Passport photographs should only be provided to United States military personnel, their dependents, and employees of the federal government when required for executing official orders. Providing such photography for purposes and to individuals other than this is an infringement of the rights and commercial enterprise and may violate U.S. Navy Regulations.

Passport photographs are normally taken on Polaroid film with a camera designed for passport photographs. The photographs must portray a good likeness of, and satisfactorily identify the applicant. Passport photographs must meet the following requirements:

Photographs must be 2x2 inches in overall size. The image size, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head (including hair), shall be not less than 1 inch or more than 1 3/8 inches.

A quick method to determine the correct image size is the head should fit inside the frame of a 35mm slide mount.

Passport photographs may be in color or black and white. Black-and-white photographs that have been tinted or otherwise colored are not acceptable. Prints which have been retouched to the extent that the applicant's appearance has been changed are also not acceptable. However, prints that have been retouched merely to eliminate shadows and lines are acceptable.

Photographs that depict the applicant as relaxed and smiling are encouraged. Photographs should be portrait-type prints, meeting the size and image specifications listed above. Photographs must be clear, front view, full face, with a light, plain background.

A passport photograph serves to identify the passport applicant. When glasses, a hearing aid, a wig, or similar articles are normally worn, these articles should be worn when the photograph is made. Dark glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable, unless required for medical reasons.

Photographs should be made in normal street attire without a hat or other headgear that obscures the hair or hairline. Only applicants in the active service of the armed forces and who are proceeding abroad in the discharge of their official duties may submit photographs in the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces. Other uniforms should not be worn in passport photographs.

Photographs should be able to withstand temperatures up to 225F (107C) for 30 seconds.

Photographs must be printed on thin paper so the seal and legend can be applied to the photograph.

Automatic and self-developing prints are acceptable for passport photographs, providing they meet all other photographic specification. SX-70 and black-and-white Polaroid prints are not acceptable.

Matte- or dull-finished photographs are preferred, but shiny or glossy prints may be accepted, provided the signature ink will stick to the surface of the photograph. Matte or other sprays designed to produce a dull or nonglossy finish should not be used.