US passport photos in Tucson, AZ
You are allowed to smile. Most people do not believe us.
The single most persistent myth about US passport photos is that you must not smile. The State Department’s own guidance says otherwise, word for word: "You can smile in your photo. Just make sure your eyes are open and your mouth is closed." The internal manual goes further — "normal, unexaggerated smiles are acceptable." You will carry this photo for ten years. You are allowed to like it.
What genuinely is not allowed catches more people: glasses have been banned since November 2016, with a medical exception requiring a signed note from your doctor. And it is one photo now, not two — the old two-photo requirement is still repeated all over the internet. Jewelry and facial piercings are fine as long as they do not hide your face.
US passport photo requirements
Photographed to US Department of State specification — and with enough care that you actually like the result.
| Print size | 2×2 inches (51×51mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35mm), chin to top of head |
| Background | Plain white or off-white, free of shadows and texture |
| Expression | A natural closed-mouth smile is allowed. Eyes open, mouth closed, no exaggerated expressions |
| Glasses | Not permitted since November 2016 — medical exceptions need a signed doctor’s note |
| Head coverings | Religious or medical only, with a signed statement; must be one color and unpatterned |
| Jewelry | Permitted, including facial piercings, provided they do not hide your face |
| Clothing | Everyday clothing. No uniforms, uniform-like clothing, or camouflage |
| Prints required | 1 color photo |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Digital renewal | JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC or HEIF, between 54KB and 10MB, unedited |
What gets these photos rejected
- You can smile — closed-mouth and natural. The no-smiling rule is a myth.
- One photo, not two. The two-photo requirement is long gone but still widely repeated.
- Glasses are out, and you cannot rest them on your head either.
- No headphones, earbuds, or face masks.
- Babies may have their eyes partly closed, and a parent’s face must not appear in an infant’s photo.
- The State Department says unacceptable photos are the number one reason applications get put on hold.
Requirements last verified August 14, 2026 against the US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. Official specifications change without notice — we re-check before every session. Official requirements →
Why Tucson & Phoenix trust us for US passport photos
Years serving Tucson with professional photography experience
Guaranteed acceptance, or we retake it free
Private, appointment-only sessions
Trusted by clients across Tucson & Phoenix
Frequently asked questions
Yes — if your photo doesn't meet the official requirements and is rejected for that reason, we'll retake it at no additional charge.
Yes — a natural, light smile is allowed under current State Department rules, as long as your mouth isn't wide open and both eyes are visible.
Yes, both are fine as long as they don't obscure your face.
Same-day pickup is available for an added rush fee. Standard next-day pickup is included at no extra cost. Photos can also be mailed to you if you prefer.
Yes.
Yes.
Appointment only.
Cash, Zelle, or credit/debit (card payments include a small processing fee plus applicable tax).
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