NewsUpdated 2 min read

No AI, filters or edits: the US passport photo rule explained

The State Department's photo page now names AI directly: do not change your photo with software, apps, filters or artificial intelligence. Here is what that means in practice.

Quick answer

Rule
Submit an original, unaltered photo
Named on the official page
Software, apps, filters, AI
Biggest risk
AI background removal
Safe edits
Cropping to the correct size
On this page
  1. What the rule says
  2. What counts as editing
  3. Why background-removal apps are a problem
  4. What is fine
  5. How to get a compliant photo without editing
  6. Already have a photo?

What the rule says

The US Department of State's passport photo page tells applicants not to change their photo using computer software, phone apps, filters or artificial intelligence, and to submit the original photo. It also says unacceptable photos are the number one reason passport applications are put on hold.

What counts as editing

  • Beauty filters, skin smoothing or "retouch" modes in your camera app.
  • Removing or replacing the background with an app or AI tool.
  • Whitening teeth or eyes, removing blemishes, changing face shape.
  • Changing colours or lighting so much that you no longer look like yourself.

Why background-removal apps are a problem

Many passport photo apps cut you out and paste you onto a white background. The edges around hair, ears and shoulders are generated by software, and that is exactly the kind of change the rule is about. A photo can look fine to you and still fail a check for digital alteration.

What is fine

Taking the photo correctly in the first place, then cropping it to the right size. Cropping doesn't change your face or the background, it just frames the photo to the official dimensions.

How to get a compliant photo without editing

  1. Stand in front of a plain white or off-white wall, about half a metre away.
  2. Face a window so the light falls evenly on your face.
  3. Ask someone to take the photo from 1 to 1.5 m away at eye level.
  4. Turn off beauty mode, portrait mode and filters.
  5. Crop to 2 × 2 inches with the head between 1 and 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm).

This is how our passport photo maker works: live camera guidance to get it right, then cropping and checking only. We never edit your face or background.

Already have a photo?

Run it through the free passport photo checker to see whether size, head position, background and light pass before you send it.

Questions

Can I use an app that removes the background of my passport photo?

It is risky. The State Department says not to change your photo with software, apps, filters or AI, and replacing the background is a change to the photo.

Is cropping a passport photo considered editing?

Cropping to the correct size doesn't alter your face or background. Changing colours, smoothing skin or replacing the background does.

Why do passport photos get rejected?

The State Department says unacceptable photos are the most common reason applications are put on hold. Common problems are wrong size, shadows, glasses, blur and edited photos.

Sources

Checked on 2 Nov 2026. Prices and rules change; always confirm with the official source before you apply. SnapToSubmit is an independent service, not a government website.

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