When it comes to passport photos, there are many restrictions and specifications on how they should look. Since we are going to keep that picture for 10 (ten) years, we’d like to look as good as possible, while still following the guidelines.
Photo editing and accessories are off the table, but what about makeup? Can you wear lipstick in a passport photo?
Keep reading this article to find out what kinds of makeup are acceptable in passport photos.

Can I wear lipstick in my passport photo – yes or no?
In the list of passport photo requirements given by the Department of State, there are no specific restrictions on makeup. However, this does not mean that you can take a passport photo wearing red lipstick and lip gloss.
Keeping your natural features and skin tone is one of the most important things about passport photos. So, you can wear makeup, but you’ll need to keep it simple, without altering any of your distinguishing features.
If you generally wear a lot of makeup, you should go for a lighter version, avoiding colors that are too bright or too dark and following the other makeup guidelines.
If you rarely wear makeup, consider not wearing it for the passport photo.
Do you want to learn more about passport photos? Check these out:
- Passport Photo Makeup: Tips & Official Regulations [As Of 2023]
- 16.5 Expert Tips From Makeup Artists: Best Makeup for Passport Photos
- Passport Photo Face Guide: Everything You Need to Know
- Passport Photo: Glasses or No Glasses?
- My Eyes Came Out Really Dark in a Passport Photo, Will They Accept It?
- Can You Smile in a Passport Photo? [2023]
- Can I Have Bangs in My Passport Photo?
Acceptable colors of lipstick for a passport photo
As stated before, there are no rules that refer directly to makeup in a passport photo, so, there are no specifically banned lipstick colors. So can you wear red lipstick in a passport photo?
No. Since your skin tone needs to stay the same, it’s advisable to opt for something very close to your complexion.
So, bright red or black lipstick will get your passport photo rejected.
You should also avoid anything significantly lighter or darker than your natural tone as, in addition to altering your features, it could have a negative effect on the light.
So, always choose a neutral lipstick color and avoid both lip liner and lip gloss.
Passport Photo Online
As we all know, photo booth photos are rarely flattering, we have limited options and we need to follow all the requirements for passport photos. Even wearing makeup is often not enough, we are not relaxed, the lighting isn’t perfect, and the photo booth flash is too strong. All of this shows in our passport picture.
Fortunately, you can use Passport Photo Online to take the perfect photo for your passport! Get our app on your iOS or Android device, and start taking professional pictures for your documents.
Our AI will cut out the background and check that you followed the official requirements. In just a couple of seconds, you will know if you can use it or not.
You can have fun and take all the photos you need, with Passport Photo Online you just pay for the ones you use.
You can either download them on the spot, or you can have them printed and shipped to you.
Try Passport Photo Online to take perfect passport photos with the perfect look.
So, can you wear lipstick in a passport photo?
As you now know, lipstick in a passport photo is perfectly acceptable, you will just need to avoid bright colors and lip gloss.
Choose a neutral color, one that is close to your natural complexion, and use a minimal amount of makeup, the authorities will have no problems with it.
You can use Passport Photo Online to take the perfect photo for your passport, without having to worry about the requirements. We can guarantee it will be accepted.
Lipstick for US passport photos: FAQ
Can I wear lipstick in my passport photo?
Makeup in a passport photo is not forbidden, just go for neutral colors and, if you rarely wear makeup, try to avoid it.
Can I wear black lipstick in a passport photo?
There is no specific rule against it, however, not showing your natural colors could get the picture rejected.
Can you wear red lipstick in a passport photo?
It’s advisable to avoid it, any color different from your natural complexion could get the photo rejected.

Karolina’s passion for law, technology and photography led her to PhotoAiD S.A., where for the past 3 years she has been an expert in the implementation of passport photo compliance procedures in +80 countries around the world.