and reducing shine. Use matte foundation or powder to avoid glare from flash. Avoid very heavy or theatrical makeup that significantly changes your facial features, as the photo must represent your everyday appearance. Natural, everyday makeup is perfectly fine.
Can I wear a hat for religious reasons?
Yes. Religious head coverings such as hijabs, turbans, yarmulkes, and similar items are permitted for US passport photos. Your full face must remain visible from your hairline to your chin, with no shadows cast across your face. For some religious head coverings, you may need to include a signed statement on your DS-11 application form confirming the religious nature of the garment.
Can I wear a turtleneck?
Yes, turtlenecks are allowed in passport photos. There is no requirement for a specific neckline style. A turtleneck is a common everyday garment and is perfectly acceptable as long as it does not cover your chin or obstruct the view of your face. Solid-colored turtlenecks in dark colors are a great choice for passport photos.
Do I need to show my ears?
No, there is no official requirement to show your ears in a US passport photo. Hair covering the ears is completely acceptable. What matters is that your full face is visible from your hairline to your chin, and from ear to ear in terms of facial features. Hair worn down, covering the ears, is not a reason for rejection.