Is a passport photo on your to-do list? This one tip will help you steer clear of gumming up the application process.
If the steps you’re taking to make your dream trip come true include applying for a passport—or, perhaps, renewing an expired one—you might think there’s not much to worry about when it comes to the photo. After all, the official State Department rules remind you to take off your glasses and keep your expression neutral, so as long as you follow those, you should be golden, right?
Not so fast. Experts say few people know about a specific color of clothing that, if worn for the photo, could result in your application being delayed or even denied and being sent back for a do-over.
Read on to find out which hue it is.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more travel, fun facts, humor, cleaning and tech all week long.
What color should you not wear in your passport photo?
Experts advise against wearing white in your passport photo.
Why should you avoid white?
“The issue is that the background of the photo has to be white,” says Roman Yagudaev, CEO and founder of The Passport Experts, explaining a U.S. Department of State regulation regarding the screen or wall behind you. “If you’re wearing a white shirt or blouse, it blends into the background and all you see is a face floating on a picture. It also becomes an issue when the State Department has to scan the image because it will be difficult to pick up on.”
What can happen if you do wear white in your photo?
With passports in high demand and wait times at historic highs, it makes sense to be careful. “Most people think photos are the smallest part of the equation [when applying for the document], but it’s one of the most significant parts of the application,” notes Yagudaev. “Applications are often delayed or temporarily suspended for incorrect photographs.”
What other styles should you avoid?
While the State Department, which offers a list of photo tips to help expedite the application process, doesn’t specifically mention colors and patterns for clothes, it does indicate that the focus of the photo should be your facial features. This is more important than ever, given that biometric passports are here, which use facial recognition software. That’s why experts also say to avoid clothes that distract from your face and/or affect your complexion, including items with neon colors and intense designs.
The department does, however, have some official clothing guidelines, including no uniforms or tops that look like a uniform and no camouflage patterns. The goal, says the U.S. Passport Service Guide, “is to look neutral and not affiliate with any profession or group.”
What’s the best style of top to wear in a passport photo?
You want to look like yourself for obvious reasons; for one, there’s nothing more stressful than standing in front of a TSA officer who’s trying to figure out if who they see in front of them is the owner of the passport. In addition, you want to appear neat and professional. The Service Guide explains that the photo will be cropped close to your shoulders, meaning it’s best to choose tops with a modest neckline. Think collared blouses, high-necked shirts and simple crew necks. In other words, no tube tops or halters that leave your shoulders exposed.
As for what color to wear, darker tops will help ensure that you don’t blend in with that white or off-white backdrop.
And again, make sure to look like yourself on any given day, which probably means showing up in casual travel attire. It’s not a great idea to dress for that wedding you’re going to because you’ll want airport security personnel to quickly assess your photo and see that it’s you.
What about accessories?
There are some other official State Department guidelines regarding your appearance, such as no hats and other head coverings. If you wear a hat or covering for religious purposes, you’ll need to submit a signed statement that says the article of clothing is religious attire worn daily in public. Yagudaev says you can write this statement yourself; just make sure to sign it and attach it to your application.
As for accessories, the simpler, the better. Most jewelry is fine, though Yagudaev cautions that clunky or oversize earrings are ill-advised, so keep them at home in your jewelry box. “Your earlobes should be exposed, and both ears should be visible,” he says.
The State Department, however, does note that you can keep on facial piercings as long as they don’t hide your face.
Make it count
Remember, U.S. passports are valid for 10 years. That’s a full decade of having to look at your photo every time you leave and enter the U.S. It makes sense, then, to wear a top in a flattering color, as well as your favorite lipstick, and to run a brush through your hair. If you keep old passports as a keepsake, like I do, you’ll be glad you put some thought into being camera-ready.
For other guidelines, including passport photo size and resolution, check out the State Department website.
RELATED:
- New Study: If You Fly Out of This Airport, Be Prepared to Wait Around 50 Extra Minutes Before Takeoff
- You’re Spending a Lot More at the Airport Than You Think—Here’s How Much
- The New Gen Z Travel Trend You Won’t Want to See at the Airport
About the expert
|
Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Roman Yagudaev, CEO and founder of The Passport Experts; phone interview, Sept. 18, 2025
- The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs: “Photo Tips”
- Keesing Technologies: “Capturing Time: The Evolution of Passport Photography”
- U.S. Passport Service Guide: “What to Wear for a Passport Photo: How to Balance Style and Compliance”
