We all want to look our best in photos, so why should it be any different when it comes to a travel document? After all, you’ll look at that picture for the next 10 years.
So—
Before you settle on your passport picture attire, the question is: What to wear for a passport photo to adhere to the regulations without sacrificing your style? We’ve got you covered!
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If you want to prepare to take your passport photo like a pro, check out these related articles:
- 16.5 Expert Tips From Makeup Artists: Best Makeup for Passport Photos
- What To Do About Your Ugly Passport Photos?
- Passport Photo Hair Requirements in the US [Guide]
- How to Take a Passport Photo at Home in 3 Minutes [And Make It 100% Compliant with All Regulations]
Should you follow a passport photo dress code?
Yes, you should. The US Department of State provides a list of strict requirements each applicant must meet when applying for their passport, and dress code rules are no different. Picking the right clothes for a passport photo is a fine line between a speedy application and a delayed process. So—
Before you take your own passport photo at home or head to a professional studio, make sure you know exactly what the US passport photo dress code is.
Did you know? Over the past decade, over 10 million Americans took photos for their passport application. But in 2022, the number doubled to a staggering 21,995,760.
Here’s what NOT to wear in passport pictures
First off—
The US passport photo dress code is fairly lenient, and the authorities recommend you wear everyday clothing for the shot. But does it mean you can snap a photo in your favorite team’s cap you hardly ever take off? Not quite.
The list of passport photo clothing requirements is well-defined, and we broke it down for you in this handy table below.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Colors | To avoid blending with the white background or the “floating head” effect, don’t wear these colors: white, off-white, light grays, or beige tones. |
| Glasses | No glasses are allowed in passport pictures—even if you wear prescription glasses. Under special circumstances (when you can’t take glasses off), you’ll have to hand in a signed doctor’s statement. |
| Accessories | Jewelry and facial piercings that are bulky or obstructive aren’t acceptable. The same applies to hair accessories. |
| Head covering | Hats, caps, or headbands aren’t allowed. The only exception applies to traditional religious attire (e.g., hijab). |
| Clothing pieces to avoid | Uniforms, camouflage attire, turtlenecks, and tank tops. Such pieces either reveal or conceal too much, rendering your photo unacceptable for an official document. |
| Electronic devices | You can’t wear headphones or any other wireless hands-free devices. If you use hearing aids on a daily basis, you’re allowed to keep them. |
Pro tip: What if you want to wear makeup to elevate your look? Be careful not to overdo it! Check out our pro passport photo makeup tips to avoid mistakes.
Here’s what to wear for a passport photo
Now that you know which items from your closet aren’t suitable, what are you allowed to wear in a passport photo? Your passport will stay with you for a decade, and so will the picture inside it. So—
Don’t stress and follow these four tips below to ensure your passport photo outfit ticks all the boxes.
1. Choose dark, plain colors
What color to wear for a passport photo? Keeping in mind the colors you should avoid (white and off-white), we suggest you opt for darker colors such as black, navy blue, burgundy, or brown. But nothing’s stopping you from going for red or green!
What if you like funky patterns? They’re not strictly forbidden. However, it’s best to avoid anything that can take the attention from your face—plain is the safest way to go.
2. Avoid too (in)formal outfits
Do I need to wear collared shirt for a passport photo? No, don’t stress about dressing up in formal attire if it’s not your style—you can even wear a plain T-shirt or a polo shirt for a passport photo, as long as you look neat.
It’s a passport photo, not a wedding photoshoot (although wearing a formal dress for passport photos is acceptable).
The bottom line is: The ideal passport attire is…your usual clothes.
On the other hand, can you wear a a hoodie in passport photo? Theoretically, yes. As long as the hood is down and doesn’t cover your neck. But remember that you should look presentable and comfortable in your outfit for a passport photo, so hoodies and overly casual clothes might look sloppy.
3. Don’t over-accessorize
The passport dress code won’t let you wear just about any type of jewelry you want. But it doesn’t mean you can’t spice up your outfit at all! A pair of dainty earrings or a necklace are perfectly acceptable for official documents and will spice up your look.
4. Pick a simple hairstyle
Requirements for hair in passport photos aren’t too restrictive—you can keep your current cut, go for an up-do, or let your hair down.
Note, however, that your face must be fully visible, so in some cases (e.g., bangs), you may need to modify your hairstyle to adhere to the guidelines.
Still not sure if your best outfit for a passport photo will get a green light from passport agents? Don’t sacrifice your fashion taste—even for a travel document. Let our experts verify your picture in just 3 minutes!
FAQ
What are you not allowed to wear in a passport photo?
● Light colors (white, off-white, shades of gray)
● Head coverings (except headgear you may wear for religious reasons)
● Glasses, including prescription glasses
● Uniforms and camo patterns
● Heavy makeup changing your natural facial features
Can I wear a turtleneck in a passport photo?
Can you wear a hoodie in a passport photo?
What color can’t you wear for passport pictures?
What color shirt for a passport photo is best?
Can you wear white for a passport photo?
Dress code for passport photos: final notes
Photos in your identification documents serve a practical purpose—they’re not meant to capture invaluable moments of your life. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean you have to carry a photo of yourself looking bland for each journey you set out on!
Let’s recap what a proper attire for passport photos should look like:
- Don’t wear white, off-white, or gray; opt for casual clothes in darker colors.
- Don’t wear uniforms or camo patterns.
- Choose minimalistic accessories (e.g., simple jewelry).
- Don’t wear any headgear unless for religious or medical purposes.
- Remove glasses (including prescription glasses).
- Wear clothes you feel comfortable in, without them being too formal or informal.
Sylwia is a skilled writer with a BA in English Studies and an active SPJ member. For nearly three years now, she’s been writing captivating articles for international companies, turning her lifelong passion into a career.
